Replacing wipers. Is the dealer telling a lie?

[wobblelino]

My wipers are starting to make the horrible squek noise after the rain. It's been going on for quite a few months now. I've tried cleaning the underside of them and this does improve them (slightly).

Anyway so I took the car in for a service and thought I'd ask the dealer about the wipers. He said that the wipers should be replaced every year! Now i'm no expert but this seems a tad too regular for my liking (especially when you consider the cost of them as they're not usual).

Anyone else heard this or is this just rubbish? If so i will gladly name and shame.

forgot to say that mines done approx 12k in just over 2 yrs.

 

[jordanogrady]

I personally change them when I feel they need doing! Sometimes I do it once a year, dont think 2 years is un reasonable too!
Are they expensive?

Jordan

 

[Jace]

Sounds like dealer rubbish to me.

Give the glass & blades a good clean with a soapy sponge, using fairy liquid, this should remove any crud on them, rinse well after & try not to get any on the paint as it will strp any wax on it.

Then apply some glass cleaner, this is a good kit, it also adds a rain repelant (think rain-x type) http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/engine-amp-exterior/carlack-glass-sealing-kit/prod_348.html

Saying that, I always like to start the winter off with new blades, but thats due to me covering at least twice your miles a year.

 

[Jonny]

I change mine whenever I think they need doing, i.e. if they start getting noisy, or missing patches / streaking... probably about once a year, give or take a few months.

On the wiperblades.co.uk "tips & suggestions" page, about half way down it says "Inspect your windscreen wipers frequently. For best results, replace the wiper blades twice a year, each Spring and Autumn. Worn or damaged wipers can do more than impair visibility; they can damage the windscreen."

I think twice a year is a bit OTT, but once a year is not unreasonable.

Just my 2p

 

[Sieze]

Once a year is reccomended by nearly all car makers.

 

[Michael B]

I have had my blads for 40k miles, and still holding up fine. Though i've a set arriving shortly for a change anyway.

 

[OLDOILER]

My wipers are starting to make the horrible squek noise after the rain. It's been going on for quite a few months now. I've tried cleaning the underside of them and this does improve them (slightly).

Anyway so I took the car in for a service and thought I'd ask the dealer about the wipers. He said that the wipers should be replaced every year! Now i'm no expert but this seems a tad too regular for my liking (especially when you consider the cost of them as they're not usual).

Anyone else heard this or is this just rubbish? If so i will gladly name and shame.

forgot to say that mines done approx 12k in just over 2 yrs.

running blades too dry will also shorten their life, with the amount of crud in the air you can get a build up of tar like substaince on both the wiper and glass. Use a good houshold cleaner on glass and wiper blade - taking care not to get any on the paintwork of course and then finish with a glass cleaner, works most of the time !?!? [ I would of thought 2yrs for a set of blades and about 18m for the rear]

 

[mds1256]

had the same problem with only 3000 miles on the car. tried everything on them and nothing worked. so bought some bosch one and they are spot one nice and quiet again

 

[davemotor]

I have had my blads for 40k miles, and still holding up fine. Though i've a set arriving shortly for a change anyway.

posted to you

re the annual change, its only recommended by manufacturers because rubber deteriorates over time. mind you, who would fork out £40 for wipers that are still doing their job???? certainly not me tbh i have found that wash 'n' wax is usually the culprit for noisy or juddering wipers and an occasional clean with a good glass cream polish helps, plus cleaning the wiper rubbers with neat screenwash

 

[leon263]

Totally agree with the above post. I'm still on my first set after 3 years and 40k. I clean them regularly as above and they are still squeak and smear free.

 

[wobblelino]

thanks all. Seeing as it's such a nice day today i'll look to clean them later.

I love this forum!

 

[phil3012]

Once a year isn't unreasonable, but just replace them when they need.

From experience I'd say I've had a year to 18 months out of each set I've had.

Never use it but wouldn't something like Rainx help?

Also it is recommended to replace the full blade rather than just the rubber, or certainly I would only ever change the rubber once as the springs wear out almost as quickly as the rubber.

 

[Michael B]

posted to you

re the annual change, its only recommended by manufacturers because rubber deteriorates over time. mind you, who would fork out £40 for wipers that are still doing their job???? certainly not me tbh i have found that wash 'n' wax is usually the culprit for noisy or juddering wipers and an occasional clean with a good glass cream polish helps, plus cleaning the wiper rubbers with neat screenwash

cheers

 

[foxy367]

Totally agree with the above post. I'm still on my first set after 3 years and 40k. I clean them regularly as above and they are still squeak and smear free.

I got 49k out of mine and 2 years but I do live near Manchester so it's always raining! I reckon I could have got more but thought whilst it was in for a service I'd get them done. They didn't judder but it was amazing the difference the new set has made. Even guilted myself into buying a new one for the back! I can now see what I'm leaving behind again!!!!

 

[Rampage]

Not had to do the Leon yet, but on my last car it was probably every 8-12 months.
I don't do a lot of miles, just hate a dirty windscreen.