How Long Do Windshield Wiper Blades Last?
Wiper blades are a regular maintenance item, and they will wear out over time with exposure to the elements. Many different factors can cause your wiper blades to wear down. The rubber on the blade can crack or split due to intense hot, cold, or dry climates, damage from large ice chunks or debris, and overuse. As the rubber edge begins to break down, you will begin to notice streaky or missed spots, poor coverage, or squeaking when using your windshield wipers. This occurs as the rubber's elasticity begins to fail, resulting in loose or poor contact between the wiper blade and the windshield. If this happens, you can either replace the pair of wiper blades, or if necessary or possible, install wiper blade refills.
In most instances, the rubber wiper blade element is the only piece of the wiper assembly that prevents your wipers from cleaning your windshield properly. In this case, replacing the windshield wipers may be all that is needed to restore performance. Damaged wiper arms may also fail to provide adequate tension to keep the blade in contact with the windshield. It is recommended that you change your wiper blades every six months, typically before spring and winter, to ensure the best performance in poor weather, or replace the blades at the scheduled time or interval listed in your vehicle’s service manual. Regular, scheduled wiper blade inspection is a great way to stay prepared by making sure your windshield wiper blades are in usable shape. Take a look at our helpful article for a few more tips on when to change your wiper blades.
How to Change Windshield Wiper Blades
Any time your wiper blades begin to smear, streak, or squeak, replacing them is a simple way to improve your visibility and safety while driving. Installing your new wiper blades can be an easy DIY job when you have the right parts to start with. After you find the right wiper blades, you can install your replacement blades or refills in a few simple steps. Check the owners manual or service manual for your vehicle for step-by-step instructions and detailed diagrams to learn how to properly change your vehicle's wiper blades. If you do not have a service manual, or just need a little more guidance, learn more about how to change windshield wiper blades in our How-To-Hub. O’Reilly Auto Parts is dedicated to keeping you safe on the road. If you are in need of wiper blade replacements or refills, stop by any of our stores to find a variety of wiper blades and parts for most vehicle types. You can also get free wiper blade installation from our Professional Parts People® with any wiper blade purchase.
