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auto maintenance
AAA can help you locate a nearby AAA-owned Car Care location or AAA Approved Auto Repair facility. Members receive a 10% discount on repair labor (save up to $75) and get a 36-month/36,000-mile warranty at AAA-owned Car Care locations or a 24-month/24,000-mile warranty at AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities on repairs.
We’ve been conditioned to change the oil and rotate the tires on our cars—but what about the wipers? It’s not until we hit a patch of rain, fog or debris that we’re reminded of the smearing that results from worn-out wipers and the safety hazard this imposes.
So, when did you last replace your wipers? If it’s been more than six months, AAA can help. A technician from AAA can install new blades during a service call, or you can have wipers replaced as part of routine maintenance at any AAA-owned Car Care Center or AAA Approved Auto Repair facility. Let’s take a closer look at wiper maintenance and replacement.
Depending on climate and driving conditions, it’s generally recommended you replace your windshield wipers every 6-12 months.
Variation in temperature can affect the lifespan of your car’s wipers, with high heat causing the rubber to warp, harden and crack, and frigid cold temperatures causing the rubber to become stiff and brittle. Areas of heavy rainfall can also accelerate wiper wear due to the frequent and intense usage.
To prevent costly, visibility-related accidents and emergency stops, it’s important to stay ahead of seasonal or high-use deterioration by making wiper replacement a regular part of routine maintenance. For those who prefer DIY replacement, stores like NAPA Auto Parts offer AAA Members a 10% discount on most parts and accessories, and sometimes offer a higher discount on certain brands of blades.
Learn more about changing your wipers in the video below.
The Federal Highway Administration estimates that poor visibility contributes to nearly 400,000 accidents annually. Additionally, visibility is a factor in a larger portion of weather-related crashes, with 77% of weather-related crashes occurring during rain or mist.
With functional windshield wipers in place, maximum visibility is provided, reducing the risk of accidents, especially in sudden storms. When considering the costs of old or neglected wipers, keep in mind that damaged blades do more than limit visibility; worn wiper blades can scratch your windshield, leading to expensive windshield repair or even replacement.
Now that you know the hidden costs of neglected windshield wipers and where you can turn for replacement, let’s look at some of the signs that it’s time to swap out your old wipers for new ones:
Remember, good wipers equal safe driving. If you don’t get the chance to replace your wipers and they fail you in the middle of a long trip, AAA offers members wiper replacement service as an add-on to any Roadside Assistance call.
As seasons change, so do the demands on your windshield wipers. In winter, freezing temperatures can cause wiper blades to stiffen or crack, reducing their effectiveness. To prepare, consider switching to winter wiper blades designed to withstand extreme cold and prevent ice buildup.
Before the first frost, inspect your wipers for wear and verify that your windshield washer fluid is rated for freezing temperatures. During the rainy season, frequent downpours can quickly wear out standard blades. Inspect your wipers for streaking, skipping, or noise, and replace them if needed to ensure clear visibility.
Regularly clean your windshield and wiper blades to remove dirt and debris that can cause smearing. By staying ahead of seasonal challenges, you’ll ensure your wipers are ready to handle whatever the weather throws your way.
Read our guide to get tips on keeping your windshield wipers in optimal condition during the cold winter months.
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Step-by-step guide: How to replace windshield wipers
DIY windshield wiper replacement is quick and easy:
Not into fussing with the sizes, clips or compatibility of blades? Check out AAA’s new wiper replacement service for professional installation and quality blades.
Get more information on how to change your wiper blades.
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Imagine you’re on a long road trip, the weather turns and your wipers start streaking. Rather than pulling into a random shop for blade replacement, stop by any AAA-owned Car Care Center or AAA Approved Auto Repair facility for quality fit, savings and installation. Not only will you get premium blades in the correct size, but you’ll also get savings as a AAA Member in addition to bundled services and special offers on routine maintenance costs.
Have a roadside service call out to AAA and notice your wipers are worn? This is the perfect time to take care of two things at once. AAA roadside technicians can now replace wiper blades as part of any service call to get you back on the road quickly and without any windshield smudges or streaking.
AAA’s newest wiper replacement service adds value to our extensive list of roadside services. But when you think AAA, think beyond flat tires, tows and even wiper blades.
It’s a question worth re-asking—when did you last replace your wipers? If it has been a while or you can’t remember, take time to change your blades today. Schedule a visit at a AAA-owned Car Care Center or AAA Approved Auto Repair facility to get windshield wiper replacement help and more! With AAA in your corner, staying safe, saving money and driving confidently on the road is easier than ever.
auto maintenance
AAA can help you locate a nearby AAA-owned Car Care location or AAA Approved Auto Repair facility. Members receive a 10% discount on repair labor (save up to $75) and get a 36-month/36,000-mile warranty at AAA-owned Car Care locations or a 24-month/24,000-mile warranty at AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities on repairs.
While it varies based on your local climate and how much you drive, a good rule of thumb is to replace your wiper blades every 6 to 12 months. If you live in an area with intense sun, heavy rain or freezing winters, the rubber on the blades can deteriorate faster. It’s best to check them seasonally—such as when you change your clocks—to ensure they are ready for whatever weather comes next.
Your wipers will usually let you know when they need to be replaced. Look out for streaking or smearing across the glass, which is the most common sign. You might also notice parts of the windshield that get skipped entirely or hear a chattering noise as the blade drags across the glass. If you inspect the blade closely and see cracks in the rubber or if the frame looks bent, it’s time for a new pair.
You can absolutely do it yourself! Most wiper blades are designed to be user-friendly and can be snapped into place in just a few minutes. You simply need to check your vehicle manual to locate your blade size and follow the instructions on the package. However, if you aren’t comfortable with the clips or worried about damaging your windshield, having a professional install them ensures a perfect fit without the hassle.
Choosing AAA eliminates the guesswork from the process. Instead of standing in an aisle trying to match blade sizes and connector types, a AAA technician will select the high-quality blades that fit your specific vehicle and install them for you. Plus, this service can often be done during a roadside assistance call or routine maintenance visit, saving you an extra trip to the auto parts store.
Yes, we highly recommend replacing them in pairs. Since both wipers are exposed to the same environmental elements like UV rays and temperature changes, if one is failing, the other is likely not far behind. Replacing both at once ensures consistent visibility across your entire windshield and keeps your maintenance schedule simple.
