Signs the Wiper Blade Needs to Be Replaced
Your wiper blade won’t be as effective when it starts to wear down. The rubber edge is the most common part to fair first, though you can have issues with the entire blade getting damaged. Common signs that it’s time to visit the Service Center at ALM Chevrolet South:
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Areas of the glass are still dirty even after the wiper blade goes over.
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Streaks on the glass in the same place every time you clean the windshield.
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The blade smears the dirt instead of clearing it from the glass.
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You see bits of rubber hanging on the edge of the blade.
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Entire chunks of rubber are missing, or there are cracks in the blade.
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You hear a terrible screeching sound when the blade wipes over the windshield.
If another part of the wiper isn’t working, you may notice that the hinges don’t allow the blade to move easily. The pivot that connects the wiper blade to the arm may be tight or metal pieces may be broken off or loose, which could scratch the glass.
When to Replace Windshield Wiper Blades
Windshield wipers are a consumable part on your vehicle, meaning they need to be replaced more often. They can last for two or three years, but the average is 12 months with normal use. Certain situations will increase the replacement frequency. Exposure to the sun from sitting in a driveway or parking lot all day will dry out the rubber, causing it to crack and break.
To keep your wipers working longer, you should clean them regularly – when you stop for gas is a great time to do this. Clean abrasive substances from your windshield before using the wipers. Park in the shade or cover the windshield with a tarp if you must leave the vehicle in the sun. Don’t use the wipers when the windshield is dry, or set intermittent wipers at the right speed so you don’t hear the dragging sound that indicates the wipers are running across dry glass. If you drive in an area where there is ice, let it melt before cleaning your windshield.
