Windshield Wiper Service at Griffith Ford San Marcos
An often neglected yet frequently used component of a vehicle is the windshield wipers. They are composed of just four components: the arm, the blade, the cowl, and the cover. Not a complex part by any means, but we rely on them to keep our field of vision clear. If you are in or around
San Marcos,
San Antonio, or
New Braunfels, stop by
Griffith Ford San Marcos to have your wipers serviced.
How Long Do They Last?
Your windshield wipers’ longevity depends on the area you live in. There are many environmental factors that can affect how long they last. On average, the recommendation is 6-12 months, but it varies according to your owner’s manual and other influences. Your owner’s manual has the actual recommendations from the automotive manufacturer on all components of your vehicle. It is best to check with your manual before getting service unless you are having trouble with your windshield wipers. How long your wipers last are greatly affected by a few environmental factors.
- Frequency of use: If you live in an area of high rainfall, or excessive dust, dirt, and/or pollen where you use your wipers frequently, you can expect them to need to be changed more often.
- Storage: If your vehicle is kept in a garage or carport where it blocks much of the sun’s damaging UV rays, your wipers will last longer. UV radiation will eventually begin breaking the rubber or silicone of your blades down, rendering them less effective.
- Climate: If you live in a dry arid area this can cause your blades to crack. If you live in an area with excessive heat or cold, this will also affect your wipers and can cause damage to them.
Signs That Wipers Need Replacement
If you are not sure whether your blades need replacement, some signs may indicate a change is needed.
- Wetness left behind on the windshield after your wipers have passed over an area can indicate the blades are uneven or that there are cracks in the blades.
- Streaking occurs when the blades are worn down too much. It indicates that the blades do not have good contact with the windshield.
- Squeaking or other odd noises also indicate wiper issues. If your blades are making a squeak, squeal, chattering noise, or if they are vibrating or jerking when in operation, there may be problems with your blades. They should glide across the windshield cleanly and smoothly, leaving nothing but a clean field of vision when in use.
If you notice any issues with your windshield wipers, come by our
service department at Griffith Ford San Marcos and have your wipers checked out or replaced if needed. While you are here, check with your technician about other routine services that are available, like oil and filter replacement,
brake service,
battery service, and more. Just ask your technician what else you can do to extend the life of your vehicle today!
