You don’t know how much you need something until it’s gone. Well, well, well, these are some super true words, friend. I can say this confidently as I had to drive down the road with my head sticking out the window because my windshield wipers we unable to wipe the rain away. Why might that be? I decided that my mechanic at Younger Mitsubishi was wrong and I didn’t REALLY need to replace my windshield wipers. It would have been fine if this monsoon didn’t start up on my way home, but here we are. I didn’t know that it was possible to drown while driving, but I came pretty close this time.

Other than listening to the qualified professionals at Younger Mitsubishi how else would you be able to tell if your windshield wipers need to be replaced? I’m glad that you asked. There are several warning signs that those sweet little weather warriors need to be replaced.

1. Rubber Problems: Take a close look at your windshield wipers. What do they look like? Do they look like they have suffered through a drought in the desert? Cracked? Perhaps split in places? If the rubber of those wiper blades isn’t as smooth a dolphin, it’s time to get new blades. The blade may also be slightly rounded rather than flat and crisp, another indicator it’s time to change your blades.

2. Windshield Streaks or Film: If you are driving and your wiper blades aren’t leaving your window clean and crisp and you see what can best be described as grime on your windshield, it’s time for new windshield wipers.

3. Chattering Sounds: Nails on a chalkboard. Just reading the words, I’m sure that you were able to feel the the sound in your spine. A similar chattering sound on your windshield while your wiper blades are in action is a solid indicator, those blades have got to go!

4. Bent Frames: Occasionally the metal bit of your wipers can get all bent out of shape, particularly from the winter months spent forcefully removing ice from your wipers. If the frame or the blade is bent, it won’t come into contact with your windshield properly, and even if the blades seem to function fine now, they won’t be soon enough. Time to replace them.

5. Bad Windshield Contact: When it’s raining hard, it’s really obvious when your wipers stop reaching certain parts of your windshield. If the blades aren’t coming into contact with the corners or some spot in the middle anymore, you need new ones. They’ve pulled up from the windshield because of old rubber or because of a bent frame, and they aren’t doing their jobs anymore.

6. Season Changes: It’s always a good rule of thumb to change the blades between the seasons, particularly before and after winter as you want your windshield really prepared for whatever kind of weather Mother Nature hurls at you. Naturally changing after winter is a good choice because those wipers have really gone through it and will need to be refreshed!

Your windshield wipers are essential for driving safely because they either improve or inhibit visibility. They’re one of the easiest parts of your car to maintain. Stop by Younger Mitsubishi today to get those wipers checked out!