Back to all

I Can See Clearly Now: Wiper Blade Replacement in Appleton

July 8, 2022



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

Most Appleton 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 Appleton area. 78% of drivers only change their wiper blades after the blades function so poorly that they become a safety hazard.

Appleton 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.

Appleton 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 Wisconsin, you may even want to get special winter blades in the fall.

Winter blades are made to resist freezing. Speaking of winter and freezing Appleton 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 Appleton 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 Tire & Auto Service Center Appleton recommends Appleton drivers replace worn blades right away. We can provide you with a quality replacement blade. At Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Center Appleton, 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 Tire & Auto Service Center Appleton 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 Tire & Auto Service Center Appleton
2940 E. College Ave.
Appleton, Wisconsin 54915
920-954-8500

More articles from Tuffy Appleton

Not Too Hot and Not Too Cold (Temperature Gauge)

May 12, 2024

You know your body temperature is supposed to be 98.6 degrees F, 37 degrees C. Your vehicle has a normal temperature, too, and if you pay attention to it, that can save you some big headaches down the road. Many vehicles have a temperature gauge on the dash that takes the temperature of the engi... More

In a Fog (Fogged Windows in Cold Weather)

May 5, 2024

It's bad enough in cold weather when ice and snow block your visibility. Add to that fog on the inside of your windows and you could be driving blind. So here are a few tips on how to keep your windows from fogging up when there's a chill in the air. You probably know fog is really condensation... More

The Light Nobody Wants to See (Check Engine Light)

April 28, 2024

You've probably had your Check Engine Light go on. Then it goes off and you figure, hey, whatever the problem was, it's gone now and I don't have to worry about it. Well, the problem may have gone away and it may not have. Your vehicle likely has one of these warning lights on the instrument pa... More