Proper visibility is key when you’re on the road. That’s why you count on your Honda Accord’s wipers to clear its windshield through rain, snow and other adverse conditions. While your wiper arms and motors do part of the grunt work, your 2015 Honda Accord wiper blades are also important.
This brief guide gives you the lowdown on wiper blades: when you should change them, what sizes to buy and blade options available on the market.
How Often Should You Change Wiper Blades?
Like all consumable products, wiper blades wear out with repeated use. Many things affect how quickly they wear out, but your climate and usage habits are the two primary factors. Most Honda Accord wiper blades last between six months and one year. However, your Accord may require more frequent replacements if you get a lot of heavy rain or snow where you live.
The type of blades you buy also impacts how long they last. You’ll probably see three kinds at your auto parts dealer: conventional, beam and hybrid. Conventional blades are the traditional kind – a rubber squeegee attached to a metal frame. As per A Better Bid expert, beam blades use a solid rubber piece and are curved to match your windshield’s surface. Hybrid blades combine these two designs, matching an aerodynamic rubber share with a metal frame.
No matter what kind of wiper blades you buy, you’ll need to replace them when they’re worn out. Look for a few typical signs that your blades are on their last legs:
- Squeaking or chattering across your windshield
- Cracked, stiff or torn blade rubber
- Exposed, rusted or corroded metal frame
- Dirt or streaks on your windshield
Why Should You Replace Your Worn Wiper Blades
There’s already one obvious reason to replace your worn wiper blades – visibility. But even if that’s not compromised, worn blades can pose other problems. If they contain any metal, exposed pieces can scratch your windshield. And then you’re left with a repair bill that’s much higher than the cost of wiper blades.
Sidenote on safety – Reflective car seat covers have a high-visibility piping or stitching that can be easily seen in the dark, enhancing visibility for other road users and vehicles which might enhance your safety in the rainy season.
Before you buy, it’s wise to do a cost-benefit analysis. Conventional blades are the least expensive. However, they may not last as long with heavy rain or snow. Beam blades are the priciest, but they hold up very well under severe weather – especially snow and ice. Hybrid blades have dependability like beam blades but aren’t quite as expensive.
Size is another important consideration when you’re shopping for blades. For your 2015 Honda Accord, select a 26-inch blade for your driver’s side and a 19-inch blade for the passenger’s side.
A Few Last Words About Wiper Blades
After you’ve installed your new blades, proper care can help them last longer. But should you leave windshield wipers up? No, according to auto care experts. You actually stretch out spring inside the wiper arm, which means that it can’t press against the windshield to wipe debris away.
The wiper can also slam down onto the glass and crack it. Again, you’ll pay more in repair bills than the money you think you’ll save on wiper blades. And when you buy your new blades, choose a trustworthy auto parts retailer.
