Windshield Accessories
How Often Should You Replace Your Windshield Wipers
Wiper blades are one of the most neglected components on vehicles today. Many blades are cracked, split, torn, brittle, worn or otherwise in obvious need of replacement. Others may look okay, but do a lousy job of wiping. Ninety percent of all driving decisions are based on a clear unobstructed view of the road, which means good visibility is absolutely essential -- especially during wet weather when vision may be obscured by water, road splash, sleet or snow on the windshield. But good visibility requires wipers that are in good condition. If the wipers are chattering, streaking or otherwise failing to wipe cleanly and consistently, you need new blades -- NOW!
Most experts say wiper blades should be replaced every six to twelve months for optimum performance and driving visibility. That's because wiper blades don't last forever. Natural rubber deteriorates over time. Halogen-hardened rubber as well as synthetic rubber provides longer life, but eventually all blade materials fall victim to environmental factors. Exposure to sunlight and ozone causes the rubber to age, even if the wipers aren't used much.
As a set of blades age, they lose much of their flip-over flexibility and they're less able to wipe cleanly. They may develop a permanent set (called "parked" rubber) or curvature which prevents full contact with the windshield. This tends to be more of a problem on vehicles that are parked outside in the hot sun all day. The sun bakes and hardens the rubber. Then when the wipers are needed, they streak and chatter because they've taken a set and won't follow the curvature of the windshield. It can be very annoying as well as dangerous.
Cold weather can affect blade life, too. Freezing temperatures makes rubber hard and brittle, which increases the tendency to crack and split. The holders can also become clogged with ice and snow, preventing the holder from distributing spring tension evenly over the blade. The blade "freezes up" and leaves streaks as it skips across the glass.
Heavy use can be hard on wiper blades, too, because dust, abrasives, road grime and even bug juice wear away the edge that the blades need to wipe cleanly. As the blade loses its edge (which is precision cut square to maximize the squeegee effect), water gets under the blade and remains on the glass. The result is reduced visibility and poor wiping action. Any blade that's chattering, streaking or doing a lousy job of wiping, therefore, is a blade that's overdue for replacement. The same goes for any blade that is cracked, torn, nicked or otherwise damaged.
What is AquaPel and Why Should I Have My Glass Treated?
Aquapel Glass Treatment is your chance to change the way you see the road in the rain. It can also be used on any window where clearer vision is needed. Aquapel will also fight the elements for auto, marine and home glass. The product was developed and first patented by PPG Industries, leaders in glass technology, and now owned by Pittsburgh Glass Works, Aquapel Glass Treatment represents a product which promotes automobile safety. It has been designed for professional application on windshields, side windows, rear windows, glass shower doors, or any other glass surface.
Aquapel is a long-lasting glass treatment that:
- Repels rain for remarkably improved vision
- Makes it easier to clear ice, snow and even dirt
- Reduces glare in the rain, especially at night
- Helps reduce water marks and keeps down salt water
How long will Aquapel Glass Treatment last on a vehicle?
Lasts six (6) times longer than other rain repellent glass treatments.
Lasts for months, under normal driving conditions.
How does it work?
PPG’s proprietary hydrophobic glass treatment adheres to glass, forming a chemical bond. Increases contact angle of water, causing it to bead and easily shed off glass.
How much time does it take to apply?
It only takes a few minutes to have this product applied to your glass.
How is it different from other rain repellent products?
The biggest difference is that AquaPel actually bonds to the glass while the silicon based competitors only coat the glass. Because the chemical bond actually adheres to glass, it lasts at least six times longer; providing you a much more durable performance.
Will Aquapel Glass Treatment remain effective after:
- Going through a car wash?
- Using a squeegee and blue water cleaner?
- Using common ammonia-based cleaners?
Yes, yes, yes. Aquapel Glass Treatment will last.
What is Aquapel Glass Treatment's effect on windshield repairs?
Treatment will not migrate into a new crack.
Current testing by leading windshield repair suppliers on performance over resin repairs offers no concerns.
Drive Safer
Of course the best way to see how Aquapel Glass Treatment works is to have it applied on your windshield. You should ask for Aquapel wherever you have your vehicle’s glass repaired or replaced. Whenever it's time to renew your long-lasting Aquapel Glass Treatment, its performance can be restored in just minutes. Once you've driven with Aquapel, you won't want to drive without it.