Back to all

I Can See Clearly Now: Wiper Blade Replacement in Richmond

August 28, 2022



About 90% of our driving decisions in the Richmond area are based solely on what we see. So having a good pair of windshield wipers is extremely important.

Most Richmond drivers have experienced the frustration and fear of not being able to see clearly during a storm, or when our vehicle windshield is just dirty. In fact, it's estimated that 46,000,000 drivers across the nation are driving with wipers that can't adequately clear their windshield in a storm.

It seems like our wiper blades are always at their worst when we need them the most. If that sounds like you, you've got plenty of company in the Richmond area. 78% of drivers only change their wiper blades after the blades function so poorly that they become a safety hazard.

Richmond drivers need to change their thinking. Instead of blades being something to replace when they fail, we need to consider wiper blades as vehicle safety component. Then we'll stay ahead of the storm.

Richmond vehicle owners really ought to replace wiper blades twice a year; in the spring and the fall. If you live in the colder parts of Michigan, you may even want to get special winter blades in the fall.

Winter blades are made to resist freezing. Speaking of winter and freezing Richmond conditions, if your vehicle has been sitting for a long time and the windshield becomes frozen, don't use your wipers to clear off snow and ice. That can shred your blades and may even damage the wiper motor.

Your wiper blades live outside in the freezing cold and blistering sun. Over time, they become hard and brittle, and then tear. They also lose their flexibility and just don't clear the vehicle windshield effectively. Worn wiper blades aren't just a safety hazard for Richmond drivers; they can also scratch their windshield. That may require replacing the entire vehicle windshield – that's the consequence for neglecting such a small part.

Tuffy Richmond recommends Richmond drivers replace worn blades right away. We can provide you with a quality replacement blade. At Tuffy Richmond, they cost about the same as they would at the store – but installation is included.

Of course you also need washer fluid to help your blades do their work. Even though Tuffy Richmond will top off the washer fluid with a full service oil change, it is a good idea to have some extra fluid at home. Take it with you if you're heading out on a road trip.

Always use windshield washer fluid. Plain water, even that fancy French bottled water, just doesn't cut it. It can freeze in the fluid reservoir or on the windshield itself, making things worse. Besides, water won't clean your windows as well.

So follow these tips to keep your windshield clear and your eyes on the road.

Find us at:

Tuffy Richmond
3473 County Line Road
Richmond, Michigan 48064
586-500-1414
https://www.tuffyrichmond.com/

More articles from Tuffy Richmond

Don't Stack the Mat

April 27, 2025

In the sloppy cold weather months, you might be tempted to pick up an all-weather mat and throw it on top of the mats you already have in your vehicle. After all, double protection is better, right? In this case, wrong. Here's why. It's important to keep the accelerator and brake pedals clear so ... More

A Squirrely Problem (Animals Nesting in Engine)

April 20, 2025

If you park your vehicle outside, you are exposing it to all sorts of critters that would love to use it for nesting, food storage and shelter. There are plenty of pictures online of people who've discovered there was more than an engine under the hood. In one case, the driver of an SUV started... More

Weather Station on Wheels (Vehicle Sensor Maintenance)

April 13, 2025

You probably never thought about it, but your vehicle is like a rolling weather station. It can check the outside temperature, let you know when the roads are slippery and help you deal with rain. And how it does all those things is pretty cool. First, just like any weather station, a vehicle ha... More