The Damaging Effects of Hot Weather on Wiper Blade Performance

We wouldn’t blame you for thinking that cold and rainy conditions are the reason why wiper blades are most likely to wear or fail to work at optimum performance – after all, it is in these conditions that they get the most use.

However, wiper blades are susceptible to the elements year-round simply by being located externally on a vehicle.

As such, hot conditions can also take their toll on your wiper blades and cause issues that make them less effective when the time inevitably comes to use them again.

A Build Up of Debris

Chances are, you will use your wiper blades even if it hasn’t rained for several days or weeks just to clear muck from your windscreen.

The warm, balmy summer months are more prone to an accumulation of debris that while small can leave a damaging build-up on your windscreen if not treated regularly.

Indeed, you might notice your windscreen becoming dirty more regularly in the summer months.

This is partly due to the lack of wet weather naturally cleaning your windscreen of dust and debris through rainwater, which helps to keep it pristine even when you’re not using your wiper blades.

In the summer, however, typical grit and dry dust kicked up from cars around you will waft through the air and collect on your windscreen. Then there is the influx of bugs that are prone to meet their maker on your windscreen, as well as sticky sap from trees that melts on your screen if you happen to park close to them.

If you do park near trees, there is also the likelihood of birds relieving themselves right above you too…

Shifting The Dirt

In some ways, hot weather can be more detrimental to the condition of your wiper blades than wet weather even though you’re using them more regularly in rainy months.

Indeed, while the regular use of wiper blades means they get to do their job by clearing water, it also acts as a lubricant to help keep the blades functional.

In the summer, you are reliant on your windscreen washer fluid and you might find you’ll need a lot of it in order to shift the stubborn stains of bugs, grit and dirt.

It is this grit, dirt, debris and bugs that – if allowed to build up –can damage the wiper blades when you do get around to using them, especially if they are not sufficiently lubricated by your washer fluid. Since wiper blades activate as soon as you squirt washer fluid, it is likely the first few wipes will be over a rough surface.

This can cause the windscreen to scratch and the wiper blades to become brittle.

UV Ray Damage

As with any material, exceedingly hot conditions can take their toll.

This is especially true for the rubber element of wiper blades, which can become hard and lose flexibility.

Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can cause the entire blade to deteriorate, while UV radiation from the sun has the power to break down the chemical bonds in the rubber and affect the performance of the blades.

Stay Safe

If your wiper blades aren’t giving you an even clean or shifting the debris on your windscreen, you might need to consider changing your wiper blades as they may have become damaged.

In the event of struggling to clean your windscreen evenly, be sure to wash your car either through a machine or manually to ensure your line of vision isn’t being obstructed by debris.

This is especially important in the summer months as low sun conditions during sunrise or sunset can create glare on the windscreen, which is affected considerably further if there are marks or blemishes on it.

An Affordable Upgrade That Makes a Big Difference 

Wiper blades are one of the most cost-effective upgrades for your vehicle, yet they play a crucial role in ensuring clear vision and safer driving. 

With Wiperblades.co.uk you can purchase the wiper blades that are guaranteed to fit your vehicle, all at great value prices, even among top name brands like Bosch, Michelin and Lucas.

Plus, with our easy-to-follow fitment videos and expert guidance, you can install them in under a minute—keeping your windscreen spotless with minimal effort.   

Get Summer-Ready with New Wiper Blades 

Don't let a dirty windscreen ruin your summer road trips. Upgrading your wiper blades is a simple but essential step to ensure clear vision and safe driving. Browse our selection and find the perfect fit for your vehicle today