Don't Wait Until It's Too Late To Change Your Wiper Blades

Why should you change windshield wiper blades regularly? The most important aspect of driving is vision. If you can't see what's in front of you it doesn't matter if you have traction control, anti-lock brakes, dynamic stability control, or all the advanced features. What you will use is the air bag because you will crash into what you can't see. 

A clean windshield is not only useful during rain, sleet and snow. How many times have you experienced a windshield that is smeared with insects, bird droppings, road tar or other messy deposits? Removing them with worn wiper blades is nearly impossible. Usually, you wind up smearing the mess and obscuring your vision even more. If you change your blades regularly, you can avoid these problems and keep your eyes on the road.

Knowing When To Change Your Blades

Generally, a blade will show physical wear signs like cracking or discoloration. Another way to know is by the quality of the wipe. Streaking or unwiped areas are a dead giveaway. In addition, if the blades make noise or chattering sounds, then they need to be replaced. However, if you change your blades frequently, you won't have to examine your blades looking for these signs of possible failure. Blades can be easily damaged by snow scrapers and ice during the winter but the sun is just as damaging to a blade in the summer. By simply doing a little preventative maintenance, you can avoid these uncomfortable situations. Wiper blades should be considered like engine oil, you don't wait until you have engine trouble before you change your oil.

How often should you replace your blades? The National Highway Transportation Board recommends that US drivers change their wiper blades every year, however the average vehicle owner replaces his/her wiper blades only once every 2.5 years. "Most people wait until they are in a downpour and nearly drive off the road before they are convinced it's time to change blades," said Greg Palese, brand manager for SmartBlade™, the world's first and only premium wiper blade that actually alerts the driver when replacement is needed. According to Palese, SmartBlades' advanced technology features Duotec+™ two component rubber and an exclusive Wear Indicator that, over time, reacts to UV rays, ozone, pollution and other factors which deteriorate rubber by turning from black to yellow. "This takes the guesswork out of blade replacement and leaves no doubt as to whether your wipers will effectively clean your windshield when you need it most." 

So if you've been procrastinating about changing your windshield wiper blades, take a few minutes today to change them. Most national brands come with easy to use adapters that make it quick and simple to fit any vehicle. You'll be glad you did when your windows are clear and dry this winter.

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