When do I need new wiper blades?
You should put new wiper blades on your vehicle if one or more of the following occurs:
- Your windshield looks worse after the blades have passed over
- The blades pass over and miss everything
- You can't remember the last time you replaced them, or perhaps you've never replaced them
- Your blade path is streaky, even when washer fluid is applied
- The wiper blades chatter and skip as they glide across the windshield. This is caused by a curving of the blades
- The tension in your blades fail, causing them to lose contact with the windshield
- Your wiper blades begin to scratch or score your windshield
How do I take care of my wiper blades?
You should give your blades a thorough inspection every season and change once per year. If you think it might be time—just change them! Poorly performing blades decrease visibility causing fatigue from eye-strain and anxiety. You should definitely show your blades some love! When cleaning your windshield, clean your blades as well. Wipe them off with the paper towels at the service centre so that all debris and road grit is cleared away. Remember: Your blades are not a suitable ice remover. Make sure you use an ice scraper for cleaning your windshield and let your vehicle defrost properly, to preserve your wiper blades
What causes wiper blades to fail?
The sun's ultra-violet light can cause fading and deterioration of the wiper blade compound. Airborne debris can also etch or become embedded into the compound and damage wipers. In addition, extreme cold temperatures can cause the compound in your blades to become hard and brittle, which allows them to be easily damaged.
How do I inspect my wiper blades?
You can inspect your wiper blades by doing the following:
- Check your wiper blades by running your fingers along the edges, feeling for the roundness of the edges as well as splits and debris
- Tug on blades to ensure they are firmly attached to the wiper arm
- Twist and flex the rubber back and forth to ensure it's still soft and pliable. When finished, your blades should conform back to their original shape
- Your wiper has three basic parts, the squeegee, the wiper frame and the wiper arm. Make sure the squeegee is secure in the frame, and the frame is secure in the arm
Helpful Windshield Wiper Tips:
- Turning on your wipers when there is an access of snow load on them or when they are frozen can cause damage not only to the wiper blade, but to the whole wiper mechanism including the motor. Make sure your wipers are able to move freely before turning them on.
- When your wipers are not performing well, there is a tendency to use excessive wiper fluid to clean your windshield. The cost for extra fluid can often exceed the cost of replacement blades.
- Using your wiper blades to the point where they scratch, score or damage your windshield could cause your vehicle to fail a basic safety inspection and may result in a costly repair.