Why is it important to check the windshield wipers?

Checking the windshield wipers is crucial primarily to ensure they have proper function and sufficient blade condition for visibility. Clear visibility is essential for safe driving, and worn or damaged wiper blades can lead to streaks, skipping, or complete failure, significantly impairing a driver's ability to see the road, especially in adverse weather conditions. Proper functioning wipers effectively remove rain, snow, or debris from the windshield, allowing the driver to have an unobstructed view of the environment around them.

While confirming the size of the wipers, evaluating their speed settings, or ensuring the washer fluid is topped off are important aspects of vehicle maintenance, they do not directly address the immediate safety concern of ensuring that drivers maintain clear visibility through a well-functioning wiper system. Thus, focusing on the condition and function of the wipers takes precedence in a pre-trip inspection, reinforcing the importance of visibility for safe driving.