Automotive Tips

When Should You Replace Your Windshield Wiper Blades?

Though rainstorms are a rarity in Southern California, no driver wants to be caught in a downpour without properly working windshield wipers. Avoid finding yourself in a soggy situation by maintaining your windshield wiper blades. Caring for and changing your vehicle’s windshield wiper blades is inexpensive preventive maintenance all drivers can do.

Signs You Need to Replace Your Windshield Wiper Blades

Motorists should replace their windshield wiper blades at least twice per year. But local weather often plays a role in how often wiper blades need to be replaced. Extreme conditions may require you to change them more frequently. The constant California sun can quickly dry out the rubber blades and the heat may cause them to crack.

If you’re experiencing any of the following with your windshield wipers, it may be time to replace your wiper blades:

• Wiper blades streak and smear, rather than clear water.
• Wiper blades have visible tears and/or cracks on the rubber’s edge.
• Wiper blades screech, scrape, or chatter with water on the windshield.
• The sharp rubber edge is worn and dull.

Tips for Prolonging Your Windshield Wipers

Though your wiper blades need to be replaced periodically, a few minutes of maintenance every few weeks can go a long way. In addition to visually inspecting your wiper blades, Jiffy Lube recommends doing the following to prolong the life of your wiper blades:

• Clean your windshield regularly and remove any dead bugs, bird droppings and debris.
• Wipe down the rubber tips of the wiper blades with rubbing alcohol every few weeks to remove grime.
• Repair any chips or cracks in the windshield to reduce the chance of the rubber blades snagging and tearing.
• Periodically check, clean, and replace the back-window wiper blade if you drive an SUV, minivan, or hatchback.

Maintaining and checking your windshield wiper blades is a simple task every motorist can do. When you notice any smearing, screeching, or other warning signs mentioned above, scoot on over to your local Southern California Jiffy Lube for windshield services*, and our technicians will take care of you.

*Check your local Jiffy Lube to make sure they provide windshield repair.