With winter on the way, now is the time to check and replace the windshield wipers on your Jaguar vehicle to ensure that you have a clear windscreen view to see where you are going especially in bad weather. 

 

The rubber blades should be pliable so that they can flip back and forth when the wipers switch direction and conform to the curvature of the windshield. Exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun, ground level ozone and other airborne chemicals causes rubber to dry out and crack. The blades should also have a clean, sharp edge with no embedded dirt that may cause streaking or even scratching of the windshield. The clean edge is necessary to provide the squeegee effect that keeps a windshield clear.

 

Windshield wiper blades should be replaced at least once a year and even more frequently in driving conditions like dusty roads, extremely high temperatures, or if the wipers are ever frozen to the windscreen. These conditions accelerate the wear of the wiper blade. Even if the blades are not worn out, wiping the rubber edges with a clean cloth during a fuel stop to remove grease and dirt can help them last longer.

 

As your Jaguar matures, attention should be paid to the entire wiper arm assembly to make sure it is not bent, twisted, corroded or lost spring tension. If the arm looks damaged, it should be replaced immediately. The arm is critical in ensuring the blade maintains contact with the windscreen at all driving speeds. 

 

Drivers in climates with particularly severe winter weather should also consider special winter wiper blades that are designed to reduce the build up of snow and ice in the wiper blade mechanism. These 'build ups' are the number one reason for poor wiper performance and reduced visibility in adverse winter conditions These winter blades are also made from rubber compounds that remain pliable even at very low temperatures. After clearing your windscreen of snow and ice, carefully lift your wiper blades off a frozen windscreen. This action ensures that the blades are not stuck to the glass, therefore reducing unnecessary strain on your wiper motor and ensuring that the rubber blades do not tear upon the first sweep. And remember, your wiper system was not designed to remove a build up of snow or ice which should always be removed prior to operating your wipers. 

 

Your Authorized Jaguar dealer is your best source for wiper inspection and replacement blades and components if required. Have your wiper system checked now, before Mother Nature gives us the cold shoulder.