It’s important to replace your windshield wipers every so often. Visibility out the front windshield is essential for safe driving. Here are 5 signs your wipers need replacing.
Wipers Are Leaving Streaks On Your Windshield
Streaks are a clear sign that it’s time to replace your windshield wipers. While some streaking is normal, if you start to see dirt and grime on your glass, even after spraying wiper fluid, your blades likely need to be replaced.
You may see streaking because your wipers are dirty. Try cleaning them off with a cloth and see if that reduces the streaking.
Squeaking and Noisy Wipers
This is a result of the wipers not contacting the windshield properly. The occasional squeak is normal, but it’s time to replace your wipers if you hear the plastic being dragged across the glass. This is known as “chattering” and is bad for your glass. Wipers that are in poor contact with the glass won’t be able to clean the windshield effectively.
Blades Make Inconsistent Contact With Your Windshield
This commonly happens when the rubber wears down, or the wiper’s frame gets bent (see below). Your windshield wipers must work in rainy conditions. You can easily see where your wipers are making inconsistent contact when it’s raining hard. If the blades aren’t coming into contact with the corners or separate at the middle, it’s time to replace your wipers.
Cracked or Damaged Rubber
Take a close look at the rubber strip that comes into contact with your windshield. It should be smooth and in one piece. If it is cracked, split, or broken off into pieces, you should replace your wipers. The rubber is arguably the most important part of your windshield wiper. Bad rubber can damage the glass which may result in costly windshield repairs or even replacement.
Bent Frames
If the rubber is the most important part of your wiper, then the frames are a close second. But did you know that the frames on the wiper blade can get damaged? Car washes, falling tree branches, and general rough handling of the wiper blades can bend the metal frame. Some frames are explicitly designed for your vehicle specs so they glide appropriately across the glass. The wiper blades won’t come into correct contact with your windshield if they are bent.
Need A New Pair Of Wiper Blades Today? Come See Us!
Whether you’re looking for someone to install a new pair of wiper blades, or you’re looking to purchase them and install them yourself, McCullough NAPA Auto Care can help! We have a variety of blades in stock and can answer the specific questions you may have about your vehicle’s make and model. It is recommended that you change your wiper blades every 6-12 months.
