Wiper Blade Replacement

When it comes to the most important safety features of a vehicle, windshield wiper blades don’t exactly command the same type of attention as things such as seatbelts or brakes. But the importance of properly working wiper blades can’t be understated. Wiper blades are responsible for clearing your windshield of moisture and debris so you can see the road and vehicles in front of you. But windshield wiper blades don’t last forever and should be replaced on a regular basis so you can maintain a safe level of visibility and reduce the risk of an accident.

How Often Should You Replace Your Wiper Blades?

It’s recommended that you change out your wiper blades once every year or roughly 10,000 miles. If you live in a particularly rainy environment and use your wiper blades more than the typical person, you may want to consider more frequent replacements. Charlotte, North Carolina, receives more annual rainfall than the U.S. average, so you might find your wiper blades wearing down more quickly. The same is true if you park your car outside a lot, as UV rays, snow, ice, and freezing temperatures can wear down the life of a set of wiper blades.

There are some signs to look for that can let you know when it’s time for a new set of wiper blades, which you can read about below. But as a general rule, your wiper blades should be replaced as soon as your visibility begins to diminish. Wiper blades are tasked with wiping away water, mud, pollen, debris, and anything else that may hinder your view of the road or the cars in front of you. And when you begin to lose that visibility, it’s time to replace those wiper blades.

What Are the Signs Your Wiper Blades Need Replacing?

While the amount of time since you last changed your wiper blades is a good indicator that it’s time for a fresh set, there are also a few signs and symptoms to watch for that can signal a need for a replacement.

Noisy Blades

When wiper blades go bad, they fail to maintain good contact with the windshield while in motion and may produce a squeaking or “chattering” sound as the blades skip off the surface of the glass.

Uneven Cleaning

Bad wiper blades can leave streaks or an uneven cleaning of the windshield. If you find yourself with poor visibility during a rain shower despite using your windshield wipers, it may be time for some new blades.

Worn or Ripped Rubber

Sometimes you’ll see a wiper blade with worn-out rubber or even rubber that’s ripped or cracked. This is a sign of overuse and wiper blades that are in need of replacing.

Bent Blades

Old wiper blades can get bent or warped over time and is one of the signs that it’s time for a replacement.

What Are the Different Types of Wiper Blades?

Not all wiper blades are alike. There are three main types of windshield wiper blades that are each designed for different uses.

Standard or Traditional Blades

These are the most common wiper blades and are built with a metal frame, rubber squeegee, and multiple pressure points that hold the rubber against the windshield.

Beam or Premium Blades

Your windshield isn’t flat, and neither are these wiper blades. Premium or “beam” blades are built with a curve to better fit the curved contour of your windshield and promote better contact. These blades also tend to have a longer lifespan than standard wiper blades.

Winter Wipers

Winter wiper blades have a protective covering to guard against snow, ice, wind, and freezing temperatures, all of which can quickly wear out a set of standard wiper blades. Winter wipers also better shed snow and ice and are less likely to freeze up.

How Much Do New Wiper Blades Cost?

The cost of replacing windshield wiper blades can vary by location, vehicle type, and blade type. Aftermarket blades may be less expensive than original equipment manufacturer (OEM) blades but typically also have inferior performance. Here at Hi-Line Autohaus, we only use OEM parts for all replacements and repairs to guarantee you the highest standards in safety, quality, and performance.

If you wish to install a new set of wiper blades yourself, you can order them by calling our parts department at 704-595-3030, and we’ll give you a call as soon as they’re ready to be picked up.

As an alternative, if you’d like to have your new wiper blades installed by our expert technicians, simply schedule an appointment online.

No matter whether you choose to install your new blades yourself or trust us to do the job, be sure to check out our parts and service specials to see if there’s a way you can save.

What if My Wiper Blades Don’t Turn On?

If your wiper blades have stopped working altogether, you likely have a problem with the motor that operates the blades or possibly a loose or disconnected wire in the circuit. This may also be true if the wiper blades are working erratically, won’t change speeds, or won’t turn off.

If the problem with your wiper blades isn’t the blades themselves but with the mechanical or electrical components that operate the blades, schedule an appointment for service with our technicians so we can diagnose the problem and make the necessary repairs to get your wiper blades working like new again.

Ready For New Wiper Blades?

If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms of a failed wiper blade or if it’s been more than 10,000 miles since your last replacement, it may be time to schedule a service appointment with the experts here at Hi-Line Autohaus in Charlotte, North Carolina, to have your wiper blades checked and replaced if necessary. Learn more about the many ways our service department can assist you in staying safe on the road. We maintain a vision of good customer service so you can enjoy a clear view of the road ahead.