Best Wiper Blades for Spring and Summer

Do you live in a part of the country that gets cold winters? If so, there’s a task that you need to consider as frigid winter makes way for spring and summer: changing your car’s wiper blades.

If you have winter blades on your car, it’s a good idea to swap them out for spring-summer blades when the weather changes. Why is this important? Here we’ll explain and share some information to help you choose the best wiper blades for spring and summer.

Winter Blades vs. Spring-Summer Blades

It’s important to understand the differences between winter blades and blades designed for use in warmer weather. Winter blades are built to handle very low temperatures. They’re made with materials that allow them to remain soft and flexible in ice and snow. They’re also heavier than other blades, which gives them the heft needed to clear snow and ice from your windshield.

Blades made for spring and summer weather are made with a lighter layer of rubber or silicone and have a lighter frame. These qualities are a disadvantage for dealing with snow and ice, but the lightness of the blades allows them to clear rain in warmer weather much more efficiently than winter blades.

If you use winter blades in warm weather, you may have visibility problems, so it’s advisable to switch to spring-summer blades when the weather warms up.

When Should You Change Your Wiper Blades?

Even if you live in a part of the country that doesn’t get cold winters, it’s a good idea to change your car’s wiper blades every six months or so. With regular use, the blades quickly acquire wear and tear that can degrade the rubber and prevent them from properly clearing the windshield. By replacing them regularly, you can ensure that the blades are equipped to keep your windshield clear.

Blades that are heavily used may need to be changed more frequently than once every six months. If your blades leave smudges or streaks on the glass, or if they make a stuttering sound when they’re in motion, it may be time to replace them.

If you live in a frigid part of the country and are changing your blades for seasonal reasons, you may be wondering when is the right time to make the switch. Here’s a rule to follow: change from winter to spring-summer blades at the same time that you make the change from winter tires to summer tires, and switch from spring-summer to winter blades when you transition from summer to winter tires. By following this basic guidance, you’ll always have the best wiper blades for the weather you’re facing.

Shopping for Spring-Summer Wiper Blades

If you’re looking for blades to use in spring and summer, there are lots of great choices to consider. For example, beam wiper blades are great for heavy rain, and some silicone wipers come with a water repellent that can make them more effective.

Wiper blades keep you safe in rain and snow, and having the right blades can give you the visibility you need to drive with confidence in all types of weather. Make sure your wipers are always suited to the season you’re in.

Check out all the wiper blades and accessories available on NAPA Online, or trust one of our 17,000 NAPA AutoCare locations for routine maintenance and repairs. For more information on the best wiper blades for your car, chat with a knowledgeable expert at your local NAPA AUTO PARTS store.

Photos courtesy of Unsplash.