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How Can I Check My Windshield Wipers?

It’s been about six months since I’ve gotten new windshield wipers and while they seem to be working fine, I don’t know how to tell if they’re damaged or whether I should repair them. How can I check my windshield wipers for damage?

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Katherine Duffy · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Knowing how to your windshield wipers for damage can be confusing, but we’re here to help! There are six easy ways to check if your windshield wipers are damaged and need replacing.
If you think you’re windshield wipers aren’t performing as well as they were when you first got them, it’s probably time to replace them. However, if you can’t tell whether your windshield wipers need to be replaced, here are six easy ways to check:
  • Check the rubber blades: Is the rubber on your blades beginning to crack, or are the edges becoming soft and brittle? If you answered yes to either of these questions, it’s time to replace your wipers.
  • Check your windshield for streaks: If your windshield wipers consistently leave streaks on your windshield when you use them, this is a sign that your wipers have built-up grime and need to be replaced.
  • Listen for chattering: This sign is pretty obvious. If your windshield wipers make a loud chattering noise when they wipe across your windshield, they aren’t making proper contact with the glass anymore and need to be replaced.
  • Check for bent frames: Have a look at your windshield wiper frames and check to see if they’ve been bent out of shape—you’ll experience windshield wiper issues soon if you aren’t already.
  • Pay attention to where your wipers reach: Are your windshield wipers leaving patches when wiping off snow or rain from your windshield? This means they’re making incomplete contact with your windshield, compromising your visibility. Time to replace them!
  • Winter is around the corner: If winter is near and you still have summer blades on or haven’t changed your blades in six months, it’s time to put heavy-duty winter windshield wipers on.
Checking your windshield wipers for damage is a key part of safe driving, but the best way to make sure you’re covered is by signing up for great
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