How long do wiper blades last and how do I know I need new ones

April showers bring more than flowers, they bring a need for good wiper blades.  Wiper blades typically last 3-6 months.   As your rubber wiper blades endure the elements, they start losing their flexibility and become brittle. The rubber cracks and tears. The blades wear down, exposing metal. If your wiper blades are smearing, smudging, streaking, rubbing, or hopping on your windshield and most importantly, if you can’t see well when your blades go back and forth, it’s time for a wiper replacement.