How Often You Should Replace Windshield Wipers

Your windshield wipers are a crucial part of your vehicle, but they only last between six and 12 months before they need to be replaced. Since that is a large window of time, it's best to look for certain signs that they are going bad.

First of all, check the rubber blades on your windshield wipers at least once a month. If they are rough to the touch or you can see cracks and gouges in the rubber, you should replace your windshield wipers.

Next, take a look at your windshield when you use your wipers. Ideally, they should leave your windshield looking practically spotless. If they leave streaks in the glass or fail to remove all the water and snow from your windshield, they're probably going bad and should be replaced before they start to affect your visibility.

It would be best if you also listened to your windshield wipers when you use them. Healthy windshield wipers are nearly silent when they're turned on, while old wipers that are going bad tend to squeak and squeal as they move across your windshield. Not only is this a clear sign that your wipers are going bad, but it can also cause a serious headache if you're forced to listen to it when you're driving on a rainy day.

Finally, look at the metal arms and joints of your windshield wipers. If they are starting to rust or they show other signs of damage, they should be replaced. A little rust won't affect your visibility when you turn on your windshield wipers, but too much could cause your wipers to break. Since you don't want that to happen when you're on a highway during a thunderstorm, it's best that you buy new windshield wipers as soon as possible.

The good news about windshield wipers is that they are easy to replace. In most cases, all you need to do is purchase replacement wipers from the nearest automotive store and install them yourself. If you're not comfortable with this bit of maintenance, you can always bring your vehicle to Gwinnett Place Nissan and let us take a look at it. We can ensure that you receive the proper windshield wipers for your vehicle and that they are installed correctly. Contact us for more information or to schedule a service appointment for any other reason.