You may not have thought much about them, but wiper blades play a crucial role in ensuring safe trips. Due to their position on the windshield, they must maintain maximum possible visibility—especially in unfavorable situations.
At Autocristal Ralarsa, as a car glass workshop, we are going to talk about them and, specifically, the signals you should look out for to know when it is time to replace your windshield wiper blades. Remember that you can find us near you in one of our more than 250 centers throughout the Peninsula. We look forward to seeing you!
The role of wiper blades
This element does not require specific maintenance; however, it is essential to know the signs that clearly indicate it is necessary to replace windshield wiper blades.
Although as drivers we may be unaware of it, wiper blades play an important role in the driving experience—especially in adverse weather conditions such as rain, snow, or even hail. In these situations, you lose visibility, and having wiper blades in optimal condition will be your great ally. Their main function is to clean the windshield surface and thus ensure much clearer vision throughout any journey.
Depending on the weather conditions the vehicle is usually exposed to, the rubber of the wiper blades will last longer or shorter. To avoid taking risks in situations like those mentioned, where the blades might not be able to properly remove water or snow, we must remain alert to possible signs indicating the imminent need to replace the rubber.
When to replace windshield wiper blades
While they do not have an actual expiration date and do not require specific maintenance, it is essential to check them from time to time. As mentioned earlier, replacement frequency will vary depending on local climatic conditions and, of course, on the quality of the rubber. As a general rule, to be on the safe side, it is recommended to replace them once a year. This way, you guarantee optimal visibility in all seasons.
Common signs not to overlook include:
- Streaks on the windshield. If after activating the wipers you notice “stripes” on the glass, the rubbers may be worn out—possibly unevenly—directly affecting their cleaning efficiency.
- Unusual noises. If when operating the wipers you hear a strange sound, the issue may be the wiper blade rubbers. The rubber may have hardened and is no longer adapting to the shape of the glass.
- Deformed wiper blades. For optimal and efficient operation, wiper blades must maintain their original shape. If they appear twisted or bent, it is time to replace them.
- Inefficient cleaning. If after cleaning, the windshield still shows stains or certain dirty areas, it is a clear sign that replacing the blades is near.
Do it in our car glass workshop
The task itself is not overly complex, but any detail can make the difference between quality wiper blades and blades that will need to be replaced again sooner—or even scratch the windshield, requiring glass repair.
For this reason, as specialists in automotive glass for more than 40 years, we invite you to visit any of our 270 workshops throughout Spain. Find yours on the Autocristal Ralarsa website and leave your car in good hands—whether for wiper blades, windows, or headlight polishing.
