How to know when it's time (to change your wipers)
Anyone who has diven with old, damaged windshield wipers knows that neglecting service can become a real headache. Windshield wipers that have exceeded their service life do not perform as they should, leaving you with limited visibility. While it's not always readily apparent when wipers have reached the end of their service life, there are some telltale signs to watch out for that can signal it's time for an upgrade.
Here are the top three indicators that it's time to replace your wipers:
YOU HAVE DIMINISHED VISIBILITY
The easiest way to tell it's time to replace your wipers is if your visibility is limited.
YOUR WIPERS ARE NOISY
Your windshield wiper blades should fit flush against the windshield. When wipers begin to deteriorate or are damaged, they can pull away from the windshield and become noisy when activated. This "chattering" noise can also be caused by a bent wiper arm.
YOUR WIPERS ARE VISIBLY DAMAGED
Older windshield wipers and wipers that have been subjected to extreme weather conditions can become cracked and brittle. Once the rubber on the wiper blade dries out or is otherwise compromised, it will not clear your windshield effectively. Damaged wipers are often easy to spot. You should visually inspect your blades several times a year to verify that the material is in good condition. Rule of thumb is that you should replace your wiper blades every 6 to 12 months.
