It’s one of those small maintenance tasks that you think you can put off – until there’s a downpour in the dark. Replacing worn windshield wipers is necessary to maintain good visibility on the road.
Where The Rubber Hits the Window. Wiper blades are made from rubber, which means they naturally wear down. Sunlight, dirt, and road grime can cause the rubber to crack, tear, or lose its flexibility. When this happens, the blades no longer make full contact with your windshield, leading to streaks, smudges, or areas that aren’t wiped clean. If you’ve ever had to squint through a windshield during a downpour, you know how dangerous poor visibility can be.
When to Wiper Out. As a general rule, wiper blades should be replaced every six to twelve months, depending on the climate in which you live. If you’re in an area with heavy rainfall or frequent snow, you may find that your wipers wear out more quickly. In regions with harsh sunlight, the rubber can dry out faster, reducing the effectiveness of your wipers. Keeping an eye on the performance of your blades and replacing them when needed ensures that you’ll always have a clear view of the road ahead.
If your wipers leave streaks, make chattering or squeaking noises, or fail to clear the windshield completely, it’s time to install a new pair. Even if they seem to be working adequately, inspect them regularly for signs of wear like cracks or brittleness. Sometimes the blade frame can become bent or damaged as well, which affects how well the rubber blade contacts the windshield.
Wiper On! The good news is that you won’t need a lesson from Mr. Miyagi to know how to replace your wiper blades. It’s one of the easiest maintenance tasks you can perform on your vehicle. Most wiper blade systems are designed for simple installation and removal. Many automotive stores will even help you install them at no extra cost if you purchase your wipers there. Your vehicle’s manual will provide information on the correct size and type of wipers to buy, making the process even simpler. And as always, you can ask us at Norris! (We do a mean Mr. Miyagi impression.)
Don’t wait until the next downpour to realize that your wipers aren’t performing well. Drive safely by making sure you have a clear view of the road in any weather conditions. Keeping up with this small but essential task is a quick and easy way to maintain your vehicle and give yourself peace of mind when driving in bad weather.