How Long Do Windshield Wipers Last?

A broken or damaged windshield wiper makes driving in bad weather hazardous. Over time, its essential components are exposed to wear and tear, leading to visibility and safety issues. These are complex mechanical systems that must be maintained regularly to ensure their optimal performance.

However, before you worry about windshield repair and replacement, you must understand their average lifespan and signs indicating that they need to be replaced. Also, to reduce this additional expense of window repair, you should learn to extend the lifespan of your windshield wiper.

In this blog, you’ll learn what a windshield wiper is, the factors that affect its lifespan, how long it typically lasts, the signs it’s time for a replacement, tips for maintaining it, and how to choose the right wipers for your car.

What Factors Affect the Lifespan of Windshield Wipers?

Windshield wipers are mechanical devices that help remove water, snow, ice, and other debris from a vehicle’s windshield.

The factors that affect the lifespan of windshield wipers are:

The environment in which you use your windshield wipers plays a major role in determining how long they last. For instance, while rainy areas require frequent use, hot areas wear out the rubber or silicon part of your wipers due to overexposure to the sun. This raises the need for wiper and windshield replacement.

Considering you will need to get new windshield wipers once the previous ones are worn down due to high usage, it is another factor that will help you determine how long does car wiper lasts.

For instance, if you use your wipers to clear ice, bird droppings, and other major debris from your windshield, they will undergo more wear and tear because of a chemical reaction that causes the rubber to wear out quickly or rust in the blades.

Average Lifespan of Windshield Wipers

The average lifespan of mid-range windshield wipers tends to range between six and 12 months. If you go for cheaper variants, they will last only up to six months, while if you go for well-seasoned, reinforced, and higher-quality blades, they might last for a couple of years.

Signs That Your Windshield Wipers Need Replacement

Well-maintained windshield wipers are important to have a smooth and safe driving experience. This means that you need to be able to identify the signs that indicate you need windshield replacement. These signs are:

• Squeaking Noises: If you notice that your car’s windshield wipers are not gliding smoothly through the windshield and are making squealing noises, it indicates worn-out rubber or silicon.
• Vibrating Blades: When there is a gap in the rubber, your windshield wipers will vibrate. This can also happen for other reasons. Get it confirmed by specialists to avoid hefty repair or replacement expenses.
• Diminished Performance: If, after using the wiper, your windshield is not smooth and clear but instead streaked, it is a sign of damaged rubber or silicon.
• Wet Spots: Another sign of wiper replacement is wet spots left behind on the windscreen. It means that parts of its rubber or silicon no longer exist, failing to wipe away the moisture.

How to Extend the Life of Your Windshield Wipers?

To extend the life of your windshield wipers, follow these tips:

• Use the Wiper Blades Properly: You should use them only on wet surfaces to prevent the blades from drying out and cracking.
• Regularly Clean Your Windshield: This will help you get rid of any build-up that might result in premature wear and tear of the wipers. Also, you should clean the windshield of environmental elements like snow and ice to prevent your blades from freezing over and getting broken.
• Clean Your Wiper Blades: You must clean your wiper blades each time you wash the car or the windshield. To do so, clean their rubber or silicon with a cloth and rubbing alcohol to remove any grime. Also, use a glass cleaner and a cloth to clean the windshield beneath the blades of any build-up or residue, including lodged leaves and twigs.

How to Choose the Right Windshield Wipers for Your Car?

To choose the right windshield wipers for your car, consider these features and functions:

• You must find the right size of windshield wipers for your front and rear based on your vehicle’s measurements. These tend to be mentioned in the owner’s manual, or you can find out by measuring the current wipers.
• Make sure that the blade size and type you are choosing fits the model and make of your vehicle.
• Take the climate of your area into consideration. For instance, if you live in a very hot or cold area, go for winter wipers that are infused with materials like graphite and Teflon or silicone blades, as these will last longer in those harsh weather conditions.
• Consider the blade materials to ensure their durability. Some materials are more durable than others. For instance, beam blades are more efficient and last longer than traditional frame wipers because they do not have a metal frame that gets clogged with snow and ice.

Don’t Wait to Replace Your Wipers

While understanding the lifespan of your vehicle’s windshield wipers will help you plan ahead, it is important that you replace them as soon as signs of wear and tear appear. Windshield repair will help you ensure visibility and safety, even during poor weather conditions.

Are you noticing any signs of wiper replacement? Choose NuVision AutoGlass, a one-stop shop for all your windshield replacement and repair requirements, including wiper repairs. Call us now for more details!