Windshield wipers, the unsung heroes of driving safety. These poor little guys don’t get nearly the credit they are due, but let me tell you. After all the rain the Capital District has gotten these past few weeks, I don’t quite know what I would do without my precious little wiper blades. Me wants them. Me NEEEEEDS them. Alas, they aren’t even considered a safety feature, but, my friend, they do play a big part in drivers’ safety.

I wear these big old glasses so vision is questionable for me on a good day, much less a day where the windshield is shrouded in… weather. It’s challenging to drive as safely as you may want to when you can’t even clearly see the road through your windshield. Dirt and grime are really tough on your wipers and can wear them down. In addition, all that buildup can reduce your visibility which can definitely be a hazard. Replace your wipers for a clear view of the road.

Do you know when to replace your windshield wipers? Unfortunately, they can’t tell you that they are a bit beat and need to be replaced, well not in so many words at least. The general guideline is every six months or 6,000 miles. With the way mother nature has been acting lately, it may need to be sooner than that. Those poor wipers are really getting a beating. Either way, it’s time to replace your wiper blades if you notice any of the following:

• Windshield streaking or smearing

• Screeching or squeaking noises

• Rubber blades that are split or worn

• Bent frames

When it comes to picking the right wiper blade for your needs, there are a few factors to consider. If one of your wipers gives you trouble, it’s best to replace both for peak performance. This way ½ of your window isn’t left a debris covered mess while the other looks basically polished. You might be thinking, “Gee I only REALLY need to replace the refill (The little rubber-wiping bit) instead of the entire blade”. But honestly, that’s more hassle than it’s worth. Buying the whole thing is only a little bit more expensive and you will be far less frazzled.

Another thing to consider is that you need to know the size your car needs. No, wiper blades are not one size fits all. I learned that the hard way. So to save yourself the embarrassment of trying to install wiper blades that were the wrong size. To find the size that you need, you can look in your car’s owner’s manual, measure the blades yourself or ask your friends at Destination Nissan to help you out.

Once you know the size, you need to decide on a blade type. Again, I too was shocked that there were options. Here is what you can choose from:

• Traditional: Most cars use this affordable option.

• Beam: These higher-cost blades are known for their performance, durability, and aerodynamic design.

• Winter: These are designed to keep the wiper free of ice and snow.

Replacing windshield wipers is fairly simple, but steps vary depending on your vehicle’s type of wiper. Your owner’s manual should walk you through the process. Once you’ve installed the blades, test them right away to ensure they work properly. If however, you are not confident in your ability to install your own, your friends at Destination Nissan will be more than happy to help you with that too.