Do Your Wiper Blades Need Replacing?
As autumn is well underway, we can expect a lot more rain and generally unfavourable weather conditions which can be hazardous when driving. While good visibility is essential all year round, the autumn months are when you may start to notice that the visibility in your car is reducing and that it may be time to replace your wiper blades to help you clear the rain off your windshield with ease.
So, how can you tell when your wiper blades need replacing?
Streaks
If your wiper blades create streaks across your windscreen as they go back and forth, then there is likely an issue with the wiper blade. First, check for any debris that is stuck in the rubber which is being pulled across your windscreen. If the blades are free from debris, then check is the rubber has cracked or split which could be the reason it leaves streaks.
Squeaks
If your wiper blades squeak when they move, they may not necessarily need replacing. However, they will need sorting, if only to stop them being so annoying! A squeaky wiper blade will usually mean that something is not assembled correctly. If you gently shake the wiper blade and it has too much room to move, then it needs to be tightened. If the blade cannot move at all, then it needs to be loosened.
Smears
If your blades leave dirty residue across your screen, then this can be a hazard and should be addressed right away. However, the issue could be a number of things. Smears could come from poor quality washer fluid which doesn’t clean your screen well. It could also be from worn-out blades or just a dirty windscreen itself. Give everything a clean and check your washer fluid. If the issue persists, it may be time to buy some shiny new (and clean) wiper blades.
Skips
If your wiper blades seem to skip sections of the windscreen and leave gaps where they haven’t wiped away the rain or dirt, then your wiper blades need sorting. Usually, this issue occurs when the wiper blades have not been used for a long time. It can also happen after a period of hot weather as the blades can become stiff and out of shape. Sometimes you can remould the blades back to how they should be. However, if you can’t you’ll likely need a replacement set.