When you purchase a vehicle, you know that maintaining its most important components involves responsibility. One of those parts you cannot neglect is your car’s windshield glass and the windshield wipers.

Windshield wipers have a set amount of useful life, and as a car owner, you must be aware of when it is time to replace them. In this manner, you may extend the life of your car’s glass for increased security and beauty.

This article will show you how to identify the factors and signals that indicate it is time for windshield wipers replacement.

What Is the Main Function of a Windshield Wiper Blade?

Windshield wipers are a piece of vital personal protection equipment for your car. Their primary purpose is to ensure good visibility by keeping water, ice and snow off the windshield.

In poor weather conditions, windshield wipers provide greater clarity for the driver, which can help prevent accidents. Also, in a collision, windshield wipers can help reduce the severity of injuries suffered by occupants.

replacing a windshield blade

Types of Windshield Wipers Blades

The right type of blade for your car can vary as there are several options. The most common are 

Flat Wipers

Flat windshield wipers have a thick rubber blade connected to a connection block in the centre of the wiper arm.  The windshield wipers are pulled across the windshield by a spring system.

One advantage of these windshield wipers is that they can provide good contact with the windshield, which helps to distribute the windshield washer fluid evenly.

Conventional Wipers

Conventional windshield wipers are composed of an articulated metal frame with an attached blade.

The metal frame is usually plastic-coated to resist corrosion.

Hybrid Blades

These blades have increased aerodynamics. The rain-x latitude water repellency enables exceptional performance in any weather conditions.

windshield wipers

Materials

The materials of the wipers also influence the performance of the arm. The following are some materials you will most commonly find in the market.

  • Natural rubber: This is the standard windshield wiper blade material. It is durable and works well in all weather conditions, including freezing temperatures. However, genuine rubber windshield wipers may wear out faster than other types in hot weather conditions.
  • Silicone Wiper Blade: silicon blades work in extreme hot and cold temperatures. They also provide good resistance to UV rays, which helps them last longer than natural rubber blades.
  • Graphite or Teflon: Windshield wipers from these materials offer good performance in all weather conditions. They are also less likely to chatter when they are new.

Tips to Know When It’s Time to Replace Them

Windshield wipers generally last for six to twelve months, but this will depend on how often you use them and the environment in which you live.

For instance, wipers may need to be replaced more frequently if you live in an area with many trees or if you often drive on dusty roads. On the other hand, wipers made from natural rubber may only last six months in hot, sunny climates.

Sometimes, these car instruments may need to be replaced before the estimated time. So we would like to share some tips for you to know when purchasing new ones.

  • Environment: If you live in an area with lots of rain, snow or dust, your windshield wipers will wear out faster than in a drier climate.
  • Usage: The more you use your windshield wipers, the faster they will wear out. For example, if you use your wipers frequently to remove snow or ice, they will wear out faster than if you only use them occasionally.
  • Windshield Type: Windshields made from glass or plastic will cause windshield wipers to wear out faster than other materials.

Need a Replacement Wiper? We Are Here to Help.

Look no further if you need a replacement windshield wiper in Oceanside, California.

Because North Coast Aut Glass, we are committed to offering high-quality windshield replacement services, our expert technicians analyze your broken windshield to determine whether it needs to be replaced or fixed.

You may rest assured that when you choose us, you select top-of-the-line tools and supplies.