Wiper blades are one of the most neglected components on vehicles today. Many blades are cracked, split, torn, brittle, worn or otherwise in obvious need of replacement. Others may look okay, but do lousy jobs of wiping when put to the test.

Most experts say wiper blades should be replaced every six to twelve months for optimum performance and driving visibility. That’s because wiper blades don’t last forever. Exposure to sunlight and ozone causes the rubber to age, even if the wipers aren’t used much. 

As a set of blades age, they lose much of their flip-over flexibility and they’re less able to wipe cleanly. They may develop a permanent set (called “parked” rubber) or curvature which prevents full contact with the windshield. The sun bakes and hardens the rubber. Then when the wipers are needed, they streak and chatter because they’ve taken a set and won’t follow the curvature of the windshield. 

Cold weather can affect blade life, too. Freezing temperatures makes rubber hard and brittle, which increases the tendency to crack and split. The holders can also become clogged with ice and snow, preventing the holder from distributing spring tension evenly over the blade. The blade “freezes up” and leaves streaks as it skips across the glass. 

Heavy use can be hard on wiper blades, because dust, abrasives, road grime and even bug juice wear away the edge that the blades need to wipe cleanly. 

How well the wiper blades perform also depends on the condition of the wiper arms and holders. A blade’s wiping ability is affected by the amount of spring tension on the wiper arm, the number of pressure points or claws that hold the blade, and the design of the blade itself. If the springs in the arms are weak (which is more apt to be a problem in older vehicles), the wipers may not be pressed against the glass firmly enough to wipe cleanly. Replacing the blades won’t make any difference because the problem is weak arms not bad blades.

Ultimately, any blade that’s chattering, streaking or doing a lousy job of wiping is a blade that’s overdue for replacement. The same goes for any blade that is cracked, torn, nicked or otherwise damaged. 

If you have replaced your wiper blades and chattering or streaking persists, visit the Crown Eurocars of Dublin Service Department to have one of our technicians inspect your wiper blades and wiper arms to ensure your continued safety on the road.

Source: [Yahoo Autos]

The new 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet is the fourth variant of the latest E-Class family after the Sedan, Coupe and high-performance E63 AMG, and to this writer at least it just exudes luxury and presence. From its chiseled surfaces, muscular haunches and exquisite detailing around the lights, the E-Class Cabriolet is arguably one of the best looking vehicles at this year’s show. 

Dimensions are the same as the Coupe, measuring in at 185-inches in length, 70.3-inches in width and 55.2-inches in width. The soft-top roof can be opened and closed fully automatically within 20 seconds–even when driving at speeds of up to 25 mph. 

First sales are scheduled to start in May. 

Source: [Motor Authority]

The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG has been chosen as the vehicle to grace the cover of the upcoming computer game Gran Turismo 5.

Almost 1,000 cars are set to feature in the PlayStation 3 game, with players testing their speed, handling and agility on the 80 circuits available.

However, the decision was made to position the gull-winged supercar on the title’s cover artwork, alongside on its advertisement, to entice gamers.

There are many factors, aside from the doors, which make the SLS AMG stand out.

In terms of performance, drivers will require only 3.8 seconds to fly to 62 miles per hour from static thanks to the blistering acceleration provided by an AMG 6.3-Litre V8 engine.

Meanwhile, the power and dynamism of the vehicle can be witnessed by the visual impact it portrays, with a lengthy bonnet and short overhangs enhancing its appeal.

Furthermore, the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is the first from the manufacturer to feature an aluminium chassis and body, ensuring that weight is kept to a minimum and that handling and speed are boosted.

Source: [Mercedes-Benz]

We again caught the Mercedes SL — almost two years before it will make its first public appearance at the 2012 Paris Motor Show.

The car’s classic layout is still visible — even with heavy camouflage. The relatively long front and rear overhangs, along with a retractable metal roof, will remain key features. New to the SL will be the upright front grille, thanks to new pedestrian-protection rules in the EU. We expect the final car to have a somewhat more elegant location for the third brake light.

Unlike today’s model, which is built in Bremen, Germany, the next generation will be built in Stuttgart — helping to save jobs that are endangered by Mercedes’ plan to outsource production of the C-class to the United States.

Source: [The Detroit News]

Taxpayers who buy a new car or several other types of motor vehicles this year may be entitled to a special tax deduction when they file their 2009 federal tax returns next year. The tax break is part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

Here are seven things you should know about this new deduction:

1. State and local sales taxes paid on up to $49,500 of the purchase price of qualifying vehicles are deductible.
2. Qualified motor vehicles generally include new (not used) cars, light trucks, motor homes and motorcycles.
3. Purchases must occur after Feb. 16, 2009, and before Jan. 1, 2010.
4. This deduction can be taken regardless of whether or not you itemize other deductions on your tax return.
5. Taxpayers will claim this deduction when filing their 2009 federal income tax return next year.
6. The amount of the deduction is phased out for taxpayers whose modified adjusted gross income is between $125,000 and $135,000 for individual filers and between $250,000 and $260,000 for joint filers.
7. The deduction may not be taken on 2008 tax returns.

Consumers who are considering buying a new car may find that this tax incentive means there may have never been a better time to buy.

For more information about the sales and excise tax deduction for motor vehicle purchases visit the official IRS web site.

Source: [IRS.gov]