Like many other parts of a vehicle, eventually, windshield wipers get worn out. Wiper blades are made of rubber that becomes less effective at wicking away water droplets over time. How quickly that happens depends on a few things.
If you live in an area that gets a lot of rain the wipers will wear out faster. The same is true if you live in an environment with extremely hot or cold temperatures. The quality of the rubber used to make the wipers also makes a difference.
The general recommendation is to replace your windshield wipers every 6-12 months, or within the timeframe recommended by the manufacturer. It’s also important to regularly inspect your wipers to look for signs that they need to be replaced.
Signs it’s time to replace your windshield wipers include:
Damage to the rubber.
The rubber is hard and stiff to the touch.
There’s a bent wiper frame.
Streaks are left behind while using the wipers.
Clicking, chattering, squeaking, or vibrating sounds can be heard when the wipers are in use.
Skipping across the window.
If your windshield wipers aren’t performing properly it’s time to replace them even if you don’t see signs of wear. As long as you keep an eye on how your windshield wipers look and function you should be able to get them replaced before they become a liability rather than a safety feature.