How Often Should I Change My Wiper Blades?
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It’s been raining cats and dogs all over the U.S. as of late. Especially in the Bay Area! With record amounts of rainfall, it is important you are staying safe out there on the road. While there are a number of precautions to take before driving in the rain, having windshield wipers in good working condition should be near the top of your list. Have you been searching to find out how often to change your wiper blades, but keep getting mixed answers? Well, we’ll help you find out the best timetable to change your wiper blades and look further into how you’ll know it’s time for a change!
In General, How Often Should They Be Changed?
Most will say that your wiper blades should be changed every 6-12 months. But that is such a wide timetable, how will you know when it is exactly the right time to change them? There are a variety of different factors that will play a part. From the weather where you live, how often you’re driving, the material of the wiper blades, etc.
Now, this may sound like a lot of factors and may just add to the confusion. Don’t worry, we can help you there. Our full-service packages will always inspect your wiper blades and suggest whether or not they should be changed. If you’re at home and know they need to be changed, come on down and we can change them out for you in a matter of minutes.
How Much Does Replacing Them Cost?
The next question you may be asking yourself is, how much does it cost for new wiper blades and replacement? It’s relatively inexpensive and will usually cost about 13 dollars each depending on taxes in your area. If you need a change and don’t feel like doing it yourself, we are here 7 days a week to help you!
Signs That It Is Time To Change Your Wiper Blades
The first telltale sign, is streaking. While wipers may streak a little, if there is more and more streaking each use it is time to change your wiper blades. If it is hard to see clearly, then your windshield wipers are worn out and need to be replaced.
If you don’t change your wiper blades once they start streaking they will continue to get worse. Next, your wiper blades won’t leave streaks, they will actually leave nothing! If you wait too long your wipers will become completely ineffective and will no longer wipe anything. This is extremely dangerous if you are driving in wet conditions.
Those would be the visual effects of worn-out wiper blades. But also you can use audio clues to help determine whether it’s time for a change. If you hear your wipers squeaking, most likely they are damaged and are not gliding smoothly across the surface of your windshield. Once you hear this we recommend changing them.
If you wait too long to change out your wiper blades there can be bigger effects than just not being able to see. Worn-out wiper blades can damage the windshield’s glass. You may risk scratching your windshield to the point that your windshield needs to be replaced. And trust us replacing your windshield is much more expensive than replacing your wiper blades.
But, even if you don’t experience any of these problems, it is best not to go more than a year between changing out your wiper blades. As well, there may be some other signs we did not mention.
Your Wiper Blades Life Will be Affected By a Few Different Factors
The weather or climate you live in will play a big factor in how often you should be replacing your wiper blades. You may just think rain plays into this, but heat can also play a factor. Places with extreme heat can dry out the wiper blades and make them expand and crack easier. Cold climates can have the opposite effect, causing the wiper blades to contract. So if you live in extreme climates you will most likely have to switch out your wiper blades more often.
Where you park your car will make a difference as well. If you are parking outside, you are exposing your car to the harsh climates mentioned above and your blades will have to be changed more often. Whereas if you are parking your car in a garage, your wipers won’t be exposed to these conditions and will last longer.
Last but not least, how often you use your wiper blades will definitely play a factor. Every time you use your wiper blades they will wear down a little more. So if you are driving in the rain almost every day then your wiper blades will wear out a lot faster, as expected.
How You Can Maximize The Life Of Your Wiper Blades
There are a few things you can do to maintain your wiper blades and help them last a little longer. While time may play a factor in when it’s time to change your wiper blades. Usage will be the biggest factor. To ensure your wiper blades last as long as possible, make sure you’re only using them when your windshield is wet. Whether that be rain or washer fluid. Using them on a dry windshield will wear them out very fast. As well, clean your windshield regularly to prevent dirt and other particles from getting stuck to the blades or windshield. If you’re at home and notice these particles you can use a rag or squeegee in an effort to give your wipers a rest.
While it may seem like a simple task, many people put off changing their wiper blades until they can no longer see or they damage their windshield. Don’t wait until then! Come see us when you notice the first signs and we can change them for you in a few minutes!
