During the course of its life, your average set of Wiper Blades will wipe over the windscreen over 1 million times, and travel roughly 800 miles. Wiper Blades as a rule are made from natural rubber, as this provides the most hardy edge for wiping over the glass. However, being exposed to such wear and tear, and also being exposed to the elements, can cause even good ones deteriorate quite fast. Continual exposure to sunlight, ozone and precipitation will have unfavourable effects on your Wiper Blades.

How often people change their Wiper Blades depends on numerous factors. One of these factors being where a person lives. A person residing in Northern Europe may change their wipers in time with the changing seasons; once in summer, once in winter. As you move further South into Southern Europe, the Wiper Blades are changed less, due to the drier climate. Another factor is the type of wiper blade being used. The Best Wiper Blades are silicone wiper blades, and people who have these will notice they have to change their Wiper Blades less frequently compared to regular rubber Wiper Blades.

One thing that is obvious is that in most cases, drivers aren’t replacing their Wiper Blades as often as they should be. Some drivers are even endangering the lives of themselves and their passengers by using Wiper Blades that aren’t up to standard. Research shows that 60% of drivers who don’t change their own Wiper Blades blame the confusing amount of adapters that come with many replacement blades. Also some drivers are dissuaded by the different types of Wiper Blades available, such as Silicone Windscreen Wipers, as they are uncertain of the suitability for their own vehicle. Some drivers will endeavour toadjust the Wiper Blades themselves, and can end up damaging the hardware by using force to pry off the blade. The ensuingannoyance is enough to put some off for good. However, Wiper Blades are much easier to change now than previously. Often drivers would be required to use a screwdriver to try and prise the Wiper Blades off, now it’s a lot easier to do and causes less frustration.

However, making the blades easier to change isn’t enough for some drivers, and they still aren’t replacing them enough. Some companies are endeavouring to raise awareness of the need to keep your Wiper Blades in tip-top condition, and that even the Best Wiper Blades need to be checked to make sure they work properly. A company named Valeo are doing just that, by developing a set of Wiper Blades that have a ‘wear indicator,’ which allows drivers to see when their Wiper Blades need replacing. The blade simply replicates the ageing process by changing from black to yellow, giving an obvious sign it needs replacing.

Hopefully, with companies continuing to promote ideas like this, and increased awareness of road safety, will encourage drivers to change their blades on a regular basis, ensuring the continued safety of driver and passengers.