Wiper blades come in many sizes and types. They might have a single edge that effectively wipes away rain. When you use the windshield washer, the wiper blades clean all kinds of things from your vision. Those things could include dirt, bird droppings, bug guts, and other items that could block your vision. Windshield wipers are very important safety features that enable drivers to clearly see where they are going.

Wiper blades have a service life that varies greatly due to where you live and park your vehicle. If you live in a hot locale and park outside in the sun, the rubber strips on the wiper blades could bake to the windshield. If you live in a cold and snowy climate, ice, slush, and snow could damage the windshield wiper blades. The following are common signs that you need to replace your windshield wiper blades.

Signs of Worn Out Windshield Wipers

If you try to use the wiper blades and you see a piece of rubber trailing while nothing gets cleared from the windshield, you have worn out wiper blades. If you have metal meeting the glass, the worn-out blades could scratch up your windshield. Whenever the windshield wiper blades are making excessive noise, they need replacement.

Another common sign that your wiper blades are worn out shows itself when you try to wipe away rain or other precipitation, but it does not come off of the windshield. Instead of the edge of the wiper blades making good contact with the surface of the windshield, they just kind of pass over them. That could smear water or other precipitation across your windshield instead of removing it with a good squeegee action.

Signs of Inadequate Windshield Wipers

Sometimes, the wiper blades on your vehicle are in good shape, but they are not the right kind for the job. Many people who live in snowy areas experience issues with single-edge wiper blades that cannot remove the icy snow that accumulates on windshields during the winter. A better wiper blade with two or even three edges could work better.

The first windshield wipers made their appearance in 1903, according to Mbpartsdepot.com. They used small brushes that moved up and down again to help provide drivers with better vision. Modern wiper blades are far more capable of handling a variety of precipitation, tree sap, and other things that commonly accumulate on windshields. But they need to be in good condition and the right kind for your local weather.

To learn about which wipers would be right for your area and vehicle, reach out to the experts at Specialty Power Windows. Don't hesitate, because your safety is at stake when you're using the incorrect wipers.