Are your windshield wipers leaving streaks? Don't buy new ones, use this simple technique.

With the arrival of autumn rains and the onset of winter, windshield wipers are put to the test. But if yours aren't giving you perfect results, there are several things you can do before replacing them. And you could save hundreds of dollars.

Rainy fall weather is tough on windshield wipers. Heavy rain combined with mud and dirty water thrown up by other vehicles creates a perfect recipe for annoying streaks on the windshield, significantly reducing visibility. It's even worse in winter when the windshield freezes. Using washer fluid isn't always effective, and if streaks remain, it's time to check your wipers. Fortunately, streaks in fall or winter don't always mean your wipers are worn or damaged.

Most of the time, a few moments are enough to resolve the problem without having to replace the blades. Streaks on the windshield while using the wipers are not usually the result of damaged blades. It's often dirt on their surface or water droplets that freeze, forming small ice crystals. This prevents the wiper from properly adhering to the windshield surface, leaving streaks during use. Solving this problem is simple.

Sometimes, streaks aren't caused by worn or damaged wipers, but simply by dirt. Leaves, seeds, and particles falling from trees in the fall can stick to the wipers and cause streaks later. In winter, even ice or frost scraped from the windshield can leave the wipers on the blades for them to no longer adhere properly. Furthermore, accidentally using the wipers on a frozen windshield in the winter can damage them. The rubber stuck to the windshield can tear when the wipers are activated, causing micro-damage.

The simplest trick is to park in a parking lot or gas station, lift the wipers, and clean them thoroughly with a clean cloth, a damp sponge, or even by hand. If you have some windshield washer fluid handy, soak a cloth with it and clean the wipers. Also, check them for signs of wear or damage. Minor damage may not be visible to the naked eye, but any raised areas on the blades can cause streaks.

If the problem persists, it means it's more serious. If your wipers are slightly damaged, you don't necessarily need to replace them. You can find small, special tools online that cut away the damaged edge, creating a new cleaning surface. This isn't a perfect solution, but it can significantly extend the life of your wipers and is much cheaper than buying new ones, which can cost between $50 and $200 per pair. These tools cost between $30 and $50.

If you don't want to use these tips, the only option left is to replace your wipers. Remember to install them correctly and choose the right size and type of wipers. Some vehicles aren't compatible with frameless wipers, for example. Choosing the wrong one can result in annoying noises.