WHEN SHOULD YOUR WINDSHIELD WIPERS BE REPLACED?
WHEN SHOULD YOUR WINDSHIELD WIPERS BE REPLACED?
Posted on June 11, 2023
How Often Should Windshield Wipers Be Replaced?
Safety is the top priority for all of the new vehicle manufacturers represented at the Southside Dodge showroom. Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram platforms are all broadly equipped with standard and available safety systems that protect drivers and passengers by helping to prevent collisions from happening. Despite all of these advances in technology, a clean windshield is still the most important safety feature of them all. Windshield wipers play a key role in that system and replacing them on time is crucial. So, how often should windshield wipers be replaced? The industry standard is 12 months, though that timeline can differ based on the quality of the wiper blades and the surrounding environments. Let’s take a look at some things you might need to know.
READ MORE:Â When Do Car Batteries Need to be Replaced?
Are Windshield Wipers Expensive?
There are options for windshield wipers to meet any budget, just like almost any other automotive component. Windshield wipers are available in three primary categories, rubber, halogen-hardened rubber and silicone-based. Each option offers customers something a little different:
- Rubber:Â The most common version, very affordable but may have a lower life cycle.
- Halogen-Hardened Rubber:Â More robust than plain rubber blades, slightly higher cost.
- Silicone:Â Longest-lasting option, but also the most expensive option.
How Do You Know When Wiper Blades Need to be Replaced?
It won’t be much of a secret when it’s time for your car’s windshield wipers to be replaced. The most telling sign that it’s time for a new set of windshield wiper blades is that they are less effective at removing rain, snow and/or dirt from the glass. However, there are some more subtle signs that may occur first. Drivers need to be on the lookout for:
- Blades squeaking or stuttering on the glass
- Excessive streaking with each blade’s pass
- Spots that are entirely missed by the blades
Even if you live in a climate where it doesn’t rain much or if you don’t drive a lot, it’s still important to change out the blades regularly. The blade material can become dry and brittle because of UV light or simply just because of age.
Every service appointment completed by the Southside Dodge Service Department will include one of our experts taking a look at your wiper blades and other components. If you need a new set, our team will make some recommendations. Make an appointment with us, today.