Ask the Motor Medics

The Under the Hood

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Dear Motor Medics, The wipers on all of my vehicles never seem to do the job and I’m looking for some answers.

How long do wiper blades last? What are the best kinds to buy? How do you change them? And probably the most important one of all; I’ve had the rear wiper on my van changed several times and it still leaves a missed spot on the center of the glass.

Guys, I know you can help all of us who suffer with poor wipers.

Deborah in Larchwood, Iowa

Dear Deborah, Many vehicles on the road have poor wipers. Either they have just not been looked after or they have only been partially repaired.

Most good quality wiper blades will last about a year but with weather conditions can deteriorate in less time. We always recommend the best quality name brand blades you can find and they are not that expensive.

You can change them at home on most vehicles. Instructions are usually included and most require no tools.

The following is important! The blades are not the only part of the wiper. The arms need to be working correctly or the blade will never do its job. If they are bent or they don’t move on their hinge freely they won’t apply proper pressure to the blade and that’s likely the issue with your vans rear blade.

If the arm is bad, parts stores usually carry the entire arm to resolve your issue.

Take care, The Motor Medics