Good visibility is indispensable while motoring, so decent quality, well-maintained windshield wiper blades are a must for you and your family’s well being.

Although a car’s engine, tires, bodywork and other features often receive plenty of attention, wiper blades can often be forgotten with disastrous consequences. Responsible driving is based on full visibility and bad weather, insects and dirt all work to decrease the quality of our vision. Worn windshield wiper blades simply do not clear our windshields of debris.

Most wiper blades are made from rubber and therefore are prone to wear and tear. The sun, freezing conditions, dust, time, oil and a lot of other forces contribute to their deterioration. Even if they are used infrequently, windshield wiper blades must be replaced regularly.

Wiper blades should be replaced every twice a year or every six thousand. Not doing so is placing you at a serious risk. The most economical option is to simply change the squeegees – the rubber parts which actually wipe your windshield. A pair should only cost a few dollars, but you might need to cut the squeegee to fit your particular kind of windshield wiper blade.

The other option is to replace the whole wiper blade. This is the entire windshield wiper that includes the metal frame as well as the squeegee. These are a little more expensive but should be done at least every two years. The metal arm must have good tension to make sure the rubber keeps good contact with your windshield.

Though they are a relatively small car part, it is essential to purchase quality windshield wiper blades. Different sizes, slopes and shapes of windshields can all influence the variety of windshield wiper blades you need and some models require more tension than others. In addition, the arm should have a few ‘claws’ that ensure the blade is pressed firmly against the windscreen.

The squeegees are generally made from rubber. More sophisticated squeegees often have softer rubber against the glass, with stronger rubber at the back for good support and durability. Again, in the interest safe motoring, it is worth investing a bit more on top quality.

Since your wiper blades are changed every six months, this should coincide with your vehicle’s service schedule. On the other hand, if you like to service your own car or wish to save a few dollars, windshield wiper replacement is a fairly easy task.

To examine the condition of your wiper blades just pull the blade back from the windscreen and closely examine the rubber edge. It must be perfectly straight, and there should be no distortions or brittle areas.

Jim is a columnist with more than 15 years of writing experience. Jim is currently engaged as a reporter with our b2b site and has become the resident authority on automotive products. Visit our useful website for more information on Windscreen Wipers and Wiper Blade.