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How Often Do Your Windshield Wipers Need Replacement?

How often windshield wiper replacement

When visibility is poor, you need your windshield wipers to be at their best. Driving in rain, snow, and other types of inclement weather can strain your windshield wipers. But even on a clear day, you need your wipers to be in top shape. If you live in a region where it rains frequently or you drive through icy roads often, you’ll want to check the condition of your windshield wiper blades more frequently. You should also check them if you notice that they don’t leave streaks or if they smear water instead of wiping it away. When they’re not optimally functional, they can cause a lot of trouble while driving. They might not be able to remove the water from your windshield effectively enough for you to see clearly. If this happens, visibility becomes limited and could pose a risk if you’re driving in heavy traffic or on an interstate with little stoplight assistance.

Here are some situations when it’s time to replace your wipers:

1] When They’re Damaged

If you’ve driven through a particularly harsh winter or if you often drive on the highway with low tire pressure, then you might have bent or broken blades. Bent blades can interfere with the rubber gasket, causing it to leak and decreasing the effectiveness of the windshield wiper fluid. When it’s time to replace your wiper blades, look for signs of wear and tear, including cracks or rust. Cracks could mean that your blades have bent due to excessive pressure or that they’re not properly aligned. If you notice rust or discoloration on your blades, it means that the metal has deteriorated. This is a sign that your blades should be replaced. Rust could also indicate that your blades have collected sand or grime. Whatever the cause, you’ll want to replace your blades as soon as possible to avoid damaging your windshield.

2] When They Don’t Move Properly

If your windshield wipers are making noises that they shouldn’t or you notice that they’re stiff or difficult to move, you’ll want to replace them. Worn-out blades can get stuck in the up or down position. When they don’t move, they can damage your windshield. Sticky blades can also cause streaks or smears on your windshield, which makes it difficult to see clearly. If your blades have worn out, they might make a grinding noise when you drive. This grinding could cause damage to your windshield and make it difficult to see clearly. If you notice that your blades are making noises that they shouldn’t, replace them as soon as possible.

3] When They Leave Streaks Or Smears

If your windshield wipers leave streaks or smears on your windshield, they probably have an incorrect curvature. If your blades are dirty, this might be normal. But if you’ve cleaned them and they still leave streaks or smears, you’ll want to replace them with new, curvature-correct blades. Other issues like incorrect thickness could also cause streaks or smears. If your blades are too thick or too thin, they won’t be able to properly wipe the windshield. Wipers with an incorrect thickness often leave streaks or smears on the windshield, which will eventually lead you to get a windshield repair done.

How Often Should You Replace Your Wipers?

Most experts agree that wipers should be replaced every 6 months. If you live in a cold climate, you’ll probably need to replace your blades earlier than residents of warm regions. If you live in a cold climate or drive through snowy or icy roads often, you’ll need to replace your blades more often. You should also replace them more frequently if you drive with low tire pressure or have a lot of snowfall. Some experts recommend replacing your wipers after 10,000 miles. Others say that you should replace them every season. It’s important to note that these recommendations are based on driving in a warm climate. You’ll probably need to replace your wipers sooner if you live in a cold climate or drive in harsh conditions.

How to Know When to Replace Your Windshield Wipers?

It’s not always easy to know when it’s time to replace your wipers. If you’re not sure, you can follow this rule of thumb: if you’re cleaning your blades too often, it’s time for new ones. If you clean your wipers once a week, this could be a sign that you need new ones. If you notice that your wipers aren’t cleaning the windshield as effectively as they once did, you’ll want to replace them as soon as possible. If they aren’t removing the water from the windshield, they can’t do their job. If your wipers are leaving streaks or smears on the windshield, they probably have an incorrect curvature.

Conclusion

Wipers are important for safe driving, especially when you’re driving in the rain, snow, or other types of inclement weather. When they’re not optimally functional, they can cause a lot of trouble. They might not be able to remove the water from your windshield effectively enough for you to see clearly. If this happens, visibility becomes limited and could pose a risk if you’re driving in heavy traffic or on an interstate with little stoplight assistance. So make sure, to change your windshield wipers every six months or after every 10,000 miles.

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