The best thing you can do to ensure safety while driving in rainy conditions is to equip your car with a high quality set of wiper blades. What many people don’t realize is windshield wiper blades have a very short lifespan. According to experts, wiper blades should be replaced as often as twice per year or every 6,000 miles. However, studies indicate that drivers typically change theirs once every two to three years. In turn, many motorists are dealing with blades that are cracked, dull, and unable to clear the windshield of rain as expected.
The rubber blade wiper insert, which is replaceable, is available either as a refill or as a package assembly kit that will not last much more than a few years. Blade manufacturers such as ANCO, Bosch, and Trico offer a variety of products designed for different weather scenarios. Refer to their replacement charts to determine which one fits your car best. The instructions that accompany a blade refill or kit are generally simple enough for any driver to understand, and they should have no trouble replacing them independently.
More than a decade ago, Goodyear tire engineers created the Aquatred after hearing enough complaints that tires were not lasting long enough and underperforming in rainy conditions. The company recently released its third generation Aquatred as they continue to redefine the “rain tire” genre. Depending on the size of the wheel, Aquatreds can cost anywhere from $72 to $1,100. Goodyear isn’t the only tire manufacturer to produce a tire built for rain; just about every tire company makes at least one tire with a wide center channel and treads designed to rapidly filter out water.
When in the market for new rain tires, consumers should take a couple things into consideration including traction on wet pavement and braking on wet pavement. Don’t rush into buying a tire just because you’ve seen it advertised on TV. Do some extensive research, and compare performance results among the various manufacturers.
A modern product that drastically improves visibility while it’s raining is windshield repellant. The repellant is applied to the windshield in spray form prior to driving. Once it dries, it creates a transparent film that reflects water droplets. Rain-X is probably the most well-known repellant, but other brands such as Amsoil Rain Clear Windshield Protectant and Automotive International’s Aquapel Glass Treatment are also viable options.
Another accessory intended to keep water out if you crack a window in the rain is called WeatherFlectors. This product, constructed of slightly tinted cast acrylic, is fitted snugly inside the top of the window channel in any of your vehicle’s doors. WeatherFlectors allow you to get some fresh air on those muggy days without getting soaked at the same time. If you’re a smoker, it’s also a great way to get ventilation. Applications to all four doors will set you back about $80.