Winter weather brings with it a unique set of challenges for your vehicle, and windshield wipers are no exception. The cold weather can make them brittle, leaving you with streaks across your windscreen that impair visibility. To ensure your safety on the road, knowing when to replace your windshield wipers is essential.

Here are five signs that you should replace yours:

1. Streaking:

If you notice streaks or lines when your wipers are in use, it’s time to get a new set. Windshield wipers are designed with a rubber blade that should make contact with your windshield in one smooth motion.  That’s how you’re able to sweep away the water or snow on your windshield. If you’re seeing streaks, it means parts of the rubber on the blade are worn out and are not making full contact. Sometimes you may notice a film on your windshield that’s difficult to get rid of. This could be caused by a worn-out wiper blade that’s not making full contact.

2. Chattering Sounds:

If your wipers are chattering or skipping, it’s time to get a new set. Over time, the rubber on the blades can deteriorate and lose friction (grip) which causes them to skip across your windshield. The sound is usually loud enough to be heard inside your car. You’re likely to hear it when you’re at a lower speed setting on your wipers. If chattering happens, it’s best to replace your wipers before they leave streaks on the windshield from skipping.

3. Bent Frames:

Wiper frames are designed to keep the blades in contact with your windshield. The frames wipe a specific arc back and forth. If your frames are bent, they won’t be able to do their job effectively. Bent frames can make wiper blades skip across the windshield without properly clearing it. If you notice that your frames are bent, find better ones that fit your car.

4. Cracked Blades:

Cracks, tears, or holes in wiper blades can cause them to skip across the windshield instead of clearing it effectively. Cracks happen because of wear and tear over time and can scratch your windshield if they’re not addressed. Look over your blades every now and then to make sure that they don’t contain any damage. If there are damages, then it’s time to get new blades.

5. Season Changes:

When the temperatures drop, your wiper blades can become brittle and crack. This is especially true if you live in an area that experiences harsh winters. Even mild winters can cause enough cold to damage your windshield wipers, which means it’s time to replace them with more hardy ones that are designed to handle colder temperatures. In addition, if you live in an area with a lot of snow, make sure to replace your wipers regularly so they can effectively remove the slush and salt off your windshield.

Trust Vann York Chevrolet Buick GMC for the Service of Your Car

It’s essential to have clean, functioning windshield wipers for safe driving conditions. If you can’t see clearly out of your windshield due to streaks or smears caused by wiper blades that need replacement, it puts yourself and others at risk. Need help changing your windshield wipers? Come to Vann York Chevrolet Buick GMC for service. Our knowledgeable technicians are well-versed in all aspects of vehicle maintenance and replacement, from the tires to the engine. We’ll help you get the best possible performance out of your car, so you can drive confidently on the road.

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