When you inspect your vehicle, it is important to check all the parts and components. Wiper blades should be replaced every six months to a year or as soon as you notice a difference in driving visibility. When wiper blades no longer make proper contact with the windshield surface, they can begin to squeak, chatter, skip, smear or streak reducing driving visibility. Make sure you look for any detachment of frame arms at joints or connection points. Check the metal for any corrosion, especially at joints and claws. It is also important to look for any visible cracks, tears, and missing pieces in the rubber squeegee’s edge. The flex rubber squeegee back and forth to see if it is still flexible. Aged squeegees will have difficulty conforming to the shape of your windshield and create streaks. Check squeegee wiping edge for rounded edges which can prevent the wiper blade from making strong contact with the windshield and reduces wipe quality. Also check that squeegee is secure in the wiper frame.

Visibility is fundamental to safe driving. Although drivers depend on their vehicles’ wiper blades to clear away rain, sleet and snow, many wait to replace them until they need them the most. So remembering to maintain wiper blades regularly can maximize visibility, efficiency and reliability. If you notice that your windshield wipers are not in the most efficient condition, replace them as soon as possible, so your visibility will improve.

Remember, wiper blades should be checked every six months and changed at least once a year. Evaluate both the rubber squeegee and the metal frames to avoid common problems such as streaking, skipping, chattering, wearing and splitting. These can all cause a reduced visibility and slowed reaction time while driving. By having the wipers replaced often, you can reduce the chance of them wearing out completely, when you may need to use them the most.