Your windscreen wipers are an important part of driving safely. It may not be something you think about often, but they enable you to see during poor driving conditions like rain and snow. It’s essential that you maintain your windscreen wipers to keep yourself, and other road users, safe.
How often should I replace my windscreen wiper blades?
You might be wondering how regularly you need to replace your windscreen wipers. Since they’re prone to wear and tear like any other part of your vehicle, you need to replace them every 6 – 12 months.
What causes wiper blades to wear out?
Remember that the weather affects your wiper blades, and that extreme heat and icy winter conditions can damage your windscreen wipers quickly – meaning you may need to replace them sooner than the 6- or 12-month mark.
How do I know if my wiper blades need replacing?
There are a few signs to watch out for when your windscreen wipers have reached the end of their lifespan. The most obvious one is if you’re experiencing poor visibility when driving in the rain, then you need to have your wipers replaced as soon as possible. Keep reading to find out some other ways to recognise if you need to replace your windscreen wipers:
- Tears, cracks, or inflexibility: Take a look at your wiper blades and see if the rubber on them is tearing or cracking. Also check if the rubber has become hard and rigid. If you notice any physical damage that would prevent your wiper blades from being able to move across your windscreen flexibly or hinder their ability to clean effectively, it may be time to get a new pair of windscreen wipers!
- Smears or missed areas: If your windscreen wipers are leaving smears and dirty marks on your windscreen, then they’re not doing their job properly. Although this could be the result of dirty windscreen wiper blades or even low wiper fluid, if the issue persists, then you’ll need to have your wiper blades replaced.
- Squeaking: Your windscreen wipers should make minimal noise, or no noise at all, while they’re working. Squeaks or screeching noises could be the result of dirty windscreen glass or dirty wiper blades. If you’ve carefully cleaned both and the squeaking continues, it might mean it’s time for a replacement.
- Irregular movement: Your wiper blades should run smoothly across the windscreen. When they start to wear out, you might notice a juddering action as they move up and down and struggle to glide smoothly.
- Streaking: Your wipers should clear rainwater from the windscreen with ease. If streaks begin to appear, it’s time to replace your wiper blades.
Should I replace both wiper blades at the same time?
Generally, windscreen wiper blades don’t have to be sold in pairs, and it is possible to replace them individually if one has worn more quickly than the other. At TAMMS Repair Centres, we check and replace your windscreen wiper blades as part of your car service.
How can I extend the life of my windscreen wipers?
There are some things you can do to help prolong the life of your wiper blades. These include:
- Regularly cleaning your vehicle: By washing your car when you notice it’s dirty, you remove the grime on the exposed parts of your car, like the windscreen. This will keep the wipers running smoothly over your windscreen for longer.
- Checking and refilling your wiper fluid: You should regularly check your windscreen wiper fluid and make sure you’re replenishing it if the levels are low. This is important to lubricate your wipers and keep your windscreen clean.
- Keeping your vehicle in the garage: Leaving your car out in the open, especially on a hot summer’s day, can damage the rubber on your wiper blades and cause them to deteriorate more quickly than normal. It’s always best to try and park your car in a garage to protect it from weather damage.
- Avoid using your wipers in icy conditions: On those frosty winter mornings when your car is covered with a thin layer of ice, it’s best to let it defrost and then use your wipers to get rid of the condensation. Wiping away ice can damage your wiper blades because they need to work harder.
We’re here to help you at TAMMS Repair Centres and can take care of all your windscreen wiper issues.
