How often should you replace your wiper blades?

Quick facts

  • Replace wiper blades every 6 to 12 months regardless of how much rain you have had
  • Streaking, skipping, or squeaking are the first signs of blade wear
  • Beam-style (bracketless) blades outperform traditional frames in wet and snowy conditions
  • Rear wipers on SUVs and hatchbacks need replacement on the same schedule as front wipers

Living in the Pacific NW with the rain, snow and ice that we encounter each year, visibility is key to driving safe on the road.  Response time while driving needs to be as quick as possible, because of the increased braking distance needed on slippery roads.  Distracted driving or obscured visibility can increase that response time.

Extremely cold or hot weather can degrade wiper blades in a hurry.  Exposure to the sun can cause the rubber to crack and these small cracks can cause streaking on the windshield.  When wiper blades get frozen to the windshield they can come apart and rip.

We recommend having your wipers checked with each oil change.  Then depending on how much you drive, suggest wiper blade replacement  at least twice a year in our climate, as Fall starts turning to Winter and when Winter turns into Spring.  Then you should be in good shape for the rainy seasons, but if ever you notice a streaking problem with your wiper blades we suggest replacement.

Whether you have snow flurries in your forecast for this winter or not, making sure your wiper blades are in good condition will be a great benefit to wintertime driving.  Happy Motoring!

Frequently asked questions

Common questions

How do I know when my wiper blades need replacing?

Watch for streaking across the windshield in light rain, a juddering or skipping motion across the glass, or a smeared rather than wiped result. Any of these means the rubber has degraded and is not making full contact with the glass. In Gresham, where steady rain is common from October through May, worn blades significantly reduce safe driving visibility.

Should I use winter wiper blades?

Winter or all-weather blades are worth considering in Oregon. They use a full rubber boot to prevent ice and snow from packing into the blade frame, which causes the blade to lift away from the glass. Standard blades can ice up and leave unwiped arcs on the windshield during freezing precipitation. Winter blades should be swapped back to standard blades in spring to prevent premature wear.

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All About Automotive — 1850 NW Burnside Rd, Gresham, OR · (503) 465-2926

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