How Often Should You Replace Your Wiper Blades?

One of the most important things you can do to keep your car in good condition is to maintain its wiper blades. Wipers are responsible for keeping windshields clear while driving, and if they’re not working well it could be a safety hazard. Replacing them every six months is just one of many ways that drivers can make sure their wipers are safe, but how often should you replace them?

In this article, we’ll provide you essential information to answer the question and how to replace wiper blades yourself.

How Often Should You Replace Your Wiper Blades?

Wiper blades are made of rubber, and rubber doesn’t last forever. The normal lifespan of wiper blades is six months to one year, depending on how much they’re being used. What make wiper blades wear out are:

• Sunlight (ultraviolet)
• Oil
• Car exhaust
• Acid (from rain & mud)
• Debris

Before replacing your wiper blades, try to clean them off with water or a solution of soap and water. If they’re still not clearing the windshield, it’s time to get new ones.

If your wipers are showing signs of wear and tear, replace them before you stop driving for the season or it will most likely be a safety hazard.

Signs Your Windshield Wipers Need to be Replaced

To check if your wiper blades need replacing:

1. Look at where the rubber meets the windshield – often it will be frayed and worn
2. Look at the rubber for cracks or missing pieces
3. Examine any wiper blade covers to see if they’re cracked, torn or otherwise damaged.
4. Take a look at your windshield – are you able to see through it? If not, this is another sign that you need new wipers.
5. See if you notice any buildup along with the rubber. This is often caused by excessive dirt or snow that’s not being cleared away; this can cause your windshield wipers to stick and make noise.

More technical signs:

• Streaking: the wipers are too weak to remove water from the windshield
• Sticking: one or both wipers stick and don’t move smoothly across the window.
• Chattering: this is a sign that there’s some buildup on your blades, caused by dirt/snow not being removed adequately
• Smearing: the wipers are not sharp anymore.

The good news about wiper blades is that they are relatively inexpensive, so it won’t cost too much to replace them when necessary! The average price of wiper blades is $20, but it can depend on the make and model of your vehicle.

If you own a vehicle that has a rear window wiper, make sure you care for it too.

What Size Wiper Blades For Your Car?

You can drop off an auto shop for wipers replacement, however, if you want to do it yourself, go for it.

How to Change Wiper Blades Step by Step

Before proceeding, make sure you have a new pair of wipers ready. Below is the instruction:

#Step 1: Make sure the wiper blades are dry before removing old ones (if you can’t just wait for a day)

#Step 2: Hold the wipers so that they form an “L” shape with your fingers, then pull them off. If one doesn’t come off easily try twisting it back and forth until it releases from its base

#Step 3: Next you can flip over the new wiper blade and with your fingers, push it onto the base until you hear/feel it click.

#Step 4: Lastly, close off both ends of the “L” shape again to make sure that they are on snugly.

Final Words

Wiper blades are one of the most important parts of your car. They keep rain, snow and dirt off your windshield so you can see clearly. If they wear out it is time to replace them with a new set ASAP!

It’s recommended that drivers change their wiper blades every six months or as needed depending on how often you drive and the conditions you are driving in.