How Long Do Wiper Blades Last?
The wiper blades are two of the most underappreciated parts of the vehicle. They lay silent on sunny days, baking in the hot sun, and then thanklessly clear away rainwater, dirt, and other debris from your windshield so you can see clearly and drive safely.
So just how long do wiper blades last? And how can drivers in the Mission Viejo, Newport Beach, and Rancho Santa Margarita area tell when it’s time to replace them ? Continue reading for the answers to these questions from our team at Norm Reeves Volkswagen Superstore in Irvine.
Average Life Span of Wiper Blades
Generally speaking, wiper blades should be replaced about every six months to ensure optimal performance. However, the life span of your blades can be affected by other factors as well, such as the quality of the blades and the material they’re made from. Some wiper blades, for example, are specially designed to hold up better against wear and tear, while others might deteriorate at a faster rate.
Frequently parking your car in the hot sun can have a huge effect on the windshield wipers as well. The sun and heat break down the plastic, causing the blades to crack and split over time. So parking in the shade could potentially help to lengthen the life span of your wiper blades.
No matter what kind of blades you have or where you decide to park, it’s pretty obvious when a replacement pair is needed.
How to Tell When You Need New Wiper Blades
Reduced visibility is an obvious sign that your wiper blades need to be replaced, but what other signs can indicate bad blades? If you notice any of the following symptoms, it might be time to bring your car in for blade replacement:
- Streaking: When wiping away water, the blades leave trails or streaks across the windshield. This can partially block your view, making it harder to see what’s in front of the vehicle.
- Chattering: A chattering sound when the blades are wiping indicates that they’re bumping up and down against the windshield as they move. This may or may not leave a striped pattern across the windshield.
- Blades Pull Away: The wiper blades are designed to rest firmly against the windshield at all speeds of operation. If you notice that the blades are pulling away from the windshield when wiping at higher speeds, it may be time to replace them.
- Splitting: A wiper blade that’s splitting or cracking will often leave streaks across the windshield when wiping. Pieces may also begin to break off or pull away from the wiper arm.
Replacing Your Wiper Blades
Finding high-quality wiper blades is easy at Norm Reeves Volkswagen Superstore in Irvine. Our team of technicians has access to a variety of brands to fit every budget and can even install them for you.
To schedule a service appointment, contact us today. We proudly serve drivers from across the Mission Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, and Newport Beach area.
