How Often Do Wiper Blades Need Replacing?

You may not think of it very often, but whenever you turn on your windshield wipers they degrade in quality a little bit. This is why you should consider replacing them fairly regularly, to ensure your vision is never diminished by inclement weather. However, it can be difficult to gauge just when your wiper blades need replacing, or how often. Read on with the service experts here at Downtown Auto Group, as we walk you through some common questions about wiper blade replacement.

You may also be interested in reading about the benefits of regular oil changes, or why you shouldn’t ignore cracks in your windshield.

How Regularly Should You Replace Your Wiper Blades?

It’s recommended that the average driver replace their wiper blades every 6 to 12 months, due to the wear and tear of standard use. If you drive more often or regularly encounter more extreme weather, you may consider replacing them more often, such as every time you book for an oil change.

Are There Common Signs Your Wiper Blades Need Replacing?

There are numerous signs that it may be time for your wiper blades to be replaced. If you’re seeing streaking or skipping, the rubber may have worn out and no longer effectively conforms to the windshield. Splitting, with several large areas not being cleared, is also a sign that the rubber on the wipers is worn down. If you hear squeaking or scraping when your wipers are active, that could be a sign that worn-out rubber and metal are dragging across the windscreen. For any of these issues, you should replace your wiper blades during your next service visit.

Should You Swap Your Wipers For The Season?

Just like with your tires, you can switch out your windshield wiper blades depending on the season you’re preparing for. Winter wiper blades are made from the same rubber as winter tires, meaning they maintain elasticity better in cold temperatures, and are made thicker to help clear snow more efficiently. Like winter tires, they can also extend the life of your regular wipers because you aren’t using them for half the year. As they’re heavier, they do tend to be a bit harder on the wiper motors, which is why it’s recommended you don’t keep them on year-round and swap them out when you have your winter tires removed.

Schedule Your Wiper Replacement with Downtown Auto Group

When it comes time to replace your wiper blades, you can trust the team here at Downtown Auto Group to take care of it for you quickly and effectively. Book your next service appointment with our factory-certified service teams in Toronto, ON.