Windshield wipers perform the essential service of clearing water, debris, dirt, dust, and precipitation from the windscreens of our cars. Although it’s a very simple act of car maintenance, you can actually prevent accidents by changing your windshield wiper blades regularly.
How often you should change wiper blades depends on multiple factors, but the generally accepted recommendation is that you should change your wiper blades every six to 12 months. While surveys have shown that many people wait up to three years before replacing their wiper blades, the AAA advises that it should be done at least once a year.
Bad visibility and adverse weather are factors in a high number of car accidents, collisions involving trucks, and towing, trailering, or RV accidents. Reach out to speak with a motor vehicle accident attorney at our firm if you have further questions.
What Happens If You Don’t Change Your Wiper Blades?
If not changed properly, windshield wiper blades will be unable to perform the function for which they are intended—helping you see clearly while driving. Additionally, old wiper blades can actually damage your windshield glass. When the blade rubber deteriorates and the plastic or metal surface of the wiper arm begins scratching the glass, your windshield can be permanently damaged.
The fact that manufacturer wiper blade failures have several times been an issue of national concern—leading to thousands of windshield wiper recalls—shows just how important this small safety feature really is. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) keeps a current list of vehicle safety issues and recalls so drivers can know if a product is not safe for use.
A driver’s ability to see clearly is one of their most important assets. When this ability is compromised by poorly-functioning wiper blades, the safety of every car on the road nearby is at risk. Good visibility is especially important on our more rural West Virginia roads where lighting is minimal and deer crossing accidents are common.
Windshield Wiper Problems That Increase Accident Risk
As we have mentioned (and will discuss further below), how long wiper blades last varies from situation to situation, but a good rule of thumb is to change them once or twice a year. However, if you notice indications that your wiper blades may need to be changed sooner, be sure to pay attention to the signals and change them immediately.
There are signs to tell you how you know when your wiper blades need to be changed. Ignoring the signals can lead to situations in which you are forced to drive in dangerous weather without the ability to see clearly. When you notice these signs of bad windshield wipers, you know it’s time for your wiper blades to be replaced:
- Blade rubber is cracked, crumbled, broken, or disintegrated
- You can hear a scraping or squeaking sound
- Streaks or film is left on the windshield after each wipe
- Blades aren’t making smooth contact with the glass
- Blade arms are bent or at incorrect angles
- There is skipping, skidding, or bouncing when the arm moves
- The blades are no longer keeping up with seasonal needs like ice and snow
- Your windshield stays dirty even after running the wipers
Using wiper blades past their expiration date can have serious consequences. When these above-listed problems start happening, you as the driver are at a severe disadvantage. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) lists visual impairment due to weather-related factors as a statistically-significant factor in over one-fifth of all motor vehicle crashes each year. This number could be reduced if we all practice better auto safety. We should never allow ourselves to drive under less-than-optimal conditions because we are negligent in taking action to make simple vehicle improvements.
What Makes Windshield Wipers Deteriorate Faster?
There are several factors that can cause your wiper blades to deteriorate faster and require more frequent replacement. Knowing the causes of windshield wiper blade failure can help you get the most out of each set of wiper blades. Some factors, like climate, may be out of your control. Both other factors, like where you park your car, give you some room to lengthen the lifespan of your wiper blades.
Tips for Extending the Life of Your Wiper Blades
Remember, by following these tips, you can keep your wiper blades working smoothly for up to six months to a year. If your blades are subject to harsh conditions, you may need to replace them sooner. Here are some maintenance tips to help you keep your wiper blades in good condition and functioning well:
- Scrape snow and ice off the windshield by hand before using your windshield wipers
- Park in a garage or in the shade to protect the blade rubber from sun damage
- Don’t run your wipers on a dry windshield
- Use a clean cloth to wipe your blades on a regular basis
- Use windshield washer fluid when cleaning your glass
- Keep debris off your windshield and remove large pieces by hand
- Lift your wiper blades off the glass when it snows or is icy
- Wash your car regularly, especially the windscreen
Small Actions Can Go a Long Way Toward Auto Safety
Our team of car accident attorneys at DiPiero Simmons McGinley & Bastress, PLLC has helped hundreds of car accident victims who were injured in collisions caused by faulty auto parts. In some cases, the mechanical failure was completely unanticipated. But in other cases, a negligent driver failed to uphold their duty to keep their vehicle in safe working order, and someone was hurt as a result.
Changing your wiper blades may seem like a trivial task. But we know from experience that small actions can have life-changing consequences. Part of our job as attorneys is to promote public safety and protect victims of negligence. We believe every vehicle owner has a responsibility to maintain their car, truck, or motorcycle to its safest working order. And it is our duty to protect those who are hurt because of another party’s failure.
If you have questions about an auto accident in which your were involved, we are ready to discuss your case with you. A qualified auto accident attorney is available to answer your questions in Charleston, WV.