Replacing Car Wiper Blades: When and How Often Should It Be Done?

The proper functioning of car wipers is crucial for visibility and, consequently, driving safety. Like any consumable component in a vehicle, they require proper maintenance and regular replacement. Find out when and how often you should install new car wipers.

From this article, you will learn:

— How do worn-out wipers affect visibility?

— What are the signs of worn-out wipers?

— How often should you replace car wipers?

— How can you extend the lifespan of car wipers?

How Do Worn-Out Wipers Affect Visibility?

According to research, up to 90% of the decisions made by drivers on the road result from visual information. Car wipers significantly impact maintaining optimal visibility and thus the safety of the driver and passengers.

Independent analyses have shown that well-maintained wipers can improve visibility by up to 34% compared to used and worn wipers. This directly translates to a reduced risk of accidents.

Worn-out wipers can also cause damage to the windshield, which in turn means an expensive repair. Therefore, it is essential to recognize the first signs of worn car wipers and respond appropriately.

What Are the Signs of Worn-Out Wipers?

To determine the need for wiper replacement in time, regular inspection is necessary, similar to checking tire pressure or engine oil. The effectiveness of the blades can best be assessed during driving in the rain. A significant drop in visibility is a clear sign that it’s time to replace the wipers.

When inspecting the condition of the wipers, pay attention to these four main signs:

1. Narrow Streaks on the Windshield

Streaking can be caused by the worn edge of the blade or the adhesion of foreign bodies to the rubber surface. Narrow streaks can also result from rubber damage due to high temperatures, dirt, or ice.

2. Loud and “Jerky” Work of Wipers

Temperature and prolonged use cause the rubber of the wipers to harden, resulting in excessive noise during blade operation. The cause may also be too much play in the connector or wiper arm.

3. Uneven Cleaning on the Windshield

When the wiper presses with insufficient force, uncleaned spots remain on the windshield. The cause may also be deformation of the rubber blade, mechanical damage to the arm, or improper alignment of the wiper’s metal components.

4. Misty Windshield Surface

If you don’t use the wipers for an extended period, a characteristic haze may appear on the windshield when you turn them on. The most common reason is deformation or hardening of the rubber due to high temperatures.

How Often Should You Replace Car Wipers?

The wear rate of car wipers depends on the product quality, frequency of use, and weather conditions. These components typically function effectively for about six months. Experts recommend replacing wipers before and after the winter season. Replacing them before winter reduces the risk of the blades freezing to the windshield. A worn-out wiper has reduced performance, which increases the risk of freezing and damage.

Additionally, throughout the summer season, wipers are exposed to UV radiation. Sunlight significantly accelerates the aging process of the rubber. As a result, the wiper blade loses its optimal performance, and the rubber becomes less flexible and more prone to cracking. During the winter, when temperatures are below freezing, these cracks can reduce the wiper’s effectiveness in clearing water and dirt.

To slow down the wear rate of wiper blades, OXIMO brand products use a special silicone-rubber compound. This protects the material from cracking. Additionally, the blade surface is coated with a layer of Teflon, ensuring the wipers work quietly and efficiently even in challenging weather conditions.

The timing of wiper replacement largely depends on you as the driver. If the wiper is working properly and providing good visibility, there is no need to replace it. However, remember that the decline in wiper performance is gradual, so you might not notice the decreasing effectiveness.

How to Determine If There Is a Need to Replace Wipers

A small amount of dirt on the windshield does not necessarily mean that the wipers need to be replaced. Sometimes, simply cleaning the blades of dirt can be sufficient. However, this is an early signal that you should consider buying a new set of wipers in the near future.

The main signs indicating the need to replace wipers are:

• Loud noise emitted by the wiper during operation.
• Irregular streaks and patches left on the windshield despite the wipers being used.
• Haze on the windshield caused by insufficient removal of fluid from its surface.

You can also assess the condition of the wipers by doing it “dry.” If the surface of the rubber is wrinkled, chipped, or crumbling, it is necessary to replace the wipers.

How to Extend the Lifespan of Car Wipers

There are no indestructible wipers on the market. Every model requires regular replacement. However, you can take certain actions to extend the lifespan of your wipers:

• Regularly clean the wiper blades of dirt, dust particles, and ice or snow residues. Contaminants can distort the rubber elements and scratch the windshield during wiper operation. Use a damp cotton cloth or sponge and dishwashing liquid to clean the blades.
• Clear snow and ice from the windshield by using a scraper. If the windshield surface is heavily iced or covered with a thick layer of snow, the wiper arm may also get damaged.
• Park the car in an enclosed space. This protects the wipers from the negative effects of UV radiation, which causes the rubber to crack and warp.
• Regularly use the wipers. Wipers not used for a long time lose their flexibility.
• Generously spray the windshield before turning on the wipers. Do not turn them on “dry.” This can scratch the windshield and damage the blades. Remember that the friction coefficient on a dry surface is 25 times greater than on a wet one.

The durability and effectiveness of wipers are also influenced by the quality of the materials used during production. The best proof of this is the products from the OXIMO brand. Their most important features are:

• Resistance to cracking, thanks to the use of natural rubber with silicone.
• Quiet operation due to an additional layer of Teflon (PTFE).
• Strong construction thanks to a rail made of galvanized steel.

Do you want to replace your wipers with new ones? Use the best search engine on the market at our website – Oximo.pl. Match the front and rear wipers to the model of your car. Take advantage of the manufacturer’s offer and choose an excellent quality-to-price ratio. Ensure regular wiper replacement and increase your safety on the road.