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This Halloween – Change Your Clocks, Change Your Wiper Blades

Cooler days, longer evenings, colorful landscapes, and getting back to school and work - these are all changes signature to the approach of the Fall season. In the spirit of Fall’s changes, Trico Products wants drivers to know just how critical it is to change wiper blades every six months. In fact, the American Optometric Association reports that 90 percent of driving decisions are based on visibility.

One way to remind yourself of this task is to change your wiper blades when you change your clocks. Many people utilize this twice-yearly occurrence to remind them of the safety precautions that make life more secure - from changing smoke detector batteries to clearing rain gutters. This year, Halloween (October 31) marks Fall daylight savings - an appropriate reminder to “change your clocks, change your wiper blades” and avoid the “spooky” streaking, chattering and serious loss of vision caused by worn wiper blades.

And while the “change your clocks, change your wiper blades” rule is a reliable reminder; it’s also a good idea to visually inspect your wipers every few months, especially if you live in an area where weather conditions are severe.

“Drivers should look for splits, discoloration or worn rubber,” states James Croston, director of marketing for TRICO. If you find evidence of any of these types of damage, you’ve probably already noticed streaking, i.e., that annoying partially wiped windshield. Or, if you’ve heard your blades “chattering, you either don’t use your blades regularly or they have been exposed to too much sunlight. In either case, it’s time to change your blades, for both your own safety and for other motorists sharing the road.

Historically, replacing wiper blades has not only been difficult to remember, it’s also been difficult to physically accomplish. Research indicates that 60 percent of the drivers who do not install their own wiper blades cite as the reason, the confusing assortment of adaptors that accompany most replacement blades. Simply figuring out how to remove the old blade can be a trying experience. In many cases, consumers become frustrated and use force to pry off the blade, thereby damaging the hardware. Determining which adaptor to use and struggling with complicated instructions often leads drivers to neglect this important safety task. For that very reason, TRICO created the "Exact Fit" wiper blade to make changing your blades as easy as changing your clocks.

Exact Fit wiper blades were designed to “click on easy,” making installation possible in seconds by virtually anyone and on nearly any vehicle. The blade eliminates the fuss of complicated adaptors or instructions because they are manufactured with the appropriate receptor for each make and model car. These blades are highly durable and manufactured using the finest materials, including high strength steel, corrosion-resistant epoxy coating and superior caliber natural rubber.

Take the additional safety precautions recommended by the American Automobile Association (AAA). These tips include carrying essential safety items in your automobile, such as a flashlight, booster cables, and flares or triangle warning devices.

So when October 31 rolls around, don’t forget to change your wiper blades.