The German automobile club ADAC has conducted a study showing that wiper blades are due for replacement after 24 months. This rule applies regardless of how intensively the wipers are used, and even drivers who rarely switch on the wipers should plan for a replacement after two years.
The reason is not only wear and tear during operation. Sunlight and the atmosphere alter the material of the blades to the extent that they become harder and lose their properties. As a result, the blades will no longer clean the glass as effectively as when they were new, regardless of how many times they have passed over the windscreen.
In the autumn and winter months, the consumption of wipers is even higher due to the greater amount of precipitation. Rain, snow, and moisture mean that drivers use the wipers more frequently, which places greater demands on the blades. It is precisely in these months that poor blades can be particularly problematic.
ADAC states that the blades have a significant impact on safety. If they do not clean the glass properly, the driver's visibility is reduced, which can make it difficult to spot dangers on the road in time. Therefore, regular checks of the blade condition are an important part of vehicle maintenance.
The good news is that new blades are not excessively expensive. Given their role in safety, replacing worn blades after two years represents a relatively small cost for drivers.
