When it comes to windshield wiper replacement, do know how often you should be replacing your windshield wipers? Maybe you want to know what to look for when replacing them? This article will help.
Windshield Wiper Replacement – Do It Early
Windshield wipers may be a small part of your vehicle – but that doesn’t mean they aren’t important! Even in Phoenix, our local auto glass shop is replacing windshield wipers on a daily basis. Your wipers are critical to maintaining your visibility and overall safety while driving, so it’s imperative to ensure they are in good condition, operating like they should and when they start to not work properly – get your windshield wipers replaced immediately.
From relentless rain to heavy snow, drivers can encounter many different types of weather while out on the road. When conditions are poor, your windshield wipers work hard to ensure you can still see the road ahead.
If you do a lot of driving, your windshield wipers can wear out pretty quickly. Over time, your blades will become worn and be less effective at doing their job. They may no longer properly clear the windshield, and they may leave large streaks or smears that obstruct your view ahead.
Once this happens, your safety is severely compromised, so it’s important to replace them beforehand. Most experts recommend replacing your windshield wiper blades every six to twelve months, but this can vary depending on how much driving you do.
Inspect Your Windshield Wipers Regularly
Wiper blades are made of thin rubber and can wear out quicker than you might expect. You should regularly inspect your blades for signs of wear and tear.
Things to look for include:
- Detached arms
- Broken/bent frame
- Cracks, tears and missing parts
- Metal corrosion
- Detached or ripped rubber on the wiper blade
If you notice any of those things, it’s probably time to replace them.
Other Things to Look For when replacing your windshield wiper blades
As a driver, it’s usually pretty obvious when your blades need replacing. Common signs include:
- Leaving streaks on the windshield
- Squeaking sounds when in use
- Skipping motion
- Noticeably reduced visibility
Windshield wipers should be replaced at the earliest opportunity. If no action is taken, the blade may shred or even detach completely. This isn’t something you want to happen when driving!
Replacing Your Windshield Wipers
Replacement is a simple task, but it’s important to get it right. If you don’t feel confident in doing the job yourself, you should turn to the professionals. Watch this video and then, follow the steps below:
Measure and Buy
Check your owner’s manual to find the correct blade size for your vehicle. It’s always worth buying the best quality blades you can afford to ensure maximum performance.
Remove the Wiper
Lift the arm away from the windshield. Depress the lever found under the wiper, then simply slide it away to remove it.
Fit the New Wiper
To attach the new wiper blade, simply slide it onto the arm until it clicks into place. Finally, push the arm back onto the windshield.
Test the Wiper
After are windshield wiper replacement, it’s important that you test your wipers to check that they clear the windshield as expected and don’t make any squeaking or grinding sounds. We really can’t stress the importance of windshield wipers and ensuring that they are working effectively. Inspect them regularly and replace when required.
