Most people only treat windshield wipers as an after thought. However, they are an important safety feature of your vehicle. Without properly functioning wipers, when a rain/snow/sleet storm hits, you may just find yourself unable to clear your windshield fast enough to see. Or if you are distracted by something as small as a streak left on your windshield, it can take your attention away from where it is needed most.
Windshield Wiper Replacements
Windshield Wiper ReplacementsThe often forgotten - but important - safety feature
Quality of the Blades
There are some great windshield wipers out there. Unfortunately, most are waste of time and money (not to mention unsafe).
We have tested thousands of windshield wiper blades over the years and therefore always carry the best option. Our results show that there’s no real way for someone to determine the quality of the wipers just by looking at them. Cheap and poor performing blades don’t advertise themselves as garbage. Even to this day, we continue to test all wipers thoroughly before determining if they are any good.
The exception to this are wipers that cost you less than $15 Canadian (CAD). We have yet to find a worthwhile blade retailing under that price level – ever. It is best to just stay away. Only a few dollars more can make a world of difference.
So, what can you do? Well, of course we suggest visiting a Windshield Surgeons Auto Glass location since we are always quality testing and only stock what will be the best bang for your buck. Though, if that isn’t an option for you, the best guideline we can provide is to pick a well-known brand from a reputable store with a good return policy. Some good names in the market are Bosch and Trico. They are both OEM windshield wiper manufacturers and more likely to have a good product.
Who is Putting Them On?
A question often forgotten when deciding on new wipers is who will be putting them on? Do you know how? There are a series of different wiper arm types that each attach differently. To someone who has had practice replacing wipers, this probably isn’t a big deal. However, if you are new to the game, it can lead to frustration and pinched fingers.
Ultimately, we want you to be safe. So, if you do live in an area with a Windshield Surgeons location, we will help. Even if you didn’t buy the windshield wipers from us, you may still stop by if you need help putting them on. If we aren’t too busy we may even be able to give you a walk through on how to properly install them yourself. Of course, we recommend just visiting us to begin with. You really wont find a better bang for your buck in quality and price anywhere else.
When to Replace Your Wipers
Often times, your wipers will show obvious signs of deterioration when they are ready to be replaced. Though if you are unsure, the general rule of thumb is to replace them ever year or so. When driving, it is imperative that you have a clear view out of your windshield. Using wipers past their prime is hazardous to you and the people around you.
Signs that your wipers are no longer safe to use include the following:
Rust and Metal Corrosion
If you notice any rust or corrosion, that is a surefire sign that your wipers are in well past their lifespan. If the metal is wearing out, the soft blade will be even worse. This will happen quicker on the inexpensive wipers, so it is wise to invest in wipers that are rust resistant.
Dull, Cracked Rubber
If the edges of the squeegee are rounded, not sharp, this will prevent the blade from making strong contact with the windshield. Cracked or split wipers are more likely to pick up debris that will scratch your windshield when in use. Any visible wear and tear of the rubber is a sign that they are not providing you with the best possible view.
Streaking, Skipping, Squeaking, Splitting
These are some of the most obvious signs that tend to go ignored. If your wipers are noisy or if there are areas on your windshield that are constantly being missed, they should quickly be replaced.
When coming to Windshield Surgeons for your windshield wiper replacement, you are guaranteed to leave with the best possible quality and fit for your vehicle. Whether you are someone who has never installed wipers yourself, or you are someone who would simply prefer someone to install them for you, we are happy to help. Not only will we pick out the best wipers for your vehicle, we will also install them for your free of charge. Even if you already purchased the wipers from another location, our offer to install them for you still stands. Your safety is always our number one concern.