Visibility while driving is essential to avoid accidents. However, it can be challenging to have a clear view of the road ahead, even with excellent eyesight, especially when driving through mud, sleet, snow, hail, and ice. Luckily, your windshield blades will help you with that. However, wiper blades are made of degradable material which wears out with time and use.
But, how often should you replace your wiper blades? This article explains when you should replace wiper blades and how to tell they need replacement.
How often should you Replace Windshield Wiper Blades?
Many manufacturers will recommend you replace your wiper blades every six to twelve months. While this may be the general rule of thumb, you may need to replace them sooner, depending on how often you drive and where you live. Also, the frequency of wiper blades replacement varies depending on the type of blades. A good way to keep track of your wiper blades' condition is to have the mechanic inspect them when they change your oil.
Signs that you should Replace Your Wiper Blades
Even after using your wiper blades, a decrease in road visibility is the obvious sign that they need replacement. However, there are other red flags to watch for. These include:
Cracked or Roughed-up Rubber
Wiper blades have rubber used to swipe snow, ice, or water out of the windshield. Over time, the rubber wears out due to exposure to UV rays and other elements. A brittle or cracked rubber won't have proper contact with the windshield, eventually affecting its performance.
Streaks on your Windshield
If your windshield looks streaky with every pass of the wipers, it's a sure sign that they need replacement. Streaks are an indicator that the wiper blades are worn out.
Too much Squeaking and Screeching
Squeaking or screeching wiper blades can signify bent wiper frames or arms, which causes uneven movement. If you hear too much dragging and chattering, it's probably time to replace your wiper blades.
Damaged or Bent Wiper Blade Frame
If some areas of your windshield are not getting clean, the blade's frame is probably the problem. Wiper frames can get damaged, especially when scraping snow and ice off your vehicle in the winter. This will decrease the wiper blade's performance and lead to poor visibility.
If your wiper blades are becoming less effective, we invite you to bring your vehicle to Lighthouse Automotive today for windshield wiper replacement. Our experts are ready to help.
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