Even for someone who has put time, effort, and money into customizing their car, windshield wiper blades are not going to be a feature they point out when bragging about the vehicle. People who drive a car straight off the lot and do little other than routine maintenance to assure the car runs as efficiently as possible for as long as possible are more likely to mention buying replacement windshield wipers. Although different manufacturers offer different design styles, there are essentially three types of blades. A regular metal-framed design is most common and the least expensive, when an appropriate quality wiper blade is properly installed, they will take care of most vehicle needs. A winter weather blade is designed with enhanced materials to assure they don’t become brittle or frozen in bad weather and are good for people who live in the cold northern climes to consider. Bar style windshield wiper blades are designed to arguably look better and claim to last longer.
When you consider where windshield wipers are located and what they do, along with the fact they’re made of rubber, it becomes clear why they need to be replaced regularly, typically about every six months to a year. On the windshield at highway speeds, wipers take a beating from wind, weather, dust, and road debris. Over time, they become chipped with an uneven surface, unable to properly clean the windshield and provide a clear view during inclement weather.
The most obvious thing to happen with old wiper blades is they don’t clear rainwater evenly from the windshield, but leave streaks and missed places which disrupt the driver’s line of sight. They can also accumulate debris from being parked under trees or dust and grime from paved or gravel roads. When the wipers are turned on with such filth on them, they can potentially scratch or damage a windshield, perhaps even on a structural level which isn’t readily apparent. Such a problem can be avoided by occasionally wiping off the blades, but another problem develops over time. Rubber left outdoors becomes brittle. Wiper blades are meant to be soft, so they can conform to the contours of the windshield and evenly remove rain or snow.
Today’s cars have different sizes and configurations of windshield wipers, so it’s best to allow a professional to replace them as needed with the proper ones designed for the specific vehicle. Come by the John Amato Hyundai service department in Milwaukee, WI and serving the surrounding areas of Glendale, Shorewood, West Allis, and Wauwatosa for new windshield wiper blades or any other recommended maintenance or repairs as needed to keep your car in top running shape.
