Three Signs that Your Windshield Wiper Blades Need to be Replaced

Just as it is important to have your oil changed regularly, it is also important to have your windshield wiper blades replaced regularly. Unlike your oil, though, your windshield wiper blades do not need to be changed as regularly, and the effects of wiper blades that are diminishing in quality can be hard to spot, until it is too late. Wiper blades are an essential part of your vehicle and it is important that you replace them before it is too late. Here are a few telltale signs that your wiper blades need to be replaced:

Poor Visibility
If you use your wiper blades and there are streaks, spots, or smudges left on your windshield then it may be time to replace them. Your wiper blades can leave a few streaks behind, though, and if this doesn’t impair your vision then your wipers may not need to be replaced yet. But if a few streaks are left behind then it is a sign that they will need to be replaced soon. Another telling sign that your wiper blades need replacing is if they fail to clear splashes of liquid off your windshield. Debris like mud, when splashed across your windshield, can be hazardous. And if your wiper blades fail to clear this debris, or merely spreads or smudges the debris, then this could lead to impaired visibility and dangerous driving conditions.

If your wiper blades fail to create visibility for you while driving then it is time to replace them. A simple way to find out if your wiper blades aren’t adequately clearing your windshield is to use your wiper fluid to clean your windshield. If your wiper blades clear the fluid but leave streaks then it may be time to replace your windshield wipers.

Blades Make Noise
Another sign that your wiper blades may need to be replaced is if they are making noise. If you hear noises or “skipping” sounds, then that means your blades are no longer in good condition and will need to be replaced soon. Your blades can create clear visibility while driving while making noise, but make no mistake that if your wiper blades are making noise it is time to replace them.

Noises indicate wear and tear in wiper blades and eventually your blades will no longer perform optimally, which could lead to poor visibility or an accident. While using your windshield wipers it is important to listen for noises or pay attention if noises are made, as this is an indication of diminishing quality in your wiper blades.

Blades are Hard, Cracked or Torn
The easiest way to tell if your windshield wiper blades need to be replaced is by inspecting them manually. The three primary signs that your wiper blades need to be replaced are if the blades are hard, cracked or torn. Several factors can play into how your wiper blades may fall into disrepair, including too much exposure to sun, inclement weather or over use.

Wiper blades are made of rubber and are meant to contour to your windshield, in order to sufficiently clean your windshield. If the rubber on your blades becomes hard then the blade will not properly contour to your windshield and will miss spots while in use. The same happens if your blade’s rubber is cracked or torn. When you manually inspect your wiper blades make sure to look for these three signs. If you wiper blades are cracked, torn or hardened then they will not clean your windshield well enough. If that is the case then it is time to replace your windshield wiper blades.

Windshield wipers are an essential part of any car and should ideally be replaced every 6-12 months, depending upon where you live, how much you drive, etc. But if your windshield wipers are leaving spots unclean, making noises or look as if they are in disrepair, then it is time to get them replaced.