FAQ > Windshield Wiper Questions

• I need to have my windshield replaced, should the wiper blades be replaced also? A crack or chip in a windshield or back glass can cause damage to your wiper blades by cutting or splitting the rubber or leaving residual glass particles on the wiper blade which can damage your new windshield or rear window back glass, therefore, unless you are and feel certain that there is no damage to your existing wiper blades, we highly recommend that you avoid any risks and replace them when replacing the glass in your vehicle to prevent damage to your new glass and to ensure maximum wiper coverage. • How often should wiper blades be replaced? Wiper Blades should be replaced approximately every six to twelve months depending upon environmental conditions and use. • How do I know when my wiper blades need to be replaced? You will see and or hear signs of wear like rounded or ragged blade edges, streaking and smearing on the windshield. Typically the chattering sound you hear is from the hardened rubber blades that won't flip over on each stroke. • Why do my wipers keep making a squealing noise or leave a streak across the windshield? It’s possible that your wiper blades may have hardened from the UV light of the sun or have just gotten old and need to be replaced. If the squealing, streaks and missed spots don't go away after you run the windshield washer fluid for a few strokes, your wiper blades may need to be replaced. It’s also possible that the spring tension of the wiper arm it’s self has weakened and needs to be replaced. • What climates or conditions tend to shorten blade life? Rubber is the most important part of a wiper blade and the sun's ultraviolet rays, snow, ice, soap from automatic car washes and extended periods of non use can impact wiper blade life. The most common warning signs to look for the signal that it is time for replacement include dry, cracked or split rubber or damage to the wiper arm assembly (bent or broken metal) which can result in streaking, chatter or scratching of the windshield. • Is wiper blade wear determined by the mounting position? Not as a general rule. Wear is determined by frequency of use and environmental conditions which is why different customers might experience different levels of performance and life expectancies. There are vehicles out in the market place like many models of BMW’s that actually have an adjustment that allows the wiper arm to be tilted left and right. In these cases if the tilt of the arms were to be improperly adjusted the wiper blades couldn’t flip positions in the up and down strokes. In that situation the wiper blades won’t only perform poorly but will more than likely cause severe damage to the glass from allowing the metal/plastic portions of the wiper blades to come into constant contact with the glass. • What’s the best method to use to prevent damage caused from snow and ice build up on wiper blades? When attempting to remove wipers in freezing conditions, first see if the blades are frozen to the windshield. Gently pull up on the wiper to see if it is frozen. Using force can cause the rubber to tear resulting in permanent damage. If the wipers are covered with snow, gently brush aside the majority of the snow and then use water or washer solvent over the wipers if possible to melt the snow or ice. (Never use Hot Water) or breakage can occur to your windshield or back glass from the drastic change in temperature. Cold Water can also be used to free the rubber from the glass safely without tearing it or damaging the wiping edge. The windshield can also be allowed to warm up with the defroster on the highest setting. • Can I install my own wiper blades? You sure can! Simply refer to the easy and helpful installation instructions and diagrams included in our wiper blade packages. • How many different wiper blade models does Phoenix Glass offer? Currently 14 different blade lengths are available in the line up of all weather steel frame blades as well as 10 or so different blade lengths of plastic beam type of wiper blades • Where can I purchase OETech Wiper Blades? OE Tech wiper blades are distributed exclusively by Pilkington and are available at our Phoenix Glass Service Center. We also carry Trico and Bosch brand wiper blades. • I've never installed a wiper blade before, is it difficult? Most replacement wiper blades come with step by step instructions on each package and each blade is equipped with an easy connector system which makes wiper blade installation literally a snap. • Are there differences in wiper blades? There sure is! Wiper blades with premium features and performance can and do last longer as well as wipe more smoothly and consistently. • My vehicle uses the newer plastic frameless blade design. Does Phoenix Glass offer a frameless blade? We sure do! We offer a complete line of both steel frame as well as the plastic beam type wiper blades. • Do you offer replacements for just the rubber portion of the blade? If yes, is it available for both frameless and traditional blades? We do not stock replacements for the rubber portion of your wiper blades but if that is what you want and they are actually available as a rule we can have them for you by the next following business day. The convenience and low cost of full blade replacement typically outweighs an incremental savings of replacing only the rubber insert. Please also take into account that the frames themselves both metal or plastic beam types loose there rigidity over time so we will always recommend a complete replacement. • My vehicle is equipped with two different sized wiper blades, where can I go to find out what size to buy? Feel free to stop by our auto glass service center and we’ll be more than happy to help you select the correct wiper blades for your particular vehicle’s make, model and year. • I've never thought of wiper blades as being high tech. What are some of the technology advancements? Some of the new wiper technologies include improved rubber compounds and more secure connection methods or arm types. These improved rubber compounds allow the rubber to remain flexible, function longer, and have improved wear characteristics and resist sunlight’s UV exposure better without compromising wipe performance. • Are wiper blade parts made from recycled materials and can any of the blade parts on a wiper blade be recycled after use? Yes they are! All of the parts of a windshield wiper blade can be recycled after use.