How Often You Should Replace Windshield Wipers

According to most experts, windshield wipers should be replaced every six to 12 months. The reason why there is such a large window of time is that the lifespan of your wipers depends on several factors, such as where you keep your vehicle, where you've driven, and even what kind of windshield wipers you're using. With all of these factors in play, it's best to keep a close eye on your windshield wipers and look for the following signs that they are going bad.

Worn Rubber Blades

First of all, you should check the rubber blades on your windshield wipers at least once a month. These blades are what wipe rain and snow away from your windshield, so they need to be in good condition. If they are rough to the touch or there are visible cracks or gouges in the rubber, your windshield wipers should be replaced.

Streaks On Your Windshield

When your wipers are going bad, they often leave streaks as they fail to remove water and dirt from your windshield. This may seem like a minor annoyance at first, but it will impair your vision if it gets particularly bad. You also might hear squeaks and squeals when old and damaged wipers are moving across your windshield, which will probably annoy you enough to want to buy replacements even if your windshield wipers are technically still working.

Rusted Metal

Finally, look at the metal arms and joints of your windshield wipers. If you see rust or any other signs of damage, they could be on the verge of breaking off. Since you really don't want this to happen while you're driving through heavy rain, it's best to replace your windshield wipers before that can happen.

The good news is that it isn't that hard to replace your windshield wipers. In most cases, you only need to buy replacement wipers at a nearby automotive or hardware store and install them yourself. You still need to know what kind of windshield wipers you need for your vehicle, though. If you don't know what you need, you can always bring your vehicle to Van Subaru. We can take a look at it and determine which windshield wipers will be best for you. Contact us today if you have any additional questions about your windshield wipers or if you need to schedule any other service appointments.