How long do wiper blades last?

How long do wiper blades last

DIYers are often hit up for new wiper blades when they get their oil changed. In most cases, the owners never even though about replacing their wiper blades. But wiper blades do wear out, so the question is really, “How long do wiper blades last?”

Well, there’s no set answer because wiper blade life depends on factors like how often they’re used, the road conditions in your area, and whether you park your vehicle outside in the sunlight.

What wears out wiper blades

• Obviously, the more you use them, the more they wear out. They’re rubber squeegees after all and the more they wipe, the more it wears down the sharp edge of the rubber.

• Driving in dusty driving conditions can coat the windshield with road grit. If you wash your windshield or turn them on in the rain, they’re going to wipe all that sand and grit off the windshield and wear down the rubber.

• Long exposure to UV rays deteriorates the blade rubber and the plastic frame. If you park your vehicle outside in the sun, the rubber blade will degrade faster.

• A crack or chip in your windshield can cut the blade rubber and cause streaks.

How to know when to replace wiper blades

• When wiper blades wear out they smear across the windshield or cause streaks. That’s the first sign that they’re worn.

• When your wiper chatter and screech across the glass, that’s also a sign that they’re worn.

Here are some general rules on how long wiper blades last

• If you park outside in the sun, replace your wiper blades every 6-months

• If you drive on gravel roads or in dusty conditions, replace your wiper blades every 6-months.

• If you have a cracked windshield, have used your wiper blades on the cracked windshield and now see streaks, replace your wiper blades ASAP.

• If you park in a garage and don’t drive on gravel roads or in dusty conditions, replace wiper blades once a year or whenever you notice streaking when using the wipers.

The best time to replace wiper blades

In Spring before the rainy season starts. If you’ve used your wipers over the winter and notice streaking, replace them before spring rains begin.

In the Fall before winter. If you live in a snowy area, you’ll want new blades to increase visibility on dark winter nights.

Want to know more about wiper blades? See these articles

How to chose replacement wiper blades — what are the best brands and styles

Everything you ever wanted to know about windshield washer fluid — there more to it than just price and color

What to do if your washer fluid freezes

©, 2021 Rick Muscoplat