Have Your Wiper Blades Gone Dull?

by Javier Maldonado - Posted 4 years ago

How long do wiper blades generally last?

Wiper longevity depends on where you live. Heat really wears on those rubber windshield squeegees; therefore, if you live in a hot climate, wipers will inevitably require more frequent replacement. Accordingly, if you use your wipers often—and live in a rainy, snowy or icy neck of the country—expect a shortened blade life.

A general wiper blade rule of thumb: if wipers smear water or snow and obstruct your view when they swoosh by, it’s time for new blades.

What are the biggest factors that cause wiper blades to wear down?

Your wipers are exposed to the outside world day in and day out, which means everything from heat and rain to snow, road salt and ice all have an effect. On top of these factors, blades just wear down over time with repeated use.

What happens as wiper blades get older?

All that sun. All that heat. All that use. All these factors affect the life of your wiper blades. As your rubber wiper blades endure the elements, they start losing their flexibility and become brittle. The rubber cracks and tears. The blades wear down, exposing metal. Eventually, you’re left with blades that streak and smudge, making it more difficult to see all that’s ahead of you. Worst of all, if the rubber runs out on the blade, the metal underneath can scratch your windshield.

What are some symptoms that you need new wiper blades?

Smearing, smudging, streaking, rubbing, scraping on your windshield. If your swooshes don’t sound right, look right, or, most importantly, if you can’t see well when your blades go back and forth, it’s time for a wiper replacement.