Consider the Lowly Windshield Wiper and Rejoice

Okay, so it sounds like it's a biblical headline for this piece, but it really isn't because your car's wiper blades are essential to keeping you safe in the rain or snow.

If you've been living the Northeastern part of the country lately, then you can appreciate just what a good set of wiper blades means. It means the difference between seeing clearly in heavy rains or seeing a streaky smeared world.

In reality, no one gives their wiper blades a second thought. There they sit day after day, week after week, just waiting for the first drop of rain and you flip the wipers on and expect them to work.

When did you think about them, though? Although wipers aren't the types of items you associate with feelings, it's pretty obvious they would have massive inferiority complexes because of the ways we treat them.

Sometimes we just flip them on a dry window to get some of the dust off or, at other times, we hit the sprayer button and the wipers drag across a bug-encrusted windshield waiting for the spray to wet the windshield. It's not an easy, but it is a life that is quite important.

It is so important, in fact, that safety authorities advocate changing your wiper blades every three months. That's right, every three months!! The reasons are simple:

• Industrial pollution

• Ozone

• Ultraviolet light

• Sunlight

• Dust

Each of these items takes its toll on the one item you need more than any other in wet or snowy weather to see the road ahead.

Why are wiper blades treated this way? Studies have shown it's just plain forgetfulness. People assume that wiper blades will work forever and they treat them as if they will, not realizing they have a very finite life.

And, it's not hard changing them, either. You can do it quickly because all it usually involves is buying the right replacement blade at an auto supply shop (you can find the info in the owners manual or in one of the parts guides in the shop).

Once you've found the right blade and purchased it -- you'll save a bundle over a dealership -- no it won't be as convenient as a dealership, either, but you won't have to pay for a service visit, either and lose half a day doing it -- then it's a simple matter of removing the old blade from the end of the wiper arm (it's usually a two-piece affair, one that slides over the arm itself and the other which locks it in. In some blades, both features are included in one).

All it will take is about 15 minutes and you're done and the change will be obvious the first time you use your new wipers in the rain. Suddenly things that weren't visit are visible and you are driving much more safely.

And, the savings can be substantial. On average, a visit to a dealership will cost you at least 30 minutes of labor time -- rates in New England are between $85 and $100 per hour or more, so you do the math for 30 minutes -- and you will also be paying full retail for a part that you can obtain for 25 percent less at a discount auto parts store. And, they are the same blades that are used as "genuine" parts, just less expensive.

So, let's say you invest $25 in two new blades (high, we'll admit, but we wanted your attention). Even at that figure, you'll still be saving at least (based on a $93 per hour charge -- it's a good compromise) $46 plus retail pricing for blades say $20 for each blade. Right away you'll be saving about $60 for the visit to your dealer and lots of aggravation as you wait and wait for your car to come out of the backshop (don't be surprised if a solicitous service manager also points out a whole list of other items that "must" be done too so your car is safe -- you can take the advice, if you want, but, remember that you'll be saving a bundle if you don't).

It's not hard to do and you will be going a long way to making your wet weather driving a lot safer.

Don't forget the old adage: if you treat something right, it will treat you right, too. Nowhere is that more important than on the windshield of your car.