When it comes to driving in rain,
there is nothing more important than having a good set of wiper blades.
Windshield wiper blades are not meant to last forever. Most experts believe
they should be changed at least twice a year or every 6,000 miles. But studies
have shown that the average motorist changes his or her wiper blades just once
every two or three years. As a result, many drivers are using blades that are
cracked or frayed and not able to properly clear rain from the windshield.
The rubber blade portion of the
wiper is replaceable -- either as a rubber refill or a complete blade assembly
-- and has a limited lifespan of just a few years. Leading wiper blade
manufacturers like ANCO, Bosch and Trico, sell a range of blades for different
weather conditions. Use their handy replacement chart to find the right one for
your passenger car. Most consumers can replace the rubber refill or put on a
new wiper blade assembly themselves by carefully following the directions on
the package.
Goodyear engineers invented the
original Aquatred tire over 10 years ago after listening to consumers who said
they wanted longer tread wear and improved traction on rain-slick roads.
Goodyear is now on its third version of the tire that helped define the
"rain tire" category. Aquatreds range in price from $72 to $1,100,
depending on tire size. Almost all tire manufacturers have at least one tire
with wide center grooves and a tread pattern designed to remove water
efficiently.
Last year I participated in a tire
demonstration sponsored by Bridgestone/Firestone. One test had us slamming on
the brakes at nearly 55 mph in a wet traction zone. From that experience I
learned that having good tires that can stop quickly on rain slick roads is
essential and potentially life-saving.
When looking for rain tires, there
are a couple of important things to consider: wet-traction handling and
wet-braking distance. Take time to compare results among the tire manufacturers
to see how they stack up. You can find additional tire care and consumer safety
information by visiting the Department of Transportation (www.dot.gov) and the
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (www.nhtsa.dot.gov).
A good rain repellant will help give
you a clear view of the road ahead. It is sprayed on your windshield before
driving, providing an invisible film to repel rain from your window. The most
popular brand is Rain-X, but other good alternatives are Amsoil Rain Clear
Windshield Protectant and Aquapel Glass Treatment from Automotive
International.
Another rain accessory you might
consider buying is Weather Flectors. Made of lightly tinted cast acrylic, the
product installs inside the top of the window channel using a
precision-machined, micro-thin mounting flange. On rainy days you can partially
open your window without getting soaked, allowing an added bit of ventilation
to remove stale or smoky air. Expect to spend about $80.
- Courtesy of the Weather Channel
