Under the Hood: Getting more life out of your windshield wiper blades Late car payments? Seven steps to help keep a repossession at bay

My windshield wiper blades do a lot of shimmying and make a heck of a noise. This is likely because I have to park outside, and the wiper blades are exposed to the sun and elements. I do change the blades yearly, but I’d like to know what types of blades are best at maintaining their flexibility and work most quietly.

: Wiper blades never seem to get much respect until it’s time to use them! It’s possible a simple cleaning, using denatured alcohol and a towel (several wipes), or even soapy water may help.

Same goes for the windshield, which may have built up road grime, tree sap or other contamination, especially near the bottom, where the wipers mostly live.

The insert, the actual rubber part of a wiper blade, typically takes a set (a slanted posture) while parked and is

Asubjected to heat over time. It’s slightly possible smoother and quieter wiping could result from reversing the inserts within each blade, if they can be removed.

I’ve found even a marginal set of wipers can provide better performance by applying Rain-X to the windshield, following the directions. I really like this stuff. Also consider premium grade blades made of silicon rubber; they really work well and last considerably longer than standard rubber blades, at about twice the price.

One last thought: Perhaps hang on to the blades you remove and use them as the summer set. If you can avoid misplacing the winter set, they should last for a much longer time.

My battery light has been coming on at random times. The car runs fine both when the light is on and when it isn’t. I know it won’t do it if I take it in — figures! Do I need a new battery?

Your illuminated battery light is telling you that an intermittent charging system fault is occurring. It’s unlikely your battery has an issue. Depending on the vehicle, the fault may be a nocharging or over-charging condition.

Your battery is like a checking account; it simply stores energy and is used primarily to start the engine and provide engine-off power for accessories. The alternator, a belt-driven generator, supplies energy to meet all electrical needs and keep the battery properly charged.

The intermittent nature of this problem will make it challenging to diagnose the cause. I’d start with a simple inspection (with engine off and cold, wearing no jewelry on hands) of battery terminal condition and tightness, and any wiring connections at the side or back of the alternator.

Millions of Americans are at least three months behind on their car payments, the benchmark for many lenders to trigger a repossession and a warning light for the economy.

In fact, according to a Federal Reserve Bank report, the number of these troubled borrowers is 7 million, 1 million more than it was in 2010 following the global financial crisis that required an auto industry bailout.

If you are one of these borrowers, or afraid you might get behind, here are some things the experts say you can do:

Before you buy a vehicle, shop around for the best financing deals. Consider the interest rate and the length of the loan, not just the amount of the monthly payment.

The car buying process can be exhausting and an auto seller may convince you that, yes, you can buy a car that you may not have the money for a few months later. So before you pick out the car you want — the right color and and all the options — set a budget.

Can you cut some expenses to save money? Can you pay your car loan — which is secured with the car — before you pay other debts, like a doctor’s bill, which won’t trigger a repossession.

If you’ve saved for a rainy day and you are now behind, this might be the time to tap into that account. In addition, a tax refund also might help you getting caught up.

If you are late, or think you probably will be late, let your lender know. If you are having a hardship, such as a medical problem or job loss, the bank often is understanding and may be able to offer some leniency.

If you miss payment, as the lender to take your situation into account until you can get back on track. You may be able to work out a deal. The bottom line is the creditor doesn’t want your car, but it will take it if it thinks you aren’t going to make good on what you owe.

If you are overwhelmed, contact a reputable nonprofit credit counseling organization. There may be a fee for the service, but the organization can help organize your finances, negotiate with creditors and help you get caught up.