Your windshield wipers are an extremely important part of your car. Without them, it would be nearly impossible to see in inclement weather. However, due to the nature of their function, windshield wipers are subjected to a great deal of physical stress, which can result in damage over time. Thankfully, there are a few simple and easily noticeable things to look for which can indicate that it's time for you to change your windshield wipers.
Streaking or Smearing
If you notice that your windshield wipers leave streaks or smears on your windshield while working, and they do not quickly and fully clear the windshield of water or other debris, this is a sign that they are no longer making full contact with the glass. This can be because of a variety of reasons: the rubber has begun to break down on the blade, the blade itself has warped in shape, or the wiper arm is no longer aligned with the windshield. Replace the wiper blades as soon as possible. If the problem persists, the issue is with the arm, not the blades, and you should see a mechanic from a company like G P Automotive.
Noises
If your windshield wipers make a significant amount of noise while working, it's time to replace the blades. It's possible that the rubber has eroded off of the blade and the plastic or metal of the wiper is rubbing up against the window. While this will result in a great deal of noise and will ruin the wiper's efficiency in removing water from the windshield, it can also cause damage to the glass in the long term, which can be a costly and time-consuming repair. Replace the blade as soon as possible.
Brittleness and Fraying
Instead of waiting until it rains before checking to see if your windshield wipers are working properly, you can visually inspect the wiper blades for signs of damage. Check the rubber coating on the edge of the blade. If there are any signs of damage, such as fraying or missing parts of the blade, it's time to replace the wiper entirely. Additionally, if the rubber is brittle and unable to flex or bend well, it has probably reached the end of its lifespan and should be replaced.
Replacing Windshield Wipers
Check your owner's manual to find the correct length and recommended specifications for replacement windshield wipers. Alternatively, you can bring in your old worn wipers into a mechanic or an auto parts store to have a professional match them with replacements.
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