Symptoms of a Bad or Faulty Windshield Wiper Blade
Common signs include streaks on the glass, squealing when the wipers operate, and wiper blades bouncing when they operate.
Proper windshield wiper operation is vital to the safe operation of any vehicle. Whether you live in the desert or where there is a lot of rain, snow or hail, it is important to know that the wiper blades will clear the windshield when needed. However, because they are made of soft rubber, they wear out over time and need to be replaced. Many car manufacturers agree that they should be replaced every six months regardless of usage.
Many people often find that windshield wiper blades wear out in areas with frequent rain. This is not always true. In fact, dry desert conditions can be worse for wiper blades, as the hot sun causes the blades to warp, crack, or melt. There are many different types of windshield wiper blades and different ways to replace them. Most car owners will replace the entire blade that attaches to the wiper arm; while others will replace the soft blade insert. Regardless of which option you choose, it's vital to replace them if you recognize some of the common warning signs of a bad or faulty wiper blade.
Listed below are some of the common warning signs that you have bad or worn wiper blades and it's time to replace them.
1. Stripes on glass
The wiper blades press evenly against the windshield and smoothly remove water, debris and other objects from the glass. The result of smooth operation is that there will be very few streaks on the windshield. However, as wiper blades age, wear out, or break, they are unevenly pressed against the windshield. This reduces their ability to clean the windshield effectively and leaves streaks and smudges on the glass during operation. If you often see stripes on your windshield, this is a good sign that they are worn out and need to be replaced as soon as possible.
2. Creaking when the wipers work
The smooth blade of the wiper is like a brand new razor: it cleans debris quickly, smoothly and silently. However, once the wiper blade has reached its end of life, you will hear a squealing noise caused by the uneven sliding of the rubber on the windshield. The screeching sound can also be caused by hard rubber that has shriveled due to overexposure to sunlight and heat. Not only does this type of worn wiper blade cause a squeal, it can also scratch your windshield. If you notice that your windscreen wiper blades squeak when moving from left to right, replace them as soon as possible.
3. Wiper blades bounce when working
If you've turned on your wiper blades and they seem to be bouncing, this is also a warning sign that your blades have done their job and need to be replaced. However, this could also mean that the wiper arm is bent and needs to be replaced. If you notice this symptom, you can have your local ASE certified mechanic inspect the wiper blades and wiper arm to determine what is broken.
Windshield wiper blade replacement is recommended by most vehicle manufacturers every six months. However, a good rule of thumb is to buy new wiper blades and install them at the same time as your regular oil change. Most car owners drive 3,000 to 5,000 miles every six months. It is also recommended to change the wiper blades depending on the season. For cold climates, there are wiper blades with special coatings and coatings that prevent ice from building up on the blades themselves.
No matter where you live, it's always smart to plan ahead and replace your windshield wipers on time. If you need help with this, one of our local ASE certified mechanics from AvtoTachki can come to your home or office to perform this important service for you.
