{"id":63729,"date":"2023-09-11T07:21:27","date_gmt":"2023-09-11T06:21:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/carmart.africa\/blog\/?p=63729"},"modified":"2023-09-11T07:21:27","modified_gmt":"2023-09-11T06:21:27","slug":"when-should-you-change-your-windshield-wiper-blades","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/carlots.ng\/motoring\/when-should-you-change-your-windshield-wiper-blades\/","title":{"rendered":"When Should You Change Your Windshield Wiper Blades?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

A key part of every car is making sure all the necessary maintenance<\/a> is complete. But it\u2019s not talking just about involved tasks like oil changes and timing belt replacement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are a number of small and seemingly minor maintenance tasks that, if not completed, can cause potential accidents. And one of those is making your windshield wiper blades are in good condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Windshield Wipers are not just made of Rubbers or Plastics<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As with your car\u2019s tires<\/a>, its windshield wipers and blades have evolved over the years. True, the \u2018traditional\u2019 or \u2018conventional\u2019 rubber blade attached to a metal frame, is still around. But that\u2019s not the only kind of windshield wiper blade available nowadays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Firstly, some brands incorporate rain-repellant chemicals into their blades. And secondly, the traditional blade is now joined by \u2018flat\/beam\u2019 and \u2018hybrid\u2019 blades. According to Consumer Reports<\/em><\/a>, they all function in the same way. Namely, a motor moves an arm that presses the rubber blade into the windshield to remove obstructions, dirt, liquid, etc. However, they differ in how the wiper blades stay in contact with the windshield.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beam blades lack a frame. Instead, steel springs or a single solid shape are built into the rubber itself. This makes them adhere better to the windshield, which has both aerodynamic and cleaning benefits. However, they\u2019re more expensive, and their one-piece designs clog more easily with sand and dirt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hybrid wiper blades combine the traditional blade\u2019s metal frame with a beam blade\u2019s one-piece design. They\u2019re not quite as light or as quiet at high speeds as beam blades. However, they perform better than traditional ones and don\u2019t clog as easily as beam ones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Windshield blades for harsh weather like heavy rainy seasons can fit into any one of the previously mentioned categories. They\u2019re designed with the harshest weather conditions in mind. They have thicker blades made of specially conditioned rubber compounds to remain flexible even in the cold. Some have Teflon-coated edges to improve windshield clearing. Their frames and hinges are also stronger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When Should I Change My Windshield?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Are your windshield wipers truly terrible? It might just be time for new wiper blades. Even if you don\u2019t drive often, windshield wiper blades do require periodic replacement. Typically, the recommended schedule is 6-12 months, Autoblog<\/em><\/a> reports. However, depending on how often and where you use your wipers, that may be too long of a period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are several signs that your windshield wiper blades need changes. Worn blades squeak as they move across the glass, as well as vibrate excessively. They also leave streaks behind or don\u2019t wipe fluid away at all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Change a Windshield Blade Wiper<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

However, the blade itself isn\u2019t the only part of the windshield wiper. The entire arm is attached to a multi-part mechanism. There\u2019s the electric motor, the linkage, and gears connecting it to the arm, and wires and electrical components controlling the motor, The Drive<\/em><\/a> reports. And just like the wiper blade, these parts can also wear down over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Should I Change the Blade or the Entire Wiper?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Typically, the windshield wiper blades are the only regularly-replaced part of the whole assembly. And they don\u2019t always need to be swapped out, but cleaned and adjusted to maintain a good glass connection. But if you\u2019re noticing issues even after they\u2019ve been swapped out, the rest of the wiper may need to be inspected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Two common issues are a bent wiper frame and a loose wiper-transmission nut. The former often causes chattering, rather than squeaking. As for the latter, you know when the wiper stops moving. Luckily, the solution is just to tighten the nut holding the arm to the transmission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n