Even when you purchase high-quality wiper blades like Trico products, you will need to replace them every 6 to 12 months. Keeping your wiper blades in good working order is crucial to maintain visibility.
As wiper blades get older, they will no longer make good contact with the glass of the windshield. These means that they cannot properly do their job. You likely do not want to wait until you notice signs of wear, since at that point you will begin to experience issues with visibility.
Many drivers choose specific landmarks throughout the year to know when they should replace their wiper blades. For example, many people choose the start of spring since they will likely encounter a good deal of rain during this time and the winter likely took a toll on the rubber of their current blades. However, you may need to replace the blades sooner than you expect.
How to Inspect Wiper Blades Effectively
To ensure you do not find yourself in a dangerous situation in terms of visibility, you should inspect your wiper blades regularly. Ideally, this step is part of your overall regular vehicle inspection. However, it is important you know what to look for when you are inspecting the wiper blades.
The first thing to look for is metal corrosion and signs of rust, especially at the joints and when the wiper blade connects to the arm. These issues can cause the whole blade to break as you are trying to use it. Next, take a look at the rubber edge of the blade to look for any cracks, tears, or missing chunks that can indicate damage bad enough that the piece needs to be replaced immediately.
Give the wiper blade a good tug to make sure that it is still securely attached to the arm. The blade should not have any sort of give when you tug. If it does, you may need a new assembly to keep the blade firmly attached.
Also, make sure that the rubber squeegee is attached strongly to the wiper frame. This squeegee can become dislodged and even fall off with use. Take the time to flex the rubber squeegee to make sure it still has plenty of give. Over time, the rubber will get harder. These means that it will not make good contact with the windshield and will therefore not clear the glass effectively.
The Key Elements of Wiper Blade Maintenance
You can extend the life of your wiper blades by performing maintenance, although this is not always possible depending on how you use your vehicle. The primary factors influencing the life of wiper blades are environmental.
For example, exposure to the sun and especially ultraviolet light can speed breakdown of rubber. Also, both car waxes and exhaust contain oils that deteriorate rubber, so exposing the blades to these things can reduce their life. Dust, mud, and sand carried by the wind will also cause damage to the blades.
If you live close to the water, saltwater in the air can also harm blades, as will acid rain. A great way to protect your wiper blades is storing the car in a garage away from the elements whenever possible and avoiding driving in bad conditions if it is not absolutely necessary.
Even if you cannot store your vehicle inside, there are some other steps you can take to extend the life of your wiper blades. For example, pull the blades away from the windshield during the winter months to prevent ice damage. Also, never use the blades to de-ice your windshield. Instead, rely either on a scraper or a chemical defroster.
You can also help by washing your windshield with the provided squeegees at the station whenever you refuel your tank. Doing this will remove a lot of the debris that ends up damaging wiper blades. During this action, take the time to wipe the squeegee with a damp paper towel to remove oil and loose dirt.
Signs that Wipers Need to Be Replaced Very Soon
Even when you take proper care of wiper blades, they may need to be replaced sooner than you expected. Keep an eye out for signs of damage whenever you use your blades. For example, if you notice a lot of streaking, there is a problem.
The rubber on the blade may have become hard or damaged, which prevents good contact. However, it is also possible that there is a foreign substance, such as tree sap, either on the blade or the windshield. Cleaning it will fix the problem.
Another issue you may notice is skipping, which happens when the blade becomes curved. This can happen when the blade does not get used enough and is a sign that it needs to be replaced.
Splitting is another issue that may occur. This happens when the rubber separates from the blade only in certain spots. You will likely see that large pieces of the windshield do not get cleaned when you use the blades. If this happens, replace the blade as soon as possible.
Another common issue is squeaking. Your blades should glide smoothly and quietly over the glass. If squeaking is happening, it means the rubber is worn or perhaps there is something on the surface of the glass. If the windshield appears clean, replacing the blades should fix the issue.