This is a question we all ask ourselves while changing windshield wipers in the dark and the rain in a  parking lot. One answer is – they don’t if you use a durable wiper blade, like Everblades. The fact is, though, that all wiper blades eventually wear out. By understanding the factors that contribute to your wipers deterioration, you can help to prolong their life. And by being conscientious about the lifespan of the wiper blades, you won’t be faced with an untimely replacement in the middle of a spring thunderstorm. Keep in mind – the issues discussed are related to standard natural rubber blades. Installing a silicone wiper blade can dramatically reduce or even eliminate these deteriorating factors!

How Weather Affects Wiper Blades

The biggest factor to the wear on your wiper blades could be the climate and elements they are exposed to. In the winter, your wipers are working hard to combat snow and ice. And the harder they work, the quicker they stop working. You can control this factor by installing Everblades Heated Windshield Wipers to prevent ice buildup while you are driving. However, no one can control the freezing temperatures (don’t we wish!) that cause squeegee to become hard and brittle and eventually crack.

Heat and sunlight are also harmful to the rubber on the wiper blade. The warm temperatures we are all looking forward to cause the wiper squeegee to warp, and again, crack faster. This is especially true in a dryer climate. You can slow down the effects of sunlight by parking under structures whenever possible. Over time, though, the elemental factors add up and your wiper blades will become less flexible and stop working properly.

How Dirt and Your Car Affect Wiper Blades

Your car and your windshield wipers are connected, they should work together right? Unfortunately, the oils and exhaust that your car puts out is damaging to the wiper’s squeegees. The chemicals cause the rubber to break down and deteriorate. Likewise, dirt and grime from the road wear down the cutting edge of the wiper blades.

Take the time to thoroughly wipe down each blade when you stop at a gas station, removing built up dirt and oils. Make sure you also keep your windshield clean, preventing the blades from having to run over a rough surface. And invest in silicone wiper blades that are engineered to withstand the harmful effects of chemicals and oils better than the standard rubber squeegees.

How You Harm Your Wiper Blades

There are several things that drivers accidentally do that harm their wiper blades. One is unintentionally flipping the wipers on when the windshield is dry. This not only can cause scratches on the windshield, but can wear down the blade as it runs into an unyielding surface. By turning on wiper blades that are iced over or stuck in the windshield’s ice, you risk tearing off bits of the squeegee or cracking the arms. Even your choice in windshield wiper fluid can be harmful, as some include chemicals that contribute to the breakdown of rubber.

Make sure to repair any nicks or scratches in your windshield quickly. Be careful that your windshield is fully defrosted and clear of ice in the winter before turning on your wipers. And install Everblades Heated Windshield Wiper Blades to keep ice and snow from building up on the blades. By choosing a durable silicone wiper blade like Everblades, you can extend the life of your windshield wipers. No more installs in the middle of a dark, rainy night!

Contact Everblades today to save you hassle in the future!