Are wiper blades covered under warranty?
Typically no — wiper blades are considered wear items and aren’t covered by standard vehicle warranties. They may be covered if they fail due to a manufacturing defect under a warranty or under a separate blade warranty or maintenance plan.
How warranties typically treat wiper blades
Warranties are designed to cover defects in materials and workmanship, while wear items like wiper blades generally are excluded. Coverage can vary by manufacturer, model year, and plan, so it’s important to read your policy. In some cases, blades may be covered if a defect arises during the warranty period, or under specific blade warranties or maintenance plans.
To understand exactly where wiper blades fit in your policy, consider these common scenarios:
- Vehicle manufacturer's bumper-to-bumper warranty: typically excludes wear items like wiper blades; coverage for defects is possible if the blade or its mechanism fails due to manufacturing defect within the stated period and in the terms of the warranty.
- Powertrain warranty: generally does not cover wiper blades; focus is on engine, transmission, and drivetrain components.
- Wiper blade manufacturer warranty: some blades come with a limited warranty against defects in materials or workmanship, independent of the car’s warranty; terms vary by brand and may require proof of purchase.
- Maintenance plans or service contracts: certain dealer or third-party maintenance plans may include wiper blade replacements during the term, sometimes with a limit on the number of replacements or mileage.
Bottom line: check your documents and ask your dealer or the manufacturer for clarification, and keep receipts if you replace blades under any plan to ensure you’re ready to claim coverage if it applies.
Exceptions and special cases
Manufacturing defects and installation issues
Wiper blades could be covered under the vehicle’s defect coverage if a blade failure stems from faulty materials or improper manufacturing or installation. This coverage is more likely for components integrated into the wiper system, rather than consumer-installed replacements.
Maintenance plans and blade warranties
Some new-car maintenance plans or extended warranties may include replacement of worn items like wiper blades during the plan’s term. Always confirm what is included and any limits.
How to verify coverage on your specific vehicle
To confirm whether wiper blades are covered for your car, use these steps to check your documents and policy.
- Consult the warranty booklet that came with the vehicle and the owner’s manual for explicit exclusions and inclusions for wiper blades.
- Check the terms of any bumper-to-bumper, powertrain, or special maintenance plan. Look for phrases like "wear items," "defects," or "defects in materials and workmanship."
- Review any blade or maintenance warranties attached to your purchase or service agreements; note the duration and what qualifies as a defect vs. wear.
- Contact your dealer or the manufacturer’s customer service for a clear determination and written confirmation if needed.
- Keep receipts and documentation for any blade replacements in case a claim is considered under a warranty or maintenance plan.
Bottom line: by checking official documents and confirming with the dealer, you’ll know if a given blade replacement is covered and under what circumstances.
What to do if coverage is denied
If a warranty claim is denied, review the exact reason in writing and compare it to the terms in your warranty documents. If needed, ask for clarification or escalation to a supervisor, and consider pursuing recourse through the manufacturer or your service provider’s appeal process. In some cases, dealers may offer goodwill adjustments or discounted replacements, especially if you’re within a maintenance-plan window.
Summary
Wiper blades are generally not covered by standard car warranties because they are wear items. Coverage can apply if a blade fails due to a manufacturing defect under the vehicle warranty or under a blade manufacturer’s own warranty, or if you have a maintenance plan that includes blade replacements. Always review your specific warranty documents, ask your dealer for a written confirmation, and keep records of any replacements to determine eligibility for coverage.
Are wiper blades covered under a car warranty?
Typically, new car warranties do not cover windshield wipers because they are considered a wear-and-tear item. However, some manufacturers have limited exceptions, such as a specific "wear item" warranty that may cover them for a limited time or mileage, with examples like Subaru's 3 years or 36,000 miles and others like Chrysler or Jeep covering them for 12 months or 20,000 kilometers.
Standard new car warranty
- What's not covered: Standard factory warranties usually exclude items that naturally wear out over time, such as brake pads, tires, and wiper blades.
- What's excluded: These are considered routine maintenance items that the owner is expected to replace.
Specific exceptions and alternative warranties
- Wear item limited warranties: Some manufacturers have a separate, specific limited warranty for wear items. For example:
- Subaru: Covers wipers, brake pads, and clutch linings for 3 years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first.
- Chrysler, Jeep, Ram, and Mitsubishi: Some models have a 12-month or 20,000-kilometer coverage for wipers, according to Wipertech.
- In-store warranties: Some third-party brands offer their own limited warranties. For instance, Safelite offers a six-month warranty on their wipers, but it specifically excludes gradual wear-and-tear.
What to do
- Check your warranty details: Before assuming they are not covered, check the specific warranty booklet for your vehicle.
- Contact the dealership: If you are within the specified mileage or time frame for a wear item warranty, contact the dealer for a replacement.
- Prepare for replacement: If they are not covered, you may need to replace the blades yourself or have them replaced at the dealership, as they are a normal maintenance item.
Can I get my windshield wipers replaced for free?
Pep Boys offers free wiper blade installations. Last year we replaced wiper blades on more than half a million cars. *With purchase of wiper blades.
Does Autozone replace wiper blades for free?
Yes, AutoZone installs wiper blades for free when you purchase them at their store. An AutoZone employee will assist you with the installation in the parking lot at no extra charge, provided they are not busy and the weather is not severe.
- It's a free service: The installation is complimentary as long as you buy the new blades from AutoZone.
- Weather and store busy times are factors: Installation may be delayed or unavailable during bad weather (like heavy rain or snow) or when the store is extremely busy.
- They help you find the right part: An employee will help you find the correct wiper blades for your specific vehicle.
- Tipping is optional but appreciated: Because it is a free service that takes time, some customers suggest tipping the employee who helps you, especially during busy times, as noted in this Reddit thread.
What are two items typically not covered in a car warranty?
While a bumper-to-bumper warranty covers many things, it doesn't include coverage for components that wear out or break down over time, such as your car's brakes, brake pads or tires. These are things you are expected to take care of as part of the normal maintenance of the car.
