Here’s something I want you to think about: when was the last time you changed the wiper blades in your car? Did you know that at least a 25% of all car accidents happen in rainy and wet weather. Making sure that you have properly working wiper blades is important to help avoid accidents in poor weather conditions. By routinely checking your wiper blades and performing safety checks on your car you can help increase your safety while driving during bad weather. It has been an unusually warm week here in Wisconsin (high of 55F, I know that’s considered cold down south). As much as I would like to think winter is over there’s still more than a month to go before it is officially over. But even when the snow is gone, April showers will replace it. Here are some tips from Jody DeVere, the President of the Women’s Automotive Association International and CEO of the auto-advice site AskPatty.com, to stay safe while driving in the rain, snow, slush and ice:
• Conduct a regular walk around checking your lights, antifreeze, windshield washer fluid and wiper blades regularly
• Ensure your tires are properly inflated and have sufficient tread
• As the temperature drops keep your gas tank at least half full; the extra gas reduces condensation that can plug your fuel line with ice and stall your engine in cooler weather
• Create an emergency pack; items like a blanket, first aid kit, snacks, bottled water, an ice scraper, flashlight and a bag of kitty litter
Today I am giving away ONE Rain-X Car Care Kit that includes a set of Rain-X® Latitude™ Wiper Blades specific for your car, a bottle of Rain-X® Weatherbeater® 2-in-1 Glass Cleaner & Rain Repellant, and a bottle of new Rain-X® X-treme Clean to one reader.
All you need to do is:
- Leave me a comment fessing up and telling me when was the last time that you changed the wiper blades on your car.
- For additional entries you can:
- Become a subscriber: subscribe to my RSS feed or Email updates for ONE extra entry. If you are already a subscriber you are already eligible for a second entry. All you need to do is leave a separate comment letting me know you are already a subscriber.
- Become a Fan of Common Sense with Money on Facebook. I just started this group and would love to make lots of friends. Just come back and let me know you are a fan in a comment.
This way you can earn up to three entries. Each entry must be made on a separate comment as each comment is considered a single entry. Please remember to leave your name and email address in your entry. I need to have a way to contact the winner. Entries with no contact information will be considered invalid.
This giveaway ends Sunday 2/15 at 9 PM CST. At that time I will select one winner at random using Random.org. The winner will be contacted immediately and will be given 48 hrs to contact me back with their mailing address. If I don’t hear back after that period of time I will select another winner randomly. U.S. addresses only please.
I have never changed the wiper blades on our van. And the last time I actually recall changing them on any vehicle I owned was about 15 years ago. Eek!
Delores at primaschola dot com
My hubby changed mine about a month ago because they were making such a horrible noise!
I actually just changed mine but only because the dealer reminded me, still this would be great for next time.
I changed them when I had my car inspected a few months ago
I also subscribe
We changed them…about 3 months ago. It was soooo sad…the little rubber parts were flapping off of the metal and the metal was warped so that it left huge unwiped areas on the windshield. When we got new ones it was so quiet and wiped so well that my dh and I gasped and sat and watched it for a few minutes! So silly…
I also subscribe.
um…. never? we got a new (to us, old to the rest of the world) car about eight months ago so I don’t know when they were last changed! They’re not working very well so we actually need to change them!
I am now a fan, or i joined it…
My husband is good about changing our wiper blades. It’s been a few months.
And I subscribe. 🙂
I have never done it personally but my husband is pretty good about keeping up with my car’s needs. I am a subscriber!
The last time I changed them was because I had to; they broke (in Oct 08). I am horrible on my car, but I am working on it. Now that I’m reading this, if I don’t win, I’ll go get them replaced anyway, they need it. LOL
I also subsribe.
I have changed the wiper blades on my van was Nov.2005. I also subscribed to your blog.
Well, it has been so long that I don’t remember.
yeah….about that. not sure but live in CO where I should be a little better about that! Full props to all of you who are on top of it 🙂
my hubby is a mechanic and keeps everything on my car in tip-top shape all the time
stwoliver3@yahoo.com
stwoliver3@yahoo.com
already a subscriber
Mine were changed sometime in the last year.
It’s been too long since I’ve changed mine. I have some nasty streaks and could use a new pair.
I’m actually really good about replacing my wipers – I’m kinda weird and HATE when there is anything on the windshield!
leannedra@gmail.com
I’m a subscriber already!
leannedra@gmail.com
I’m now a fan on Facebook, too!
leannedra@gmail.com
I already subscribe to the feed but you’ve changed something and I miss having the full text of the post.
I have no idea when the last time was! But I know that they don’t work anymore and it’s embarrassing…
Never! Bought in ’07 and it never occurred to me to change them 🙂
Oh my goodness, I have no idea! It’s my husband’s car… Maybe a year ago?
Umm…. Never have! Isn’t that terrible!?
I am a subscriber!
I am a fan on FB too!
Since I just got a new/used car 5 months ago I changed the front ones then, and the back one 3 weeks ago!!
I have to change mine soon, it’s been a while. The man giving me my inspection sticker told me I needed new ones or else I wouldn’t e changing them now. Thanks for the chance.
I think it’s been about three years for each of our vehicles. It’s definitely time to change the ones on the car. Plus, my hubby always turn the wipers on when there is ice on the windshield. He doesn’t think it will affect the blades at all.
I am a subscriber. 🙂
New car 6 months ago so I haven’t changed them yet 🙂
You mean you can change those things?!? 🙂
I don’t know the last time changed mine, about six months ago, at least. This morning I had to get out of the car twice in the rain to fix it because it is BROKEN!
I am a subscriber.
I know I’ve changed mine once in the last 2 years…
I am a subscriber.
I can’t remember the last time I changed them! Eek…
I also subscribe
You are supposed to change them????
:O. JK! I am sure mine need to be changed now. Can’t remember when I last changed them.
First time on your site…interesting post.
Sometime over 6 months ago I believe! I would love to win this package! I hear rain-x is great 🙂
I’m in desperate need of windshield wipers. I’m usually good about keeping car maintenance but since my youngest was born a few months ago, I haven’t been.
My husband usually takes care of car maintenance so I’m not sure but I think he changed them last fall.
OMG- I think its been over a year! We definitely need a new one! Thanks!
I got the Latitude blades for my husband’s and they’re wonderful .. even with the icky snow and ice this winter the blades have stayed ice free and work perfectly everytime! I’d love to have a set for my new van!
and I subscribe!
and I joined the facebook group!!
I can’t remember the last time I changed my wiper blades, but my husband says it’s time. I would love to have these….especially since my 5 precious children ride with me each day.
The last time I changed mine was when I lost one on the interstate. It just flew off, so I had to get a new one.
My husband and I just bought the car I’m now driving, so I have no idea when the blades were changed last. The window washer fluid sprayers don’t work very well, though 🙁
Thanks for offering this!
I’m a subscriber!
I just became a fan on Facebook 🙂
I am pretty sure that it has been over a year. The driver side is fine but when I ride in the passenger side it drives me nuts because there are streaks!
I’m pretty sure our car needs new ones! I don’t remember when they were changes last… Would love to win this!
I change them when they’re falling apart or leaving a wet swath across the windshield. Well, when I notice one of those things AND happen to remember to buy some when I’m at the store AND they have my size in stock. So…not sure exactly how long it’s been. But it’s been a while.
I’m a subscriber
I’m a Facebook Fan
I changed the ones on my wife’s car this past Sunday. Installed the Rain X Latitude wipers, I was impressed by how sturdy they felt.
Okay, I’m “fessin” up to actually changing the wiper blades on our mustang – we installed the Rain X Latitude wipers and keep a bottle of rain x in each of our vehicles to wipe our windshields down. The last ice storm we had, people were chipping the ice off their cars and the windows treated with Rain X just slid right off! Love it – even took advantage of their mail-in rebate for a $15.00 gas card! It was well worth the investment of $39.95 for the two blades!
I’m already a subscriber!
Well, just 2 weeks ago cuz the passenger side was making a mess. I signed up for your facebook fan club this AM. 🙂
Just blogged about it here:
https://ragingbearranch.blogspot.com/2009/02/rain-x-lattitude-wiper-and-more.html
I am embarrassed to say that I actually don’t remember when I last changed my wiper blades! Hey, we’re in a drought here….no rain! Please enter me. Thanks!
kladd94803 (at) aol.com
I’m a subscriber!!
Mercedes,
My wiper blades are broken…and the new ones are sitting in the garage…just waiting to be replaced! 🙂
I joined the group on Facebook!
I have no clue I haven’t changed them on this car and we have had it almost two years!
LOL I don’t even know, but I have been thinking about it recently 🙂
haven’t changed them since we bought it in 2004
well we have ice storms and hail and they get ruined alot – it has been since august since we have changed..but also neeed to get the teens changed too- I love rainx- I love the window cleaner and how when it rains lightly it just beads off
subscriber
The wipers on my car are from when we bought it a year ago. Thanks for the chance to win!
Gabe at aaronblake dot com
I’m ashamed to say I have no idea when I last changed the wipes on my car.
I’m a subscriber!
I don’t remember – probably am due for some new wipers. It’s one of those things that I forget until it rains and I can’t see.
I just joined your Facebook group! Yeah!
I THINK I changed them early last spring…although you wouldn’t know it to see how they’re working right now! I need new ones!
I haven’t changed my wipers ever, just got a new car because my last one needed a new transmission. This kit would be great for Ohio weather though!
I am a subscriber
Don’t know when the wipers were last changed, we’ve had the car for 6 months. My husband would love this kit!
I am a subscriber.
Honestly, I do not remember. They probably need changed now.
Thanks!
I actually bought new blades not too long ago but they must be the worst wiper blades ever made! They leave more water on the windshield than they take off so new ones are on my list for my shopping trip on Friday. Wouldn’t it be cool if I won and could mark them off my list!
kscottrell6 at yahoo dot com
I can’t answer your question because I cannot remember the last time the wiper blades were changed it has been so long 🙂
I have never changed them. I think I should change them tomorrow. Thanks!
I already subscribe through Google Reader
I just joined the Facebook group!
Its been a couple of years since i changed mine. While on the interstate in a hard rain i had to pull under an overpass because i simply could not see anymore.
I must confess that it’s been aleast 6-7 months since mine were changed. Thank you for the opportunity to win this awesome kit!
God bless~
Tammy Chisom
Hven4us2@aol.com
To be honest, I have NO clue when they were last changed. My hubby does all things car-related around here, and I feign ignorance!! But I do know he loves Rain-X products. He always treats our windshield before any long trips, and then marvels at how well it works when it rains. So he’d LOVE for me to win this!!
Subscriber
I have no idea … probably at least a year!
About 7 months ago!
I think about 2 years ago………..
I can’t remember when we changed our wipers – I think it was August 2007. We definitely need new ones!
Sometime within the last 6 months. Our nearby vehicle supply store actually puts them on for you when you buy them there.
I couldn’t even hazard a guess 🙂
I am a subscriber…
I can’t remember! I would love to win!
I subscribed! Love your blog. Thanks for the opportunity to win- great giveaway!
The last time my wiper blades were changed was before Christmas. Our 17-year old daughter had them installed as a Christmas present. They were over three years old. Shame on me!
I have no idea the last time they were changed but I know they need to be changed soon.
Hello!! I have NEVER changed my wipers, but that is simply because I just bought my car last summer. Wait… should I have changed them by now? Sighhhhh… 🙂
Thanks for this opportunity!
I am a subscriber through my Google Reader! Thanks!!
I just joined the Facebook group! Thanks so much!
I have not changed them out ever. I think they are the originals that came with my truck. Wow, you are suppose to replace them.
I have subscribed!!!!
I think it’s been at least 2 years! Yikes! 🙂
I joined your group on Facebook.
Um….4 or 5 years? And I wonder why they don’t work very well….
I joined your Facebook group!!
And since you are definitely on the list of my top three favorite money-saving blogs, I subscribed to your emails! Thanks for all the great entries!
I think hubby replaced my blades about 6 mos. ago….I guess it’s time for new ones, huh?
I am an email update subscriber.
thanks!
I am a subscriber by email.
I have never changed a wiper blade…I hope DH has been taking care of it!
My husband just replaced the wipers on his car with these same exact ones! My car is now due and these would be great!
Subscribe to your feed!
chaffner@gte.net
These are by far the best wiper blades ever. I just got my husband a pair in Dec. for his birthday (that’s what he wanted). They do not rub at all. I couldn’t stand the old one we had on the car. They would drive me crazy if I had to drive in the rain. The rubbing noise was awful, but not with the Latitude. If I won, I will have this year’s birthday present already lined up. Thanks.
We’ve changed them once in the 5 years we’ve had the car…so I really need these! I know, it’s bad, but they still work ok…I have been saying we need new ones for awhile now, but when it’s not raining, we forget! 🙂 thanks for the chance to win!
I’m an email subscriber, thanks!
It’s probably been a couple of years since mine have been changed. They definitely need it again!
I am a subscriber.
I joined you on facebook!
We’ve had our Altima for a year and a half and they’ve never been changed. :S
I subscribe to your site via Google Reader!
We change ours quite frequently. At least 3 times a year. My hubby is a fanatic about it. Did you know that running your wipers over icy windows ruins them?
Thanks for the giveaway!
My car is currently not running (poor thing) and it’s about to be towed to the shop. 🙁 But it needed new wipers when i bought it and they haven’t been changed since because i barely drove it, it’s been almost 4 years now. God, the time flies. My other car could use some new ones, i don’t know when they’ve been changed. I know it has probably been a 1+ year ago.
I changed 1 of mine several months ago because it kept falling off! But I’m terrible about replacing them!
I’m also a subscriber.
never changed but since i bought my car in 2005, and i’m in rainy seattle. its time for a new set.
i goog reader “common sense with $$$$$”
Actually, I don’t remember the last time I did them! I do need to change them though becuase is kinda dangling and everytime I use them, they leave smear marks!
I’d love to win these premium blades. I replaced mine last year and one of them has never been quite right ;(
I’m also a subscriber.
Ive never changed the blades on my truck
I am a subscriber to your feed and thanks for all the help.
I think we changed our wiper blades last year????
I cant remember when we changes ours, I think we changed one of them a few months ago but not both. I wonder how often your supposed to change them or if you just do it as needed.
I will confess that I have NEVER changed my wiper blades. My husband takes care of all the car “stuff” for me.
I’m a subscriber!
Haven’t changed them on my new car yet, but after this winter I will have to.
I’m a FAN! Woo Hoo!
about 3 weeks ago… my DH works on cars so he’s pretty on top of that!
I love Rain-X – it’s great for shower doors too! Hey, I read your blog in a Reader and would really like to have more of your post to read … I barely get a sentence now; I read other blogs that have a brief post, but it’s more like a paragraph or two, could you just lengthen your short post?
Thanks!
oops! Forgot to tell you that I have never changed the blades on my car, although I have only had it two years, it’s overdue!
I love this giveaway! : ) I haven’t changed my blades ever! I’ve tried to fix them myself. When i use them now the right side never gets fully dry or clean lol
We changed the wipers on the Suburban about 6 weeks ago as they had become totally useless but now we need new ones on the Malibu-it is what we drive 90% of the time so they need to be in good shape. We’d sure like to put on those Rain-X wipers!
I HAVE NOT EVER CHANGED MY WINN SHEILD WIPERS NO WONDER THEY DON’T WORK VERY WELL
WELL I DID THAT TO FAST (WIPER BLADES) ——I’M A SUBSCRIBER
Probably at least 2-3 years ago!
It’s has been a very long time since I changed the wipers blades.
I actually just changed my wipers two weeks ago. It was raining and on our way down the freeway, one of the holder thingees (official technical term) broke so the whole thing went limp. My husband told me to turn them off so it wouldn’t scratch the windshield. So we are driving on the freeway in pouring rain with semis spraying us and no wipers. As soon as we got off the exit we stopped into Advance Auto and bought a new pair of RainX wipers, which my husband installed in the rain, so I could get back to work!
My hsband changed them in December becase they were only cleaning half the window. Bt we do change them once a year.
I’m a subscriber! Keep up the great work.
I actually changed the wipers on the windshield on my van last month, but I truly can’t remember when I changed the wiper on the back window, at least 18 months ago!
I’m a subscriber!
My husband changed ours probably a year ago! :\
They probably need to be changed.
I am a subscriber!
I also am a fan of Common Sense on Facebook!
The last time they were changed was about 12 months ago or more. Not sure!
I haven’t changed mine since I bought the car last year…
I wish I remembered the last time I changed my wiper blades. My car is 11 years old and I am sure I have changed them at some point during a maintenance check up but do not remember…They sure need it…semtaylor(at)yahoo(dot)com
I am a subscriber semtaylor(at)yahoo(dot)com
Changed the wiper blades??? Never! My fiance might have done it 2 1/2 years ago when we got our van (it’s used).
It’s been so long that I can’t remember when the blades were changed last. But, we were driving in the rain the other night and my husband was telling me how bad they need changed and why hadn’t I told him yet. So, I could really use this freebie!!!!
Actually I have the mechanic check my wiper blades whenever I get my oil changed, however I always get the basic blades. These look really cool, I would love to win this giveaway! Thanks for the entry.
I subscribe to your blog via feedreader!
I got my car in the summer and haven’t changed them since I got it….
I subscribe!
My car is almost 2 years old and I haven’t ever changed them…shame on me but thanks for the reminder!
I already subscribe using your RSS feed and just joined you on Facebook
I haven’t changed by wipers since I have had my car – 3 years. And what is even more terrible is that everytime I am in my mom’s car I tell her she needs to change her wiper blades. (Typing wiper blades made me think of that song by Heywood Banks. LoL)
If I win, I think I should give these to my mom.
I am a subscriber.
I joined your group on Facebook.
My husband changed my wipers right before winter as it had been at least a year or more and was much needed. m_huston(at)hotmail(dot)com
I subscribe. m_huston(at)hotmail(dot)com
It’s been so long, that I don’t remember when I last changed them =(
I subscribe via email rss
I tried to change mine a couple months ago and got so frustrated when 20 minutes later I was still trying to figure it out. So I drove to a nearby Valvoline oil change place and they changed them in 20 seconds for free!! I won’t “try” again next time, I’ll go directly to Valvoline!
IT HAS PROBALY BEEN ATLEAST A YEAR. I NEED TO CHANGE REALLY BAD.
My wiper blades haven’t been changed since May 2008. They fell apart so I had to change them then.
We actually replaced our wipers over Christmas break out of necessity! It had begun raining and when we turned the wipers on, one just crumpled…not cool! But we have new ones on now! 🙂
I already subscribe to your blog through MyYahoo.
I joined your Facebook group today! 🙂
I SUBSCRIBE VIA EMAIL
I have not – and I think it is time to change them!
I am already a subscriber 😉
Our wiper blades were changed sometime last year.
I would guess last spring. Yes we are due for new ones!
I suscribe already!
I’ve never changed the blades but we do use RainX so we get some kind of credit for that. Right?
Is it bad if I tell you that it’s been so long that I have no idea?
I have no idea when the last time my wipers were changed. I know it was a while ago. We recently had snow/ice storm that ruined the wipers! they make this awful sound now when i use it and they need to be replaced. thanks for the chance to win.
I have not changed my blades since 2005. They are so bad when it rains I dont even drive my care.
I had them changed about two months ago – when they started making miserable noises 😉
Subscriber.
I honestly don’t remember when I replaced them last, but they are streaky and due to be replaced!!
ummmm……..you have to change your wiper blades?? just kidding, but i honestly don’t remember when the last time was! thanks for the chance to win!
I got my car 2 year ago (october) and haven’t changed them yet and the car was used so I am not sure when they were last changed 🙁
I also am an email subscriber 🙂
I changed my blades around 6 months ago. I’d love to win the prize packages since we have recently been getting lots of rain.
Thanks!
I honestly can’t remember the last time mine were changed–could be a problem!
I’m a subscriber! Love your blog.
I live in Oregon – nuff said. I need these! Especially since I have no idea if they have ever been changed! Thanks!
I am a subscriber
I’ve never changed my wiper blades. My car is 2 years old.
about 5 yrs ago, yikes!
I have to admit, DH’s wiper blade has been 1/2 off since last August. But living in Southern California it doesn’t rain much, so it wasn’t an issue until the rains hit last month. Now it’s horrible. At least 1/2 the windshield isn’t visible when it rains. Ahhh!
And I subscribe to your blog in Google Reader. 🙂
And now I’m a fan on Facebook, too! 🙂
greenwalt1221 (at) gmail (dot) com
we just changed the blades like 3 weeks ago, but before that it had been over a year! my husband was deployed and i didn’t get around to it…!
i am a subscriber via email!!!
I bought my car on labor day 4 years ago and haven’t change the wipes
I’m a subscriber
I can’t say how long it’s been since that’s not my department. Dad takes REALLY good care of our vehicles!
I am so glad I am a subscriber to your blog, I enjoy being up to date as to what’s going on in the Money Saving World!!
This would be great for our new pick-up.
I can’t remember the last time we changed the wiper blades. Usually they get changed when they tear or they make so much noise I can’t stand it.
I am a current subscriber to your blog and love it!
I’m a subscriber!!
Thanks!!
Stef
I just got my car in June so I haven’t had to change them yet!!
Thanks!!
STef
probably about a year ago, yep they need changing
I am so embarassed to admit this but I haven’t changed my wipers in about a year, if not a little longer. Just went out to check them and yes it is time they look a little ragged and frayed.
tamben7996(at)aol(dot)com
I am a subscriber.
tamben7996(at)aol(dot)com
I have no idea when i last changed my wiper blades. 🙁
I’m an RSS feed subscriber.
And I just joined the FB group. Thanks for doing this! 🙂