Wiper blades are one of those things that you forget until you need them. If you haven’t replaced your wiper blades in the last year, make a note to pick up or order a set soon.

Until then, go out to your car with a paper towel and some alcohol or glass cleaner, raise the wiper, wet the paper towel with the cleaner, and run it along the edge of the wiper.

This removes the road grime that has gathered there. Warning: It is going to be really nasty. But this should help the wipers work better until you can replace them, and should be done every month or two.

While you are getting your new wipers, be sure to also get some good washer fluid to help the wipers cut through grease. You will thank yourself the next rainy night.

For more tips from Mike, visit LetsTalkWheels.com. Be sure to subscribe to the new Let’s Talk Wheels podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Google Play.