Visibility out your front windshield is an essential to being able to drive safely. Your Windshield Wiper Blades play a significant role in keeping you safe, especially during rain or snow storms. Check out these six signs that you need new windshield wipers. If you even suspect your blades aren’t doing a good job, it’s time to replace them.

1. Rubber Problems

Take a close look at your Car Windshield Wiper Blades. Is the rubber all one smooth piece or is it cracked, split, or broken off in places? If you see any imperfections in the rubber, that means it’s time for new wiper blades. The blade may also get a rounded look, which means it’s gotten too old and you should replace it.

2. Windshield Streaks or Film

When your wipers cause streaks on your windshield, it’s pretty obvious, especially if you’re caught in snow or rain. But if you notice a consistent film of grime on your windshield, even after you’ve sprayed fluid to clean it off, that’s another sign your wipers are dirty and need to be replaced. Sometimes wiping the blades with a paper towel will clear up this problem, but if it keeps happening, you know what to do.

3. Chattering Sounds

You know that awful noise your wipers make when they drag across the glass? That means they need to go. Not only is that noise irritating, but it usually means the wipers aren’t cleaning your windshield the way they should because they’re only in contact with the glass some of the time. The inconsistent job left behind can cause vision problems while you’re on the road.

4. Bent Frames

The metal part of your wipers can get bent or damaged for all sorts of reasons. Hacking the ice off your windshield in winter can do it, as can some car washes. Even rough handling of the wiper blades when you wipe them down can bend them. If the frame or the blade is bent, it won’t come into contact with your windshield properly, and even if the blades seem to function fine now, they won’t be soon enough. Time to replace them.

5. Bad Windshield Contact

When it’s raining hard, it’s really obvious when your wipers stop reaching certain parts of your windshield. If the blades aren’t coming into contact with the corners or some spot in the middle anymore, you need new ones. They’ve pulled up from the windshield because of old rubber or because of a bent frame, and they aren’t doing their jobs anymore.

6. Season Changes

Before winter starts, get new wipers that are specially designed for winter, even if your blades are functioning fine, now. The ice and snow in winter will damage regular wiper blades much faster than those manufactured to withstand cold temperatures and frozen windshields.

Your windshield wipers are essential for driving safely because they either improve or inhibit visibility. They’re one of the easiest parts of your car to maintain. Your owner’s manual will tell you the length and type of wipers best suited for your car.