How often should the wipers on a car be replaced?
2 Answers
The lifespan of wipers is one year, while the lifespan of beam blades may be slightly longer. After enduring the cold of winter and the scorching sun of summer, wipers will age and crack. When you notice residual stains on the windshield, shaking, or unusual noises while using the wipers, it's time to replace them. Below are some precautions for using wipers: 1. When using wipers to remove dust from the windshield on sunny days, always spray windshield washer fluid and avoid dry wiping. 2. If there are stubborn or hard contaminants on the glass, clean them manually. These substances can easily damage the wiper blades, resulting in poor cleaning performance. The wiper motor may also be affected. 3. When lifting the wiper blades during car washing or routine cleaning, hold them by the "backbone" and gently return them. Do not snap the blades back abruptly. 4. In winter, use an ice scraper to remove ice chips from the windshield first to avoid putting extra strain on the wipers. 5. If contaminants on the wipers are difficult to remove or if the wipers themselves have issues, it's best to seek professional repair as soon as possible.
I've been driving for over a decade, and poorly maintained windshield wipers can seriously affect driving safety. Typically, they should be checked every six months, especially during summer when strong sunlight accelerates rubber hardening. Last time I encountered poor wiping performance with loud jerking noises during rain, which almost caused an accident due to blurred vision – that's why I replaced them immediately. Safety comes first, don't skimp on costs. I recommend keeping a spare pair and testing them before rain by spraying water – if they wipe effectively, keep using them; otherwise replace promptly. Choosing the right model is easy online shopping, costing just dozens of yuan, and DIY installation takes merely two minutes, saving a trip to the repair shop. Regularly check for cracks or scratches as warning signs. In arid regions, aging is slower but periodic maintenance remains crucial to prolong your car's lifespan and enhance driving safety.
