When is it Time to Change Your Wiper Blades?

Windscreen wipers are essential for safe driving, especially in the unpredictable weather conditions we’ve come to expect. Whether you’re caught in a heavy rain shower or driving through misty roads, your wiper blades play a vital role in keeping your view through your windscreen clear. But how do you know when it’s time to change your wiper blades? This article will guide you through the process and help you recognise when your wiper blades need replacing, how to do it, and what to consider when picking out a new pair.

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Common Problems with Windscreen Wipers

Windscreen wipers can face a variety of issues that make them ineffective or even cause damage to your car’s windscreen. The most common problem is simply wear and tear, especially if the blades have been seeing consistent use during poor weather conditions. Over time, wiper blades can crack, lose their shape, or begin to produce streaks on your car glass that reduce visibility. Further issues arise when debris like leaves, twigs, or dirt gets trapped in the wiper blades, causing them to malfunction or even scratch the glass.

Sometimes, wipers can also become noisy, squeaking against the glass due to a build up of grime or a lack of lubrication. If the blades are skipping over areas of the windscreen or leaving unclean streaks behind, it’s a sure sign that you need to replace them.

How Wiper Blades Can Damage Your Windscreen

While wiper blades are designed to help clear your windscreen, using worn or damaged wipers remains one of the most common causes of damage to car glass. Over time, when the rubber edge of the wiper blade hardens or tears, it can start to scratch the windscreen, leading to tiny abrasions. These scratches may not be immediately noticeable, but they invariably accumulate and make your windscreen considerably more prone to cracking. If you notice that your wiper blades are skipping or not making full contact with the glass, it’s important to inspect them for damage, as this could be contributing to the problem.

Another issue to be aware of is the buildup of grime or debris on the wipers themselves. If these contaminants aren’t cleaned off, they can cause the wipers to drag across the glass rather than glide smoothly as was intended. This can lead to both poor visibility and gradual damage to the windscreen. In some cases, the wipers could even leave permanent marks on the glass, prompting a full windscreen replacement.

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When to Change Your Wiper Blades

Knowing when to replace your wiper blades is crucial for maintaining clear visibility during driving. As a general rule, wiper blades should be replaced every 6 to 12 months, depending on usage and weather conditions. However, it’s essential to check them regularly, particularly after prolonged exposure to rain, snow, or freezing temperatures. If you notice any of the following signs, it’s time to change your windscreen wipers:

• Streaking or smearing: If your wipers leave streaks behind when clearing rain, it means they are no longer working as effectively and need replacing.
• Squeaking noises: Persistent squeaking is often a sign that the rubber has worn down or debris is causing friction.
• Skipping wipers: If the blades don’t follow the contours of the windscreen and start skipping over patches of your car glass, they’re likely damaged.
• Cracks or tears: Inspect the rubber part of your wipers for visible cracks, splits, or fraying. Damaged wipers are less efficient at clearing your screen and may damage your windscreen.

If your wipers are not working effectively or show visible signs of wear, it’s essential to replace them promptly to ensure you and your passenger’s safety on the road.

What Size Wiper Blades Do I Need?

Choosing the right size for your new wiper blades is essential to ensure they work efficiently. Using the wrong size can lead to improper contact with the windscreen and drastically reduce your wiper’s ability to clear water effectively. The size of the wiper blades needed for your vehicle can vary depending on the make and model. Most car manufacturers provide the correct size specifications in the vehicle manual, or you can check with your local garage or motor factors for recommendations.

When replacing your wiper blades, you’ll typically need two different sizes – one for the driver’s side and one for the passenger side. Some vehicles, particularly larger models, are likely to require longer wiper blades for the driver’s side. It’s also important to note that while some vehicles use a single wiper, others use dual wipers. Don’t forget to check the vehicle’s requirements before making any purchases.

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Should I Use Different Windscreen Wipers in Winter?

As we know, winter can be tough for motorists as they are faced with frequent rain, ice, and even snow. To handle these conditions, you might want to consider using special winter wiper blades. Winter wipers are designed with stronger, more flexible rubber and often feature a protective coating that prevents snow and ice build up.

Traditional wiper blades can freeze or become less effective in sub-zero temperatures. Winter wipers, on the other hand, are designed to better handle the challenges of colder conditions. Even if you don’t choose to swap to winter blades, it’s always a good idea to make sure your wiper blades are in good working condition before the season hits and bad weather begins to set in.

How to Install New Wiper Blades

Changing wiper blades is a relatively simple task that most car owners can handle themselves. First, lift the wiper arm away from the windscreen. Most cars have a small tab on the wiper blade attachment that needs to be pressed or pulled to release the old blade. Once you’ve removed the old blade, simply slide the new blade into place, ensuring that it clicks securely into the wiper arm.

*Before installing the new blades, make sure to check that they are the correct size for your vehicle. Additionally, take care not to scratch your windscreen during the installation process

In conclusion, wiper replacement is an important part of car maintenance that can greatly impact your safety on the road. Changing your wiper blades regularly and keeping an eye out for signs of wear will help ensure clear visibility and prevent damage to your windscreen over time. Whether you’re replacing them seasonally or simply as needed, understanding when and how to change your windscreen wipers is an invaluable piece of information for all motorists. If your wipers are not working properly, or if you notice issues such as streaking, skipping, or cracking, it’s time to replace those wipers pronto.

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We hope you found this deep dive into the world of wipers helpful! Don’t forget to check back with the Autoglass® Blog soon for more motoring tips, explainers and guides like this one. Safe travels.