It's easy to forget how important wiper blades are to driving safety. Their degradation happens gradually over time, so you may not notice the difference. But in fact, having a clear view of the road in bad weather is as critical to safe driving as anti-lock brakes.
As a general rule, you should have your wipers replaced or at the very least inspected every six months. Your Subaru dealer can advise you if a new set is needed. Or you can look and listen for the common signs of wear noted inside.
Keeping your windshield and wipers clean
A clean windshield goes a long way for a clear view, and it helps maintain the quality of your wiper blades. Keep in mind when cleaning your windshield at home, certain petroleum-based cleaners can damage wiper blades and limit performance.
Changing your blades to beat the weather
The summer months can wear and harden the rubber on your wiper blades. Worn rubber or rubber hardened by exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays can lead to streaking. In the winter months, ice, and snow can pack into the metal blade frames and cause the blades to malfunction. Winter wipers have protective rubber sleeves that prevent ice and snow buildup for a safer, clearer view of the road.
Subaru Winter Wiper Blades
- Rubber booted blade prevents snow and ice clogging
- Steel constructed superstructure for strength and durability
- Highest quality natural rubber wiping edge
- Perfect fit?easy to install
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Damaged Metal Rail: 
Sometimes caused by freezing conditions, reckless windshield cleaning or automatic car washes. It is very important to replace wiper blades damaged in this way so as to prevent permanent scratching of the windshield.
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Split Rubber:

A condition found on blades that are old. Sometimes due to the effects of the sun's ultraviolet rays on the rubber.
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Worn Rubber:
General rounding of the wiping edge caused by long service.
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Bent Refill Vertebra:
Sometimes caused by ice scrapers, automatic car washes or vandalism.
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Bent Wiper Frame:
Sometimes caused by ice scrapers, automatic car washes or vandalism.
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Chattering:
Caused by the "permanent set" or "curve" in the rubber that some wiper blades develop while they are parked. This condition is characterized by the chattering sound the blade makes as it passes over the windshield.
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Streaking:
Caused by dry rubber that has hardened and cracked. Streaking can also be caused by tree sap, road tar or other foreign substances on the blade rubber. Worn or damaged wipers not only impair your visibility ? they can damage your windshield. If your current blades have any of the following problems, it's time to replace them with Genuine Subaru Wiper and Winter Blades.
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For more
information, contact your Subaru Dealer or
log onto www.subaru.com
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