Wiper blades all wear out in the end. Knowing what wears them down helps you make them last, and means you are less likely to need new ones in the middle of a thunderstorm.
How weather affects wiper blades
Rain, heat and dirt all wear wipers down. In some parts of Australia the wipers work hard through heavy rain, and the harder they work, the sooner they wear out. Cold can also harden the rubber squeegee until it cracks.
Heat and sunlight are also harmful to the rubber on the wiper blade. The warm temperatures we are all looking forward to cause the wiper squeegee to warp, and again, crack faster. This is especially true in a dryer climate. You can slow down the effects of sunlight by parking under structures whenever possible. Over time, though, the elemental factors add up and your wiper blades will become less flexible and stop working properly.
How dirt and your car affect wiper blades
Your car and your wipers go together, so you would expect them to work well together. Unfortunately, the oils and exhaust your car puts out damage the wipers' squeegees. The chemicals cause the rubber to break down and deteriorate. Likewise, dirt and grime from the road wear down the cutting edge of the blades.
Take the time to wipe down each blade thoroughly when you stop at a petrol station, removing built-up dirt and oils. Make sure you also keep your windscreen clean, so the blades don't have to run over a rough surface. And invest in quality wiper blades that are engineered to withstand the harmful effects of chemicals and oils better than standard rubber squeegees.
How you harm your wiper blades
Drivers accidentally do several things that harm their wiper blades. One is flipping the wipers on when the windscreen is dry. That can scratch the windscreen and also wear down the blade as it drags over an unyielding surface. If you turn on wipers that are iced over or stuck in the windscreen's ice, you risk tearing off bits of the squeegee or cracking the arms. Even your choice of windscreen wiper fluid can be harmful, as some contain chemicals that break down rubber.
Repair any nicks or scratches in your windscreen quickly. In winter, make sure the windscreen is fully defrosted and clear of ice before you turn on your wipers. Choosing a quality wiper blade provided by us can extend the life of your windscreen wipers.
