How Long Do Windshield Wipers Last? 3 Killers of Wiper Blades.

Written by Oliver

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September 26, 2022

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Windshield tech and parts

As anyone who has driven in a rainstorm knows, windshield wipers are essential to safe driving. While most drivers take their wipers for granted, they are a complex mechanical system that must be regularly maintained.

Close up photo of flat windshield wiper blade. Blurred green trees on the background

The lifespan of a windshield wiper depends on several factors, including the type of wiper blade, the amount of use, and the conditions under which they are used. In general, however, most wiper blades will last 6 – 12 months.

To get the most out of your windshield wipers, it is crucial to inspect them regularly and replace them when they begin to show signs of wear. In this blog post, we’ll discuss reasons for fast wiper blades wear and how to prolong their life.

Use this table of contents for easy navigation through the article

> How Often To Change Windshield Wipers

> What Windshield Wipers are Made From?

> Conventional (Standard) Wiper Blades

> Wiper Blades with Spoiler

> Flat Wiper Blades

> Hybrid Wiper Blades

> Why Windshield Wiper Blades Wear Fast, 3 Reasons

> Reason 1 – Caked on dirt

> Reason 2 – Snow and ice

> Reason 3 -Tree sap and bird droppings

> How To Increase Lifespan of Windshield Wipers

> How To Clean Windshield Wipers

> Are Windshield Wipers Universal For All Cars?

> Conclusion

How Often To Change Windshield Wipers

Many people don’t know how often they need to replace their windshield wipers. The answer is actually quite simple – when they start to leave streaks on your windshield, it’s time to replace them.

Over time, the blades on your wipers will become worn down and cracked, making them less effective at clearing water and debris from your windshield. In some cases, you may even see pieces of the blade breaking off as you use them.

If you notice any of these problems, it’s time to replace your wipers. Fortunately, this is a relatively quick and inexpensive process that can be easily done at home.

What Windshield Wipers are Made From?

In general, there are 4 types of frames and 2 types of rubber material used in windshield wipers.

Conventional (Standard) Wiper Blades

Older cars come with conventional (standard) windshield wipers. The rubber blades are designed to work in all types of weather and function in a wide range of temperatures. They are also cheap and easy to replace when they wear out.

However, standard windshield wipers may require more frequent replacement than other types. In addition, they may not provide as much visibility in heavy rain or snow.

Wiper Blades with Spoiler

Wiper blades with spoilers are designed to provide superior windshield contact and wipe performance while the car is on the speed. The spoiler, or winglet, is an aerodynamic feature that is added to the blade to help keep it firmly planted on the glass during high-speed driving.

In addition, the spoiler helps to reduce wind lift, which can cause the blade to chatter or skip across the windshield. As a result, wiper blades with spoilers offer drivers better visibility in all types of weather conditions.

Flat Wiper Blades

Flat wiper blades are a type of windshield wiper blade that is made from a silicone-based rubber material and a tensioned metal strip. A silicone rubber material that has been treated with a halogen hardening process.

These blades are a more recent invention, and they last longer than rubber blades. They can withstand heat and cold better without freezing or being brittle in extreme conditions. They also won’t get hard and crack from the sun’s ultraviolet rays over time.

The design of flat wiper blades allows for a flatter aerodynamic shape which reduces wind noise. The internal metal strip applies constant pressure along the length of the blade and has a built-in spoiler.

Being smaller than a conventional wiper, it also provides less obstruction to the driver’s field of vision. In addition, the blades are easier to install and require less maintenance.

Hybrid Wiper Blades

Hybrid wipers are quickly becoming the new standard for windshield wipers. They combine the aerodynamic shape of a flat blade with the solid construction of a conventional wiper.

This allows for a smoother airflow, which in turn creates a consistent downforce along the entire length of the blade. The result is a streaked-free windshield even at high speeds.

In addition, the steel sub-structure provides sturdy support for the rubber wiping element, ensuring long-lasting performance. With their many benefits, it’s no wonder that hybrid wipers are rapidly replacing traditional wipers in both new and replacement applications.

Why Windshield Wiper Blades Wear Fast, 3 Reasons

All drivers have experienced the frustration of a squeaky windshield wiper blade. Not only is it annoying, but it can also make it difficult to see while driving in rainy or snowy weather.

The good news is that there are several easy ways to fix the problem. The bad news is that it is likely to happen again.

The reason why windshield wiper blades wear out so quickly is actually quite simple. Here are three of the most common reasons:

Reason 1 – Caked on dirt

Over time, dirt and debris can build up on your windshield wipers, leading to premature wear. The problem is exacerbated in dry, dusty conditions, as the tiny particles can grind away at the rubber blades.

In addition, dirt can interfere with the operation of the wipers, making them less effective at clearing away rain and snow. As a result, it’s essential to keep your windshield wipers clean, especially if you live in an area with a lot of dust or dirt.

Reason 2 – Snow and ice

Freezing temperatures and constant exposure to salt and ice can cause your windshield wipers to wear out more quickly than in other seasons.

The blades can become brittle and crack, and the metal components can rust. As a result, it’s important to check your windshield wipers regularly during the winter and replace them if necessary.

Reason 3 – Tree sap and bird droppings

Tree sap and bird droppings on windshield

Tree sap or bird droppings can cause windshield wipers to wear faster. Both substances contain chemicals that can break down the rubber on your windshield wiper blades, causing them to wear out faster.

In addition, the sap from trees can be very sticky, making it difficult for your wipers to move across your windshield. And bird droppings can be acidic, which can also damage your wiper blades. To avoid this problem, be sure to clean your windshield regularly and replace your wiper blades as needed.

How To Increase Lifespan of Windshield Wipers

By following these simple tips, you can help ensure that your wiper blades last for many months to come:

Use wiper blades correctly: always use them on a wet windshield. This will help prevent the blades from drying out and cracking.
Clean your windshield regularly: this will remove any build-up that could cause the blades to wear down prematurely.
During the winter months, be sure to remove any snow or ice that has accumulated on the windshield: This will prevent the blades from becoming frozen and potentially breaking.
Clean your wiper blades every time you wash the car or windshield: Read about how to clean windshield wiper blades below.

How To Clean Windshield Wipers

Start by rubbing the blades with a cloth soaked in rubbing alcohol. This will help to remove any build-up of grime.
Then, the blades should be wiped down with a clean cloth to remove any remaining residue.
Next, use cloth and glass cleaner to clean the windshield surface under the blades. Be sure to remove any dirt or leaves that may have become lodged there.

Are Windshield Wipers Universal For All Cars?

Many people believe that all windshield wipers are the same, but there are actually a variety of different types of wiper blades on the market.

Depending on the make and model of your car, you may need a different size wiper blade. There are also different types of wiper blade fittings that attach to the wiper arm: Hook, side-lock, top-lock, pinch-tab, bayonet, and slim-top are all common types of wiper blade fittings.

The easiest way to find the right set of wiper blades for your car is to bring your car’s information to the nearest auto parts store. The staff there will be able to look up the correct wipers for your vehicle based on the make, model, and year. They can usually also show you how to install the wipers properly so that they work correctly.

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Conclusion

How long do windshield wipers last? It depends on the type of blades, your driving habits, and the weather conditions in your area. In this post, we’ve outlined three killers of windshield wipers and given you a few tips on how to increase their lifespan.

Have you ever had a problem with your windshield wipers? Let us know in the comments!