Signs You Need New Wiper Blades, Part 1

In general, windshield wipers aren’t something we spend a lot of time thinking about unless they’re not working properly.

That said, there’s more than one sign that it may be time for new wipers, and some of them might surprise you.

In this series, we’re diving into eight tell-tale signs that your wipers likely need replacement.

Let’s get started …

1. RUBBER DAMAGE OR DECAY

Problems with the rubber part of your blades is an indicator that they need replacement. If rubber is smooth and pliable, that’s good. If rubber is cracked, split, broken or brittle — it’s time for replacement. Even small imperfections in blade rubber, or a rounded look, can mean it’s time for replacement.

2. INCESSANT SQUEAKING

If your blades are squeaking, unless your windshield is just dry, that high-pitched noise typically means there’s debris or grime on the windshield (which can also cause streaking), or there is worn/ damaged rubber that’s causing the structural part of the wiper to touch the glass.

3. WIPER FRAMES ARE BENT

Sometimes we see customers come into the shop with bent wiper frames. Surprisingly, this can be caused by multiple things including accidentally bending the wipers when scraping ice off the windshield, or even damage incurred at the car wash. Bent frames/blades do not effectively make contact with a windshield and if they’re not currently causing issues, they will soon.

4. STREAKS

Are your wipers leaving streaks on your windshield? This can happen when blades are either bent or damaged, resulting in streaking. It’s important to note that there are other reasons why steaking may occur. For example, if your windshield is especially dirty and you use the wipers streaking may occur — so it’s important to first diagnose if the streaking is from a grimy windshield vs. bad blades.

Signs that it’s the blades include when the wipers are less effective clearing snow, sleet or rain. A blade that’s no longer fitting snugly to the window can also cause streaks.

Next up in our series we’ll be taking a look at four more signs that you need new windshield wiper blades, including “chatter,” seasonal changes and more.

GET IN TOUCH

If you have any questions about windshield wipers, or anything else auto related, feel free to contact us anytime! In addition, you can schedule a service online by clicking on the “Request Appointment” button in the navigation above.