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By WiperTech008
🚘 Top 5 Signs Your Wiper Blades Are Worn Out
Windshield wipers are essential for safe driving in rain, snow, or dust. However, many drivers overlook the signs that it's time to replace them. Here are five common indicators your wiper blades may be worn out:
1. Streaks or Smudges on the Windshield
If your wipers leave lines or blurry patches after each swipe, it usually means the rubber edge is cracked, hardened, or no longer making full contact with the glass. This can seriously reduce visibility, especially during heavy rain.
2. Squeaking or Chattering Sounds
Unusual noises like squeaking or skipping indicate the blades aren’t gliding smoothly. This may result from stiff or uneven rubber and could even scratch the glass if ignored.
3. Missed or Unwiped Areas
If the wipers fail to clear certain parts of the windshield, it could be due to uneven wear, a bent frame, or loose contact. This issue can obstruct your view and pose a driving risk.
4. Visible Damage
Check the rubber edge for cracks, splits, or missing pieces. Harsh weather, UV exposure, and frequent use can all lead to physical deterioration. If you spot damage, it’s time to replace the blades.
5. Reduced Performance Over Time
Even without visible wear, wipers naturally degrade. Most experts recommend replacing them every 6 to 12 months, especially in areas with extreme heat or cold, which accelerates rubber aging.
Quick Tips:
Inspect your wipers regularly, especially before rainy seasons or long drives.
If they squeak, streak, or skip—don’t wait—replace them.
Consider your local climate: hot summers and icy winters demand more frequent replacements.
Maintaining clear visibility starts with a simple habit: checking your wiper blades. Replacing them in time is an inexpensive way to improve safety on the road. Don’t wait for a storm to find out your wipers aren’t working!
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By abenleulmi
The thermostat is a crucial component in your car's engine system, playing a vital role in regulating the engine temperature. Contrary to common beliefs, removing your car's thermostat can lead to severe consequences, affecting fuel efficiency and engine lifespan. In this article, we will explore the benefits of retaining the thermostat and explain why removing it should be avoided. link hidden, please login to view -
By Counterman
Research by Carfax shows the used car market surging in both value and volume. The automotive aftermarket is positioned to benefit significantly—and among those who understand it best is
link hidden, please login to view, president of link hidden, please login to view (APA). In an industry where profitability is boosted by the number of repairable vehicles on the road, the recent upswing in used car sales is providing tailwinds that aftermarket businesses are ready to ride. “An increase in used car sales as well as an increased valuation of those cars both have huge benefits for our business,” Tucker explains. “With more vehicles on the road in that sweet spot of being 4-12 years old, our opportunity for selling parts increases exponentially.”
That “sweet spot” Tucker refers to is the prime range for aftermarket demand. These vehicles are typically out of warranty, increasingly in need of maintenance and repair, and owned by drivers more likely to invest in keeping them roadworthy—especially when used car values are holding strong. It’s a powerful combination that leads to increased part sales, especially in high-failure-rate categories.
Data is the Differentiator
According to Tucker, the key to capitalizing on this growing opportunity lies in one word: data.
“Keeping track of what we need to have on the shelf to service this aging car parc is the number one driver in capitalizing on servicing these vehicles,” he says. “Also understanding how the types of repairs change as the vehicle ages is important. Here again, data is the driver to success.”
From stocking the right parts for the right model years to understanding when customers shift from premium to value-tier products, every decision aftermarket businesses make should be rooted in understanding vehicle age trends and consumer vehicle repair behavior. “Understanding the brands and price points that change as the vehicle ages also must be top of mind,” he adds.
Growth For Established Players
With used car sales rising sharply, some might foresee a flood of new players entering the aftermarket to capitalize on that replacement parts demand. But Tucker doesn’t see it playing out that way.
“Having an aging car parc also means expanding your inventory in order to cover those additional model years adequately,” he says. “Having inventory dollars invested in the right places is not something that happens overnight, and so new entrants into this space are few and far between.”
Instead, he anticipates new investments going into existing aftermarket businesses. The industry’s resilience—especially during economic uncertainty—continues to attract capital. “I won’t ever say we are recession-proof as an industry, but we are recession-resistant,” Tucker notes. “Our space has proven to be an attractive one for investors and I don’t see that changing.”
Vehicle Categories for Strong Sales
While aging vehicles generally mean more part sales overall, Tucker is quick to point out that those sales fluctuate based on a variety of factors: vehicle miles driven, car parc composition and failure rates.
“When you take all of those into account, we see categories such as brakes, ride control and chassis all having exponential growth,” he says. “Anything the vehicle must have to start, run and stop effectively are all areas of strong growth.”
And as used car values rise, owners are more inclined to authorize discretionary repairs, reversing a trend often seen in older vehicles. “We will also see more of those discretionary repairs come into play on older vehicles as their value holds strong and steady,” Tucker adds.
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By Counterman
RBR Truck Parts, with three locations in Texas, recently joined
link hidden, please login to view. Founded in 2018, RBR Truck Parts LLC is a heavy-duty parts distributor serving the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex. The company provides aftermarket parts for all truck makes and models. RBR caters to owner-operators, local fleets, service centers and municipal accounts. It offers high-quality products to keep their customers’ vehicles running efficiently. Strategic Location in a Major Trucking Hub
The Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex is home to 8.5 million people across more than 200 cities. It is a major hub for the trucking industry. RBR’s Hutchins, Texas, location sits near Interstate 45, just 250 miles north of Houston. Houston ranks among the nation’s largest ports. RBR also operates near a large rail/container yard and major warehouse operations. This allows the company to serve the region’s trucking needs effectively. Its heavy-duty network connection strengthens its position in this critical market.
Product Selection and Facilities Support Growth
RBR serves a diverse customer base throughout North Central Texas. The company stocks a wide selection of aftermarket truck parts. These include engine components, suspension parts, brake systems, wheels and tires, filters, fluids and accessories. The Hutchins location includes a 14,000-sq.-ft. showroom and warehouse. A 5,000-sq.-ft. facility in Duncanville and a 7,000–sq.-ft. branch in Fort Worth support operations. Owner Rony Santos and general manager Cesar Perez lead the RBR team.
Partnering with Power Heavy Duty for Continued Success
“RBR Truck Parts is a well-established business known for honesty, integrity, and their strong ties in the community,” said Jim Pennig, vice president of business development,
link hidden, please login to view Heavy Duty Family of Companies. “They are dedicated to growing their business with quality parts from Power Heavy Duty’s network of supplier partners, and we look forward to supporting them with great programs and true group value.”
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By WiperTech008
When Should You Replace Your Wiper Blades?
Wiper blades keep your windshield clear, but since they’re made of rubber, they wear out with time and need to be swapped out regularly. How long they last really depends on how often you use them, where you drive, and whether you take care of them. Watch for these signs that indicate it's time for new wipers:
Streaking or Noise
Notice streaks or that awful squeaking sound? Yep, it’s probably time for a new pair. For a temporary fix, clean the blades with vinegar or alcohol, but replace them as soon as possible.
Visible Damage
Check the rubber blades regularly for cracks, chips, or deformities. Any damage means it's time for new wipers.
Age Considerations
Standard wipers typically last 6-12 months
High-quality blades with proper care can last 2+ years
Frequent use or harsh conditions (sun exposure, dry wiping) may require replacement every 6 months
Just a heads-up—if your car sits in the sun a lot or you use your wipers all the time, it’s smart to check them more often.
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