Windshield Wipers: They Don't Get No Respect (and Why They Should)
They take extremes in heat and cold, remove snow and rain, and sometimes even ice and dirt from your windshield. Plus, they may even have to operate in those hostile conditions for hours at a time.
And yet, windshield wipers are made out of thin, flexible rubber. That's not exactly the kind of material that can take such abuse for long periods of time! So, while windshield wipers are one of the hardest working parts of your car, they are also one of the least durable.
It's important to remember that when you say, "What! You mean I have to replace my wipers already?" Typically, wipers last between 6-12 months. Of course, you have to factor in weather conditions and what the blades are made of.
If you live in southern California where the climate is sunny and dry, your wiper blades should last longer. But if you never turn them on, the heat and lack of moisture can damage the blades. Extremely cold weather makes the blades stiff, so they easily fracture.
Causes of Rubber Deterioration
Common causes of wiper deterioration are directly related to Mother Nature and environmental factors:
• Car waxes and exhausts have rubber-deteriorating oil
• Ultraviolet light from the sun as well as ozone destruction
• Salt water and acid rain
• Sand, mud, and dust carried by the wind
All of these factors greatly affect how long your windshield wiper blades will last.
Wiper Blade Differences
Ordinary rubber blades have the shortest lifespan while halogen-hardened rubber blades will last a little longer. But the longest lasting blades are silicone, able to exceed a year of use even when it's intense use.
The rub is they cost more, but sometimes you do get what you pay for!
How to Know When to Replace Your Windshield Wiper Blades
Wipers aren't subtle about when they need to be replaced. They let you know in no uncertain terms because they aren't making the proper contact with the windshield surface.
You'll hear them squeak or chatter. Blades also show signs of age with these telltale signs:
• Skipping--caused when the blade develops a curvature from lack of use.
• Streaking --occurs when the squeegee dries, hardens, and cracks. Other causes are road tar and tree sap. Foreign substances that collect on the windshield or the blade cause wear and tear, too.
• Splitting-the sun's UV rays break down the rubber and separate it from the frame.
• Wearing-Extensive use causes the rubber edges to round instead of remaining square.
• Bent Frames and Bent Refill Vertebra-These cause inconsistent contact with the windshield which causes skipping or streaking.
Inspecting Your Wiper Blades
As part of regular maintenance, include checking your wiper blades. Here's what to look for:
• Metal corrosion-Look around the joints and claws especially.
• Flex the rubber-Flex the rubber squeegee back and forth to make sure it's still flexible. Aged rubber won't conform to the shape of your windshield which causes streaks.
• Check wiping edge-Check the squeegee wiping edge to see if the corners have become rounded. This can prevent the blades from making a strong contact with the windshield. In turn, that will reduce the wiping quality.
• Broken frame-Check for the detachment of frame arms at connection points and joints.
• Visible abnormalities-Look for tears, cracks, and missing pieces in the rubber's edge.
• Tug on the blade-Tugging on the blade will ensure it's been properly installed on the wiper arm.
A Couple of More Suggestions
Some simple ways to extend windshield wiper life is to clean your windshield every time you gas up your tank.
With a damp towel, gently wipe the blade to remove any oil or dirt. Don't ever use your wipers to de-ice your windshield! Get an ice scraper or start your vehicle and let the defroster melt it.
During winter months, pull the wiper blades away from the glass to prevent ice build up and to keep the rubber from sticking to the windshield.
Remember, efficient windshield wipers are just as important as changing the oil and rotating tires. Give them some respect and inspect them regularly!
Joe Bowman Auto Plaza has GM-certified technicians that are trained to know every inch of your truck, SUV, or car. They are dedicated to extending the life of your vehicle!
