With precipitation back in the weather forecast for next week, it is a good time to talk about wiper blades.  How do you know if your wiper blades need replacing?  Telltale signs are streaking of the window when wiping, making a screeching noise while wiping, and the rubber blade actually separating from the metal frame.  For replacing the blades you usually have a few options. 

The standard blade for years looks like a coat hanger and has a metal frame with a rubber blade attached.  The least expensive and most inconvenient way to change these is to just replace the rubber blade insert.  More commonly the entire blade and frame is replaced.  Typically this is a simple clip that is quick and easy to replace.

Newer vehicles are moving to a different type of blade called a beam blade or flat blade.  This type of wiper blade does not have the metal frame, but instead uses a metal tension strip inside of the blade to make the blade conform to the window.  Usually these types of blades can be put on vehicles that were originally equipped with the metal frame blade described above.  Advantages of these blades are they tend to hug and clean the windshield better, work better in snow, and they are more aerodynamic.  The main disadvantage is they cost about twice as much as a standard metal frame blade.

Finally there are some wiper blades, usually on select European cars, that require specific blades that have uncommon attachment mechanisms.  If you have a vehicle with these types of blades your options will be limited and, most likely, fairly expensive (see your options are limited).  At Wayne’s Automotive Center we can get wiper blades for any vehicle and we stock the metal frame and beam type blades for most vehicles. 

If you are looking for Auto Repair Reno NV, or Diesel Repair Reno NV, please contact us at Wayne’s Automotive Center (775) 356-6996.