Signs You Need New Wiper BladesCar and DriverKatherine KeelerThu, September 10, 2026 at 3:37 PM UTCAdd us on GoogleSigns You Need New Wiper BladesKatherine Keeler - Car and DriverThe trouble with worn-out windshield wipers is that you often discover the problem after it's too late, or at the worst possible time, like during a cloudburst on the highway. A tired set may look fine in the driveway, but once rain or grime hits the windshield, their shortcomings become obvious. Suddenly, you're trying to see through streaks, smears, and other dangerous visual impairments.So, how do you know when it's time for a new set? We recommend getting ahead of the next downpour by testing your wipers in the driveway.The Driveway TestTurn on the vehicle, spray the windshield with washer fluid or a hose, and run the wipers.AdvertisementAdvertisementLook for:StreaksSkipped sectionsSmearingChattering or squeakingAreas the blades fail to clearAny of these symptoms warrant further investigation.Your next step is a manual inspection. Lift each blade and inspect it, looking for cracks, splits, dry or brittle rubber, a ragged edge, or sections pulling away from the wiper frame.If the blades feel intact but look or feel tacky, try cleaning them. Warm, soapy water or isopropyl alcohol with a microfiber cloth will help clear any muck. If that doesn't improve their performance, it's probably time for a new set.Here are a few common wiper-blade problems to look out for. This isn't an exhaustive list but certainly things to keep an eye out for:If the blade's rubber is peeling away from the arm, it's time for a new set. There's no saving it at this point.Katherine Keeler - Car and DriverBends or warps will create poor wiping lines, chattering, or skipping.Katherine Keeler - Car and DriverThese blades aren't just covered in algae. Their wiping edges have also become rough and hardened from prolonged sun exposure.Katherine Keeler - Car and DriverSee the DifferenceHere's what a worn-out set of wiper blades looks like in action:AdvertisementAdvertisementAnd here's what properly functioning wiper blades should look like:Is the Wiper Blade Always the Problem?Not necessarily. Replacing a part isn't always the solution. Streaking or poor performance can also be caused byA dirty or oily windshieldWax or ceramic-coating residue on the glassIce, dirt, or debris stuck beneath the bladeThe wrong-size bladeA damaged wiper armClean the windshield and the blades first, then test them again. If they still leave streaks, skip across the glass, chatter, or fail to make consistent contact, it's probably time to replace the blades or confirm you have the correct size installed.Why Trust Us?Katherine Keeler - Car and DriverThe Gear Team helps readers make informed purchasing choices about automotive gear, tools, and accessories through hands-on product evaluations and comprehensive testing. Car and Driver's renowned testing standards mandate that we use all products we feature and that our findings and recommendations are based on personal experience and knowledge—not hype.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe Gear Team's product selection and gear picks are editorially independent; Car and Driver has a strict policy against accepting payment for placement in articles. We won't claim to have tested something we haven't, and we'll never recommend a product we wouldn't buy ourselves.We've evaluated dozens of product categories, such as tonneau covers, electric scooters, and GPS trackers. Visit our Tested & Trusted page to see the very best in automotive gear, and learn more about our testing process here.You Might Also LikeGift Guide: Best Ride-On Electric Cars for KidsFuture Cars Worth Waiting For: 2025–2029