A mechanic is going viral for revealing why buying windshield wipers is one of the biggest scams with regular routine car maintenance. 

In a TikTok that’s generated over 2.2 million views as of this writing, Zavian Malloy (@zavian_malloy) shares what tip he’ll forever live by.

What Was This Tip When Buying New Windshield Wipers?

On average car drivers will spend around $900 annually on basic car maintenance and unexpected repairs, Consumer Affairs reports. While car repairs are inevitable, being able to save money on basic repairs is always nice and this mechanic has a new tip you probably didn’t know about.

In the TikTok, Malloy shares how you can simply replace the windshield wiper blades inserts instead of the whole blade. 

“Buying windshield wipers has to be the biggest scam because they don’t tell you could just replace the rubber insert,” Malloy begins. 

Typically when buying new windshield wipers, the whole blade is replaced. However, Malloy shares how you can simply just replace the rubber insert.

In the TikTok, Malloy demonstrates how to install the inserts while leaving the existing blade attached. The mechanic removes the rubber from the existing blade and grabs the new rubber insert to install. After removing the old rubber insert, the mechanic slides in the new insert into the existing blade.

“It cost less than half the price of a single windshield wiper blade,” he continues. 

The price of a wiper blade insert featured in the video was $6.28. “This will save about $15 to $30 per wiper,” Malloy says. 

Malloy explains how he originally thought how the whole blade needed to be replaced whenever squeaking occurred, but discovered that’s simply not the case.  

“To save yourself a pretty penny, just buy the wiper blades inserts,” he concludes.

Commenters Chimed In With Their Appreciation 

Now it’s surprising to find out that this tip isn’t well known amongst everyday drivers and mechanics. Commenters were left in disbelief to this new tip and many shared they had no idea this was possible.

“Bro just put big windshield wipers out of business,” one TikTok commenter shared.

“I work at a body shop and I didn’t know about this,” one mechanic added.

“Didn’t even know that they sold windshield wiper blade inserts,” a third replied.

“My uncle is a mechanic and has never told me this. We’re about to have a talk,” another shared.

“I’m so sick of being scammed every single day,” one vents.
 

How Much Money Can You Save With This Tip?

According to Kelley Blue Book, the average cost to replace windshield wipers is between $50 and $61. So this new tip on buying just the windshield wiper inserts is a game changer. On Amazon, wiper insert refills will cost between $5 to $10. This is a substantial price difference and this tip shouldn’t be ignored.

The general rule of thumb with windshield replacement is every six to twelve months, Firestone Tire reports. This saving difference between just buying the wiper inserts compared to the whole blade can easily add up saving over time. 

“This can definitely be more economical than buying new blades,” one Reddit user shared. 

When Do You Need To Buy New Windshield Wipers?

Being able to see clearly when driving is essential for safe driving especially in severe weather conditions. Windshield wipers play a crucial role in clearing out rain and debris to maintain visibility when driving. 

KBB reports that when the following common signs occur, it’s time to replace the windshield wipers:

• Squeaking: This occurs when the wiper blade is no longer lubricated or adjusted properly.  
• Streaking or Smearing: When this takes place, this means the wipers are worn out. The wipers will leave a streak or smear due to the rubber becoming stiff and will struggle to clear out debris or rain.
• Not Cleaning the Windshield: In addition to stiff rubber when streaking occurs, the wipers may just be simply old and need to be replaced.

The biggest indicator for changing windshield wipers will be based on wear and tear. The changing interval will depend on the conditions and environment you are driving in. Unlike how oil changes can take place every 5,000 to 7,500 miles; a general statement can’t be made for the same with windshield wipers. 

Knowing what to look and listen for will indicate if the windshield wipers blades need to be changed.

With all things considered, it may be worth giving this tip a try. It’s a pretty simple, straightforward procedure that can lead to saving money in routine maintenance.

MotorBiscuit contacted Zavian Malloy via email for comment. The story will be updated if he replies.