Average Lifespan Of Wiper Blades
Windshield wiper blades last an average of 6-12 months. It's possible your windshield wiper blades can last longer depending on the blade material, your car care habits, and where you live. However, it's also just as possible for them to need replacing sooner than that. It's essential to pay attention to the signs that your wiper blades are worn out to ensure you replace them before they become ineffective or worse — counterproductive!
Usual Signs That Wiper Blades Are Wearing Out
There are four easy-to-spot signs of wiper blade wear. Streaking, squeaking, smearing, and chattering indicate it's time to shop INFINITI's online accessories for new windshield wipers.
- Streaking will leave bands of water after each wipe, and the effect will become more prominent over time. You'll be able to see hardened or cracked wiper blade rubber upon inspection. These hard spots and cracks are frequently the results of sap, road gravel or debris, wear and tear, or UV damage.
- Squeaking might not have a visual effect, but you'll notice your wiper blades won't move quietly across the windshield.
- Smearing will leave a hazy look on your windshield. You'll notice the edge of the wiper line is rounded and no longer sharp and clean.
- Chattering will cause the windshield wiper blades to vibrate or skip across the windshield.
Any of these signs indicate it's time to replace your wiper blades.
How To Extend The Life Of Wiper Blades
To help maximize your INFINITI wiper blades' lifespan, there are a few simple maintenance steps to keep in mind. Adding wiper blade cleaning to your car washes, parking in the shade, maintaining your windshield washer fluid level, and clearing snow and ice can help preserve your wiper blade rubber and extend the windshield wiper lifespan.
Maintain your blades after a car wash.
After car washes, wipe the edge of your wiper blades with rubbing alcohol. Remember to keep your car washes regular (think, twice monthly) to clear dirt, debris, and any stubborn grime or irritants that might interfere with your windshield wipers. Never use soaps or detergents that aren't specifically for car washing as they can damage not only your wiper blades but your INFINITI's paint job, too.
Park in the shade.
Parking in the shade can offer your car protection from harmful UV rays and can be especially helpful during the warmest months of the year. Remember that UV damage can cause windshield wiper streaking due to hardened or cracked wiper rubber.
Keep your windshield wiper fluid full.
There's nothing worse than needing windshield washer fluid and realizing there's none in your reservoir. When that happens, your windshield wipers can end up working harder to not only clear water from your windshield but road grime as well. Unlike other fluids in your vehicle such as engine oil, you can't overfill your windshield washer reservoir, so it's best to always keep your fluid topped off.
Keep snow and ice clear from your windshield.
Clearing snow and ice from your windshield and rear window can keep your windshield wiper blades and rear wiper blade from getting stuck or damaged during cold months. Turn on your defroster and use a plastic scraper to thoroughly remove ice and snow before using your wiper blades.
Changing Your Wiper Blades
To purchase new wiper blades, first search your car's model and year within INFINITI's online accessories or visit your nearest authorized service center.
To remove the old wiper blades, consult your owner's manual. Typically, you'll lift the wiper arm away from the windshield. The wiper arm will usually hook into the wiper blade and have a release tab securing it. Release the tab and pull the blade down. Once your blade releases from the arm, turn it parallel to the wiper arm to pull it all the way off.
Remove the new wiper blade from its packaging and install it by moving it parallel to the wiper arm, then hook the wiper arm into the new wiper blade until you feel it click into place. Test your new windshield wiper blades with windshield wiper fluid to ensure they're ready for your next drive.
Is it time to replace your wiper blades? Get the right blades for your INFINITI model by browsing wipers on INFINITI Parts. Install them at home or ask an expert INFINITI technician to replace them at your next routine service appointment.