Knowing When to Replace Windshield Wipers
There’s nothing worse than the sinking feeling and anxiety from driving in the rain or snow and discovering you can’t see clearly. Knowing when to replace your windshield wipers can give you peace of mind when those raindrops or snowflakes begin to fall.
It may seem like a small thing to worry about, but having clear visibility and properly working windshield wipers are a matter of safety. Your sight accounts for 90% of your driving decisions, and the weather is a significant factor in your vision and how you control your vehicle. Properly working wipers can save lives.
Should Worn Wiper Blades Concern You?
The biggest concern with worn windshield wiper blades is safety. The Federal Highway Administration has identified impaired visibility as a leading factor in weather-related car accidents.
Using old wiper blades can also damage your windshield by scraping dirt and even the metal wiper arm across the glass, leading to more costly repairs.
And, let’s be honest—old wiper blades can be an annoyance. Fortunately, Take 5 has your back. We’ll help you remember to take good care of your vehicle to ensure comfort and safety at each oil change visit.
4 Signs You Need New Windshield Wipers
Windshield wipers have a manufacturer's estimated lifespan. When you choose your new windshield wipers, note the conditions for which they’re recommended and the windshield wiper lifespan. This time frame is usually between six to twelve months. Early autumn and spring are excellent times for a routine windshield wiper change to prepare for ice, snow, and April showers.
It is easy to forget something like changing your wiper blades every six months. Life can get busy, and windshield wipers may not be a priority until you discover they’re not doing their job. Take 5 Oil Change recommends combining windshield wiper assessment with other regular car maintenance tasks.
In the meantime, while pumping gas and cleaning your windshield, take an extra moment to wipe down your wiper blades. Simply cleaning your blades can help improve their lifespan. This maintenance offers an opportunity to check for splits, cracks, bends, or breaks in the rubber. Check the wiper frames for bends, loose, or missing connections.
Additional signs you need new windshield wiper blades include: Streaks: Does your windshield have streaks after the wiper has swept by? Squeaking: Wipers should be seen, not heard. Noise indicates a flaw in the rubber or wiper blade mechanism. Chattering or skipping: Why do your windshield wipers skip? Chattering or skipping means areas on your wiper blades aren’t contacting the windshield. This condition occurs with uneven friction between the contact points and the worn areas. Uneven swipes: If large areas of your windshield remain wet after each wiper pass, the blade may be worn, torn, and ineffective.
Getting your oil changed is an excellent time to inspect your windshield wiper blades and fluids. Your fast and friendly Take 5 technicians include this service during each visit. The technicians top off your washer fluid and alert you to wiper blades showing signs they need to be replaced.
If you’re wondering where to get your windshield wipers replaced, consider Take 5 Oil Change. Our technicians can change them out faster than you can say, “I’ll pick some up the next time I’m at the store.”
Including routine wiper blade replacements with your oil change saves you time and money. More importantly, it keeps you safe with clear vision behind the wheel.
Is it time for an oil change and windshield wiper assessment? Find a Take 5 Oil Change location near you and stop by. Check out our current deals and experience the peace of mind that comes with quality services and friendly technicians.
