Changing Windshield Wiper Blades: Everything to Know

When it comes to high-priority car maintenance, replacing your windshield wiper blades might not immediately occur to you. But in fact, changing windshield wipers is crucial to ensuring you stay safe on the road. Driving through a rainstorm with a wiper blade that isn’t working could impair your field of vision and increase your likelihood of crashing. Uhhh, no thanks. We want you to avoid dangerous situations while driving, so here’s everything you need to know about replacing windshield wiper blades. Learn how to make sure the front window of your car stays clear and streak-free!

 Changing windshield wipers is an important part of regular vehicle maintenance.

How Often Should You Replace Your Windshield Wipers?

The general rule of thumb for windshield wiper replacement is at least once every year, however, you should check them every few months to make sure they’re still working properly. Depending on what type of climate you live in and what type of car you drive, you might have to replace worn wiper blades more frequently. Check your vehicle’s owner manual to learn more about auto care specifically for your car. You can quickly test your front wiper blades as well as your rear wiper blades by spraying your windshield washer fluid and watching each wiper arm as it cleans off the window. If a windshield wiper blade is leaving streaks or making a squeaking sound, that’s a good indication that you need new wiper blades..

Where to Get Windshield Wipers Fixed

Typically, you can get replacement windshield wiper blades at any auto part store, like Jiffy Lube or Firestone Complete Auto Care. A big box store such as Wal-Mart may have them for an even cheaper price. Wherever you purchase the wiper blades, there is usually an employee who can help you swap your old blades for new wipers on the spot. Most people do this since the service is often included in the price of the new blades. It’s usually much more convenient for people to go to their nearest auto parts store and get everything they need instead of replacing the wipers themselves.

What Type of Windshield Wipers Do I Need?

Is there really any difference between one rubber blade and another? Yes, and it mainly has to do with finding the proper size for your car. Windshield wiper blades are not interchangeable between different makes and models of vehicles, so be sure to check with an employee at one of your local auto parts stores to ensure you have the right size blade. If you go to your nearest auto body shop, you’ll notice that there are lots of different brands and types of windshield wipers, from Bosch wiper blades, to Valvoline wiper blades, to Rain-X latitude wipers. It can be hard to make a decision. But real talk: You really don’t need the priciest wiper blades that come with all the whistles and bells. Opt for windshield wipers in the midrange of the cost spectrum and you’ll be just fine.

With your new windshield wipers, you're totally ready for a rainy day!

Feeling more comfortable about windshield wiper replacement and upkeep? Good. You’re now ready to take on the rainy days that come your way!