Even though windshield wipers are critical for safe driving, we tend to not think about them until it’s raining or snowing. It’s only after you flip them on and streaks spread across your windshield that you remember it’s time for new ones.
We asked Justin Fortier, general manager of AAA Approved Auto Repair facility Fortier’s Auto Sales & Service in Fall River, Massachusetts, exactly how often to replace windshield wipers.
He recommends at least once a year, and twice is probably better.
“I replace mine in the fall and the spring,” he said.
At Fortier’s shop, wipers usually come up when a customer is getting the oil changed. The technician may notice that the wipers are worn or are cracked while cleaning the windshield.
“The average customer doesn’t mention wipers unless it’s raining,” he said. “They put it out of their minds.”
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Learn MoreSigns It’s Time to Replace Your Windshield Wipers
- Wearing occurs when the blade’s square rubber edges become rounded. This happens after extensive use.
- Splitting occurs when ultraviolet rays from the sun penetrate the blade’s rubber squeegee, causing it to break down and separate from the blade frame.
- Streaking occurs when the wiper’s rubber squeegee dries, hardens and cracks.
- Skipping occurs when the blade develops a curvature due to underuse.
Conditions That Influence Windshield Wiper Efficiency
Wear and tear, infrequent cleaning and environmental factors can all affect windshield wiper performance. Fortier suggests using alcohol to clean the blades regularly to help maintain them.
Ice and snow can take a toll on wipers, especially if the wipers freeze to the windshield. Before a snowstorm, Fortier recommends you stand your wipers upright, but when it is time to put them down, do so slowly; people have broken their windshields by dropping the wipers onto the glass.
Another tip to save your wipers when the temperature drops: Turn the wipers off before shutting off the car. If you don’t and the wipers freeze to the glass, they could break or the windshield could shatter when you turn the car on.
Replacing Wiper Blades
When it’s time to replace your windshield wipers, “try to get a name brand with a guarantee,” advised Fortier. An autobody shop could help you put them on if you are not comfortable tackling the task on your own.
AAA members get discounts at NAPA Auto Parts, online and in select stores.
Do you replace your windshield wipers often enough? Tell us in the comments.
For auto repair and maintenance you can trust, find a AAA Approved Auto Repair facility near you. With savings up to $75 per visit on labor, it’s a service that essentially pays for your membership.
For answers to more of your car questions, check out our Ask a Mechanic series.
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2 Thoughts on “Ask A Mechanic: When to Replace Windshield Wipers”
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During the winter I’ll put a cover (Frost guard) over my windshield to protect my wipers & windshield from frost. Works pretty well.
ABOUT YOUR WINDSHIELD WIPER REPLACEMENT STORY; I found it interesting but perhaps somewhat inadequate in the answers posted on knowng when wiper blades (might) need replacing, maybe, missing any comments about wiper blades that ‘chatter’ in light rain or other times, that might indicate that some of the elements mentioned in the article, BUT NOT easily visible, would be an indication that the rubber is dried out. Reason for this comment? I recently purchased a certified pre-owned Audi that underwent Audi’s rigorous inspection. Within ONLY 2 weeks, in a light somewhat intermittent rain, the wipers ‘chattered/skipped’ across the windshield noisily, but properly clearing the rain fall, on the return swing. Thoretically, NEW blades would not do that, and to me NEW blades should have been part of the ‘maintenance’ done to the car prior to sale. I think the dealer should offer to replace the blades for no charge. What does your wiper ‘expert’ think about that condition. The blades did not appear to look used, or, have any of the other ‘visual’ queues mentioned in your otherwise fine article. I SURE AGREE with the curvature problem from under use!!!! But what do you do when you are in a dry environment to avoid having curvature issues occur? It would only be resolved IF the wiper blades did NOT rest on the glass when ‘parked’. Other than publishing this comment, -NOT necessary- would an answer to my thought about the blades needing replacement for this specific noted condition be appropriate? Thank you in advance should an answer be available. Robin Leech