A good set of windshield wiper blades is a necessary condition for safe driving. Unfortunately, most car owners do not consider replacing them until they are driving in the downpour and realize that they can barely see the road in front of them.

Wiper blades will age quickly, so it is good practice to replace them every few months. You will keep the windshield free of streaks, you will not be frustrated by the water spots in your sight, and you will not be annoyed by the uncontrollable torturous squeaks, no matter how loud you turn the air conditioner/DC.

The easiest way to check the effectiveness of wipers is to quickly check them. Grasp the wiper blade, lift it from the glass toward you, and then slide your finger along the rubber edge. If you feel tears and bumps, it's time to replace the blade.

If the rubber edge is relatively smooth but not perfect, you can wipe the dishwashing liquid along the edge with a soft cloth to remove small pieces of dirt and debris, so that the blade can return to its previous rain clear brilliance.

You can also wipe the blade with vinegar, but be sure to rinse it with water afterwards.

You may remember your father grinding sandpaper to keep the car’s wiper blades in top condition. If you go that way, use fine sandpaper to wipe off all the dust, and then apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly along the edges, which will help keep the rubber soft.

Ultimately, no matter how effective or creative your wiper repair method is, you will need a new blade.

In auto supply stores, you will be overwhelmed by wiper blades of many brands, types, and prices, with retail prices as low as $10 or as high as $50. Before you start shopping, be sure to check the blade model in your user manual.

It is also important to measure the blade before you start shopping. In many cases, the lengths of the two blades are different, so you should measure both.

Today's blades are divided into two categories: traditional and beam. The traditional blade "has a replaceable rubber blade that can be fitted into a spring-tensioned frame assembly or bridge. Most blades have a metal spline that supports the rubber element and passes through the ribs at the contact point," according to Consumer reports.

The beam wiper blade, also known as the bracketless blade, is shaped like a bow with steel directly embedded in the rubber. Thanks to their built-in support, the beam blades can be more firmly fixed to the windshield and exert greater pressure when moving, thereby removing more water.

The beam blade with a high-performance spoiler takes the wiper to a new level. The spoiler is a thick piece of rubber, narrowed at both ends and located behind the blade, helping to bring the wiper closer to the windshield.