How to Prolong the Lifespan of Windshield Wipers?

First published on: May 23, 2024

Are your windshield wipers making that dreaded screeching noise or leaving streaks across your view? Don’t you wish they could last a bit longer before needing to be replaced? You’re not alone!

Wipers are one of those parts on a car that are often forgotten about until you really need them-like during a sudden rainstorm or when it’s snowing and sleeting at the same time.

In this guide, we will go over some simple and efficient tips for improving your windshield wipers life span. Whether you’ve been driving for years or just starting out, it’s easier than you think to keep your wipers in good shape, which means saving some money too.

So let us dive straight into the water and have a glimpse through crystal clear wipers.

Regularly Clean Your Windshield Wipers

It is important to regularly clean your windshield wipers if you want them to last long. The problem occurs when dirt and debris get stuck on the blades of the wiper which causes fast wear off and poor performance. You can easily prevent this build-up by cleaning; thus ensuring that the blades move smoothly.

To clean your wipers, lift the wiper arms away from the windshield and use a soft cloth with mild soap and water to gently wipe the blades. Avoid using harsh chemicals as these can damage the rubber surface. If there is stubborn dirt that does not come off easily, try specific windshield washer fluids designed specifically for cleaning them. Rinse with clean water after washing then dry using a cloth free from lint.

Not only does this reduce strain on your windscreen but also ensures cleaner ones lessening friction on blades and also contributes to faster wearing out of these items thus reducing their lifespan through maintaining both sides clean sight will be maintained all along whilst preserving the life span of the windshield itself.

Replacement Tips and Frequency

Knowing when and how to replace your windshield wipers is essential for maintaining clear visibility and safety. Typically, wiper blades should be replaced every six months to a year, depending on usage and environmental conditions. Signs that your wipers need replacing include streaking, skipping, or squeaking noises during use.

If you want to replace your wiper blades, choose the correct size for your vehicle. You can find this information in your car’s manual or by measuring the old blades.

Installing new wipers is straightforward: lift the wiper arm, remove the old blade, and attach the new one according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Proper installation ensures the wipers work efficiently and don’t damage the windshield.

Proper Use of Windshield Wipers

Using your windshield wipers correctly can significantly prolong their lifespan. For example, never use them on dry windshields since they will cause unnecessary friction resulting in quick wearing out of blades. Always use windshield washer fluid to wet the surface before activating the wipers.

Moreover, only using them when you need to do so is another good approach to extending their lifespans. Continuous running especially at high speeds strains both wiper motors and blades themselves too much. In light rain consider setting them in intermittent mode rather than continuous wiping.

Lastly, be mindful of debris on your windshield. Dirt leaves and other particles can damage the wiper blades. Before using the wipers, manually remove any large debris from the windshield to prevent unnecessary wear.

Protecting Wipers from Extreme Weather

Severe weather conditions can have a big impact on the life of your windscreen wipers. Rubber can become dry and brittle in hot temperatures while the cold conditions make them fragile and less efficient.

To avoid this, you should park your car in the shade or use a windshield cover to protect the wipers from direct sunlight during sunny days. This will prevent the rubber from deteriorating. During winter months, lift the wiper blades so they don’t freeze onto the glass. If they do get frozen on the glass, do not pull them out as it could damage their edges; instead, use a de-icer spray.

In addition, never attempt to remove ice or heavy snow with wipers. You should have an ice scraper for ice and a brush for snow so that you don’t put undue strain on the wipers.

By doing these things, you can guard against any weather-induced harm to your wipers meaning they remain useful in all seasons.

ALSO SEE: 10 Ways to Get Your Car Ready for Winter

Choosing the Right Wiper Blades

There are different kinds of blades that you may find like traditional rubber ones or more resilient silicone alternatives.

The choice of blade depends on factors such as location and climate. For example, if you live where rain falls heavily quite often then expensive silicon blades may be worth investing in. Additionally, always ensure that the size of the blade corresponds with the vehicle type selected by owner/ driver so as to get maximum contact between shield surfaces, therefore, better performance.

By selecting appropriate windscreen cleaners for your car needs there is good visibility which improves safety while at the same time extending the lifespan of your devices thus making them cost effective. The right blade selection is a simple but significant way to guarantee the best performance under any given climatic condition.