When To Replace Windshield Wiper Blades
Windshield wiper blades don’t last forever. Under normal circumstances, windshield wiper blades should last between 6 and 12 months. Sometimes it can be tricky to figure out whether your wiper blades are still good or not. We’ll show you which symptoms to look for while driving. We’ll also walk you through visually inspecting your windshield wipers.
Symptoms To Look Out For While Using The Windshield Wipers

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When your windshield wiper blades start to go bad, they will no longer be able to keep your windshield clear. They won't be able to make proper contact with the windshield surface. When that happens, you'll notice some of these symptoms:
- Squeaking and chattering sounds while the wipers are in use
- The windshield wipers skipping or jumping across the windshield
- The windshield wipers smearing and streaking the water across the windshield
- The windshield wipers missing some spots across the windshield
- In extreme cases, the wiper blades coming loose from the backing and flailing across the windshield
What To Look For During A Visual Inspection
You can also determine the shape of your wiper blades by giving them a visual inspection. Each wiper blade should be one smooth piece that keeps its shape when dragged across the windshield. If your wiper blades have any sort of damage that affects its ability to keep the windshield clear, they're bad.
When visually inspecting your wiper blades, look for the following types of wear or damage:
- Cracks
- Missing pieces
- Brittleness
- Rounded edges
- Loss of elasticity
You may want to get some winter-specific wiper blades before winter weather hits. Regular wiper blades don't fare too well with ice and snow. Wiper blades that can withstand snow, ice, cold temperatures, and frozen windshields will last longer.
How To Find The Right Replacement Windshield Wiper Blades For Your Vehicle

When looking for replacement windshield wiper blades, it's important to find the right blades for your vehicle. The windshield wiper size matters a lot. If you end up with the wrong sized blades, they won't keep your windshield clear that well. They won't fit your windshield wiper assembly that well, either.
For example, windshield wiper blades that are too short won't clear the top and the far right and left sides of your windshield. Windshield wiper blades that are too thin may not stay in the backing.
When you're shopping for OEM windshield wiper blades, it's easy to find the right blades for your vehicle. All you need to do is look up your make and model here. We carry OEM replacement wiper blades for a variety of makes and models at wholesale prices. Here are a couple of our best sellers:
- Wiper blades for select 2012-2019 Mercedes-Benz models
- Wiper blades for select 2005-2016 Land Rover models
Please contact us if you need help finding the right wiper blades for your vehicle.