(NAPSA)—From the hottest to coldest and wettest to driest, extreme weather takes a toll on a vehicle, including wiper blades. Rain and snowfall mean wipers should be checked for wear from use, while dry and hot weather can also damage wiper blades. Extreme heat or extended periods of nonuse can cause the blade rubber to take a set or curve in one direction, causing poor wiping performance andlimited visibility through the windshield. To prepare your car for nasty weather, inspecting wiper blades should be part of your seasonal safety check. Properly maintained wiper blades are an easy, low-cost way to ensure the clearest sight line in inclement weather and improvedriving safety. An estimated 90 percent of a motorist’s driving decisions are based on how well he or she sees the road, yet many drivers overlook replacing worn wiperblades. Studies show that driver vision is a factor in more than 40 percent of all vehicle crashes. “I can’t imagine anything being more important than the ability of the driver to see clearly through the windshield,” says Alexia Hayes, a wiper blade technical engineer and motherof two young children. Hayes suggests checking blades periodically and replacing them about every six months. Properly functioning wiper blades can provide clearer vision for safer driving, helping you to avoid accidents, especially in bad weather. “Wiper blades are one of the most overlooked pieces of safety equipment,” says Hayes. “But you won't find a faster or lower-cost way to make yourself and your family safer than by changing them.” Better Blades Worn, torn or inefficient blades leave streaks, a film and an incon- sistent view of the road that can limit vision or delay driver judgment. New blades can provide a better and longer-lasting clear view of the road. One option is the Michelin Stealth hybrid technology wiper blade, with a patent-pending, spring-loaded design for superior contact with the windshield and improved wiping performance in all weather conditions. For more information, visit www.michelinstealth.com.
