Wiper blades are often overlooked, until that first unexcepted rain hits and its really hard to see out of your windshield.

Your car’s windshield wiper blades take a beating from Mother Nature, as well as other elements.

 Snow, ice, rain, UV radiation and the sun can cause the rubber compound of the wiper blade to split and crack over time, creating reduced visibility when you use your wipers in inclement weather.

Auto mechanics and car manufactures recommend periodically changing your old blades for new ones allows the windshield wiper to effectively remove debris, rain and snow, therefore increasing your safety when you drive.

But how often should you replace windshield wiper blades?

Windshield wipers should typically be replaced every six months for safety reasons.

Here’s how to change wiper blades along with a few maintenance tips to make them last.

Very cold temperatures can crack and split the rubber blades, and extreme heat can weaken and degrade the blades’ integrity. Over the course of time, dirt and debris can build up. The spring tension on the wiper arms will lessen. Finally, wipers just wear out with regular normal use.

Tips for wiper blade maintenance

New blades have a crisp, clean edge that slides evenly across your windshield without leaving streaks. To extend the time between windshield wiper replacements, here are some easy things you can do keep your wiper blades in good shape:

• Apply a windshield treatment every few months to repel water. Rain-X is a popular brand that I have had good success with.

• Gently wash and dry the blades with glass cleaner and a clean towel or cloth from time to time.

• Run your finger along the rubber to find damage.

• Top off your washer fluid with the right mixture of washer fluid appropriate for your climate. In extreme cold, washer fluid with antifreeze is recommended.

• Visually inspect them for dirt, debris and wear on a regular basis, the rubber will start to peel away and separate.

Winter weather care for wiper blades

In freezing temperatures, put the wiper arms in the up position when the vehicle’s parked outside. That will prevent them from getting stuck to the windshield. Don’t forget, turn on the defroster and clean the windshield of the ice and snow.

Don’t try to chisel the blades free and don’t smack them against the windshield, unless you also want to replace — or repair — a broken windshield.

Choosing new wiper blades

When buying new wiper blades, measure both old ones, as the lengths usually differ from side to side. Use the measurements when you look up your vehicle’s make and model so you can select the right blades. If you have a back window wiper blade, don’t forget it.

In cold climates, you may want to invest in what’s called beam blades. While they are more expensive, their weather-resistant rubber composite wipes more evenly and tends to be more durable.

Blades with a Teflon coating can also help prevent wiper blades from adhering to the windshield. Some blades even leave a hydrophobic layer on your windshield to repel water. (Similar to Rain-X) The ultimate option, silicone blades, these can last for well over year.

Replacing wiper blades, yourself

The easiest way to install new blades yourself is to replace the entire blade. The least expensive option is replacing the rubber inserts, but that means you have to figure out which attachment in the package matches your vehicle.

If the metal blades on your vehicle show signs of corrosion, replace the entire blade.

If you don’t feel comfortable replacing them yourself, most auto repair shops will install them for free if you purchase them from their store.

Costs for new wiper blades

New wiper blades can run from $10 up to $30 or more. If you have a shop install them, ask if you’ll be charged for the installation. Many shops won’t charge if the installation is part of routine maintenance, and they supply the wiper blades.

The best time to change wiper blades

The Car Husband suggests replacing wiper blades twice a year: once in the spring and again in the fall.

“We recommend it in the spring because all winter long, they’re used as scrapers for snow, freezing rain and dew in the morning.” The rubber blade breaks up and doesn’t give a good, clean swipe. In the fall, [replace them again because they can dry up in the hot summer sun.”

Most Top-Rated Shops, agrees that twice a year is best, but recommends replacing blades at a minimum of once a year.

Because weather conditions vary, it’s a good idea to inspect your blades frequently, experts say.  Many Top-Rated shops examine blades during oil changes as part of routine maintenance. They will diagnose whether any streaking from the blades is because the blades are worn down or whether they have debris in them from trees, pollen, insects, or other sources.

One common sign wiper blades need to be replaced is when they start to fray at the edges, tear or fold underneath.

When you turn the washer fluid on, you’ll see streaks at eye level, as the blade wipes the fluid away.

A scraping noise as the blades move across the windshield, or blades lying flat against the windshield are other signs they need to be replaced.

The rubber blade will split or separate, and you can peel it away easily. Also, you may get a little dry rot from the rubber corroding or wearing.

Average cost to replace wiper blades

If a shops charges labor to install the wiper blades it usually averages between $14 to $18 to replace both blades.

While the quality of blades vary along with their prices, it’s important to understand that a more expensive blade will still need to be replaced as often as a less expensive one.

A lot of people think you have to get the best blades out there, but there’s not a lot difference between a $7.99 and a $15.99 blade. Even the good ones are still going to wear out.

So you’ll get more life out of replacing $7.99 blades twice a year than trying to make a $15 blade last all year.

Top-Rated Shops recommend swiping out all of your wiper blades at the same time.

Many newer SUVs, have rear blades. Those can dry out too. I would recommend replacing the rear blade once a year.”

If you purchase them retail, most auto part retailers will install the wiper blades for you at no cost.

For more tips like these, read our blog.