Honestly, it differs! In this article we’ll cover how long wiper blades last, the factors that influence their lifespan, and some tips and tricks to help them last a bit longer here under the Aussie sun.
Wiper blades play a critical role in your driving comfort and safety. Have you ever been stuck in a rainstorm and struggled to see out the front or rear windscreen? It’s genuinely dangerous, and you never know when a downpour can hit. This is why we always recommend changing your wiper blades regularly to avoid this issue before it becomes a problem.
Understanding Wiper Blade Lifespan
Wiper blades are made from a rubber compound. Most suppliers use a slightly varied composition but for the sake of this article, they’re mostly very similar. Rubber and silicone have a lifespan and they get old and brittle over time. When rubber becomes old, brittle or hard, wiper blade performance degrades as well. On the flip side, if the rubber has gone too soft (which can also happen with high UV exposure or humidity) the performance will also be poor.
As a general rule, wiper blades should last 1-2 years, but they should be replaced at least once every two years for optimal safety. You may read information elsewhere that states otherwise, but frankly that’s rubbish. You might also hear stories from family members about how long wiper blades used to last back in the day, but it’s likely an exaggeration or they just got lucky.
There are many factors that affect wiper blade longevity and we’ve done our best to outline these below.
Factors Affecting Wiper Blade Longevity
Sun exposure — The number one cause of premature wiper blade failure is UV exposure. We’ve all seen it: a car left out under the blazing hot sun with everything faded and dried out. The sun does the same to your wiper blades, regardless of the brand, make or model. Reducing your vehicle’s time in direct sunlight will improve wiper blade longevity. Simple as that.
Temperature — Hot climates cause rubber to wear out prematurely. Wipers perform best in climates that sit around 20 to 25 degrees. Cooler climates can also cause wiper rubber to harden and crack prematurely. So you should keep your car in a climate-controlled garage at all times… just kidding.
Frequency of use — If you use your wipers every day, they’ll wear out faster. If you rarely use them, they’ll last a bit longer. However, if they sit unused long enough to become stuck to your windscreen and you then try to force them off, they’ll get damaged quickly.
Maintenance — Maintenance is key to extending the life of your wiper blades. We’ll go into more detail in the tips section below.
Where you park — If you park under trees or in full sun, your wiper blades will deteriorate faster than vehicles parked in open shade. Trees drop leaves, sap, dust and debris, all of which break down the rubber over time.
Top Tips for Extending Wiper Blade Lifespan
Keep your windscreen clean — This is the single best thing you can do to help your wiper blades last longer. Wipe your blades down with a soft, damp microfibre cloth and make sure your windscreen is clear of dirt, debris, chemicals, bird droppings and leaves. It’s not hard, it just needs to become a habit.
Be gentle — It might be tempting to crank the wiper speed up during a light drizzle, but keep the speed appropriate for the conditions. Running wipers too fast on light rain causes unnecessary wear on the rubber edge.
Don’t run them dry — Wiper blades don’t like running dry. They’re designed to glide on a film of water, and running them on a dry windscreen (even for a quick flick to clear dust) is one of the fastest ways to damage the rubber edge. If your wipers have an auto setting, just be mindful of this.
Lift the blades when parked — If you’re leaving the car for an extended period, especially in heat or frost, lift the blades away from the windscreen. This prevents them from sticking or bonding to the glass, which causes damage when you try to use them again.
Regular inspections — Check your wipers regularly and make sure they’re free from dust, dirt and debris. If you notice any streaking, skipping or squeaking, it’s usually a sign the rubber is on its way out.
Where to Find Quality Wiper Blades
Now for a bit of self-promotion. You can find quality blades designed for the harsh Aussie climate from auto parts stores, car dealers and some mechanics. However, your best bet is to give Wipers Direct a go. Our wipers are designed to last in the Aussie sun, hold up against UV damage, and are very affordable for a high-performance blade that’s fitted specifically to your vehicle. We’d recommend avoiding multi-fit or uni-fit blades as they generally don’t last as long or perform as well.
In summary, if you look after your wiper blades they’ll last longer, but even without much maintenance a quality set should last at least a year. If you buy from Wipers Direct, we back every set with a 1 Year Warranty and we regularly hear from customers who get 2-3 years out of their blades before wanting a change.
You can find wipers for your car here. They’ll fit perfectly, arrive within a few days, and can be installed in around 30 seconds with the help of our installation guides.
