Windshield Wipers: A Small Part That Makes a Big Difference

When people think about auto glass safety, they usually think about windshields — but windshield wipers play an equally important role in keeping you safe on the road. Clear visibility is everything, especially here in the Pacific Northwest where rain is part of everyday driving.

At Hampton Auto Glass, we don’t just replace windshields — we also sell and install quality windshield wipers, because we know how much they matter.

A Quick History of Windshield Wipers

Windshield wipers have been around longer than most people realize. The first manual windshield wiper was invented in 1903 by Mary Anderson, who noticed drivers struggling to see during bad weather. Early drivers had to stop their vehicles and manually clear rain and snow from the glass.

Thankfully, wipers have come a long way since then. Today’s modern wiper blades are designed to:

• Apply even pressure across the windshield

• Reduce streaking and chatter

• Handle rain, mist, snow, and road grime

Even with all those advancements, wipers don’t last forever.

How Often Should Windshield Wipers Be Replaced?

A good rule of thumb is to replace your windshield wipers every 6 to 12 months, depending on driving conditions.

Here in Southwest Washington, wipers often wear out faster due to:

• Frequent rain

• Road debris and dirt

• Sun exposure during dry months

• Ice scraping in winter

If you can’t remember the last time you replaced yours, there’s a good chance they’re overdue.

Signs Your Windshield Wipers Need Replacing

Watch for these common warning signs:

• Streaking or smearing across the glass

• Skipping or chattering instead of gliding smoothly

• Squeaking noises during use

• Cracked, torn, or brittle rubber

• Reduced visibility in rain or mist

Worn wipers don’t just make driving annoying — they can be dangerous, especially at night or during heavy rain.

Why Good Wipers Matter (Especially With a New Windshield)

Old or damaged wiper blades can:

• Scratch or prematurely wear your windshield

• Reduce visibility during sudden weather changes

• Make rain and glare worse instead of better

If you’ve recently had a windshield replaced, installing fresh wipers helps protect your new glass and keeps your view crystal clear.

Windshield Wipers Available at Hampton Auto Glass

For your convenience, we sell quality windshield wiper blades right here at Hampton Auto Glass.

When you stop by:

• We help you choose the correct size and style for your vehicle

• We can install them for you

• You leave knowing they fit properly and work the way they should

It’s a quick, affordable upgrade that makes a noticeable difference the first time it rains.

Stop In and See Clearly

If your windshield wipers are streaking, skipping, or just worn out, let us take care of it. Whether you’re already here for glass service or just need new wipers, we’re happy to help.

Clear glass. Clear vision. Safe driving. That’s what we’re about at Hampton Auto Glass.