Dear Tom and Ray:

My father is always telling me to turn my windshield wipers down or off whenever possible. He says they will wear into the windshield glass, especially at high speed. Is this true? -- Jessica

Tom: Your father is an unmitigated cheapskate, isn't he, Jessica? I'll bet he lets the dog lick the dinner plates just to save money on dish soap.

Ray: Technically, he's right, of course. And I would do exactly what he says, Jessica. He wants you to turn off the windshield wipers whenever possible. Fine. Whenever it's sunny out, you turn 'em off. That's when it's possible.

Tom: The wipers do grind a little bit of dirt into the windshield, shortening its life by some amount. But you need the wipers when it's raining so you can see. And that should always be your primary consideration. If the wipers help you see better, use them. If they don't, turn them off. And if the windshield ever gets so scratchy that you have trouble seeing out of it at night or in the rain, get a new windshield. Most experts agree that "seeing" is a crucial part of driving.

Ray: And if Dad ever starts talking to you about using the brakes less often so you won't wear out the pads, write to us again and we'll have a little talk with the old guy, OK, Jessica?

Stop the madness! You can stop driving like a knucklehead, and you'll help your car in the process. Learn how your driving habits can harm your car in Tom and Ray's pamphlet "Ten Ways You May Be Ruining Your Car Without Even Knowing It!" To order, send (check or money order) to Ruin, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. You can also order online.

© 1997 by Tom and Ray Magliozzi and Doug Berman Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

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