To understand the importance of windshield wipers and headlights, you only have to imagine driving through Tennessee at nightfall or during rain and fog without them. Like all vehicle components, wipers and headlights experience wear and tear over time, reducing their effectiveness. At  City Auto in Memphis, TN, our service team can assist with regular maintenance and replacement.

Why Timely Replacement Is Crucial

Regularly replacing your wipers and headlights helps them perform optimally in all driving conditions. Wear and tear reduce their effectiveness, resulting in poor vision. If you can't see clearly, you may miss key details on the road, such as signs, traffic lights, hazards, and other road users, leaving you more likely to have an accident.

Your headlights don't just help you see — they also make you more visible to other road users. It's important to replace them as needed to keep you and others safe.

Delaying replacing your wipers won't just impair your vision but can also damage your vehicle. Worn wipers moving across your windshield can leave permanent scratches. Installing new wiper blades typically costs between $50 and $61 for parts and labor, but a new windshield can cost more than $1000, so failing to act quickly can be a costly mistake.

Comprehensive Guide to Windshield Wiper Replacement

Worn windshield wipers don't work as smoothly and effectively as new wipers. You should replace them when you notice these signs of wear:

• Jerky movement across your windshield
• Residual traces of water
• Cracks or missing pieces
• Squeaking or scratching sounds as they move

The correct wipers depend on your vehicle's make and model. Choosing the wipers recommended in your owner's manual ensures they work as intended. There are three main types:

• Standard wipers: The most common type until recently, they
  have an articulated metal frame that flexes to distribute pressure evenly across the
  windshield.
• Flat wipers: Standard on most new cars, they have no
  frames, so they enhance visibility and reduce wind noise.
• Hybrid wipers: These have an integrated spoiler along the
  rubber blade that helps maintain contact with the windshield at high speeds.

On average, windshield wipers last between six and 12 months. Several factors impact their life span, including quality, frequency of use, and driving conditions — UV rays on hot Tennessee days make the rubber dry and prone to cracking.

Headlight Replacement: Ensuring Safe Night Driving

Clear headlights are essential for good visibility to ensure safety, especially when driving at night, through fog, and in heavy rain. Here are telltale signs your headlights may be failing:

• Flickering lights
• Dim lights
• Foggy or clouded cover lenses

Depending on the problem, your headlights may need new bulbs or lenses or more substantial repairs. The commonly used types of headlight bulbs are:

• LED: Bright, energy-efficient lightbulbs with the longest life
  span
• Halogen: Traditional, affordable lightbulbs that are less
  durable and efficient than modern options
• High-intensity discharge: Brighter than halogens with a
  relatively long life span and good energy efficiency

Standard reflector headlights are the most affordable, but it's worth upgrading to a projector headlights with a more focused beam of light to reduce glare.

Halogen bulbs last around 800 hours, high-intensity discharge bulbs last 2,000 to 3,000 hours, and LED bulbs can last up to 50,000 hours. If your bulbs aren't lasting, an electrical system fault may be to blame.

Why Visit City Auto for Wiper and Headlight Replacements?

We employ experienced service technicians who understand how to diagnose all issues, replace necessary components, and get you back on the road quickly. We frequently run service promotions, allowing you to save money on maintenance without cutting corners on quality.

Schedule your maintenance during our promotions to save money on wiper blades and headlights. Trusting professionals with your repairs helps you maintain your warranty and insurance coverage.

How To Maintain Your Windshield Wipers & Headlights

You can trust us with your windshield wiper and headlight replacement in Memphis, TN, but to keep them in good shape, you should take the following steps:

• Park your vehicle in the shade to reduce damage from UV rays.
• Maintain your wiper fluid levels so the blades are well lubricated during
  use.
• Wash your wiper blades, windshield, and headlights regularly to remove dirt
  and debris.
• Avoid driving during hailstorms, as hail can damage your wiper blades and
  headlights.
• Defrost your windshield thoroughly before using your wipers.
• Contact us if you notice condensation around your headlights, as moisture causes damage.
• Garage your car, if possible, to reduce exposure to the elements.
• Replace components as soon as you notice the warning signs.

Ensure Optimal Performance & Safety With City Auto

Well-maintained wipers and headlights ensure you can see when you're behind the wheel, so don't neglect these components. If you're noticing they're less effective or it's been some time since your last check-up, schedule a service appointment with our service center at City Auto in Memphis, TN. Our team can assess your wipers and headlights and replace them if necessary to keep you and your loved ones safe on the road.