What Happens If Your Wiper Blades Get Too Old?

Owning a vehicle comes with a great deal of responsibility. Besides managing your monthly payments and insurance premiums and filling up your gas tank (or charging the battery if you have an EV), regular maintenance is essential to keeping your vehicle on the road. Besides routine oil changes and tire rotations, smaller tasks like changing your windshield wiper blades are just as crucial. 

Regular windshield wiper replacement ensures your wipers can effectively remove dust, rain, and snow from your line of sight. Neglecting this essential item can also damage your windshield and lead to costly repairs. Today, we’ll discuss the tell-tale signs that your wiper blades need to be replaced and what can happen if they are ignored. 

Common Signs Your Wiper Blades Need to Be Replaced 

The car, truck, or SUV you drive has multiple sensors and onboard computers to diagnose its health and alert you when certain items need to be looked at or changed. However, these various technologies don’t monitor the wiper blades; you must determine when to replace them. Luckily, there are signs that you can pay attention to that determine when replacing your wiper blades is necessary. 

Streaks

Wiper blades wear out over time and through prolonged use. If you notice that your blades are becoming less effective and leaving streaks when in use, this is usually a sign that they should be replaced with new ones. These streaks are caused by the rubber blade wearing unevenly, which means it can no longer maintain even contact with the glass.

Squeaking

Wiper blades that are reaching the end of their lives can sometimes make noises when used. If you hear a considerable amount of grating or squeaking when you power on your wipers, this can be caused by a number of factors. Sometimes, debris in the form of leaves or dust has accumulated over time. Once this has been removed, the squeaking might stop. If squeaking persists, this is a sign that you should have your blades replaced. Two other factors leading to squeaky wiper blades can be an empty wiper fluid reservoir or a poor connection. However, the most common issue that leads to squeaking wipers is worn rubber on the blades.

Wear and Tear

As with any mechanical device, regularly inspecting your wipers is always a good idea. A quick look at them might reveal excessive wear and tear. Depending on the quality of the blades you choose and how often you need to use them, it’s generally recommended to have them replaced every six months or at least once a year. 

Extreme Temperatures

Depending on the time of year, there’s a good chance that extreme cold or excessive heat has been detrimental to the efficiency of your wiper blades. Excessive hot and cold temperatures can cause your blades to make a chattering sound. 

Wiper Blade Damage Can Be the Result of Neglect 

Routine maintenance is essential for your vehicle to perform reliably, and that includes maintaining your wiper blades. Having your wiper blades replaced regularly is just as important as having your tires rotated and your oil changed. Neglecting blade replacement can lead to larger and more costly repairs to your vehicle. 

The most common damage caused by not regularly replacing wiper blades is scratches on the windshield. Wiper blades are made of rubber but tend to be held in place by metal parts. If the rubber wears down too much, the metal parts can cause severe damage to the windshield that can only be taken care of by costly repairs or windshield replacement. 

Preventative Maintenance Tips for Wiper Blades 

In order to prevent damage to your windshield and keep your wipers working at their best, there are multiple tasks you can perform as a form of preventative maintenance. As with any other part of your vehicle, a little attention now can prevent costly repairs down the road. 

Inspect Them Regularly

Even if you recently had new wiper blades installed, there’s still a chance that they’re ineffective or have pre-existing faults that can lead to further damage. Take a close look at your wiper blades before and after installation. It’s important to follow the installation instructions carefully or have a professional do it to ensure it is done correctly. Check the blades for cracks, tears, and uneven edges. Even new blades can have faults. 

Keep Them Clean

If you park your vehicle outside or use it for activities such as off-roading or camping, there’s a good chance that dirt and debris have accumulated on the wiper blades. Using dirty wiper blades can cause scratches in the windshield; using a damp cloth to clean the blades can prevent scratches from occurring. Another thing to consider if you park your vehicle outside is that excessive heat can warp the blades, and freezing temperatures can render them inoperative. 

De-Ice Frozen Windshields

One of the most common mistakes made by drivers who live in a cold climate is using their windshield wipers on a frozen windshield. This can damage the blades and cause scratches on the windshield. Make sure to remove any ice before using your wipers.

Check the Arms

Your vehicle’s windshield wipers are attached to arms that move them back and forth. However, these arms are relatively fragile and can be damaged easily. Check the arms periodically to ensure that they’re still in good condition. 

Keep Your Wiper Fluid Reservoir Filled

Under the hood, you’ll find a reservoir that holds your windshield washer fluid. A great way to ensure that your wipers aren’t used on a dry surface, which can lead to scratches on your windshield, is to ensure there’s always plenty of washer fluid. Carrying extra fluid in the trunk of your vehicle is a good habit to follow. 

What Type of Wiper Blades Should I Use? 

Many different brands manufacture wiper blades. A general rule of thumb when purchasing parts for your vehicle is that you will either pay more now or pay more later. Quality blades might cost a little more, but they tend to last longer and are more effective than cheaper ones. The most important aspect of choosing wiper blades is to follow the owner’s manual for your particular make and model. The owner’s manual says what size and type are best used for your vehicle. If you’re not sure about what to get, you can also simply ask our team. The next time you bring your vehicle in for service, consult with a technician and ask them to advise you on which ones work best. 

Wiper Blade Replacement at McCluskey Chevrolet 

Regularly replacing your wiper blades is a small but important way to ensure your vehicle’s longevity. Here at McCluskey Chevrolet, our technicians can advise you which set will work best for your vehicle and install them correctly for you. It’s important to remember that not only will fresh wiper blades prevent damage to the windshield of your vehicle, but they will also help ensure your visibility when on the road. It’s not just a matter of maintaining the structural integrity of what you drive but ensuring safe travel no matter where the road ahead might take you. Thanks to our parts department, you can find the finest quality blades. We can also inspect the wiper fluid reservoir and its connections and the mechanical wiper arms to ensure that your wipers are in proper working order.