Identifying wear patterns early can save you from a dangerous situation during a St. Louis storm. The most common sign is streaking, which occurs when the rubber edge has hardened or cracked, leaving bands of water across your field of vision. This often happens because the wiper frame no longer applies even pressure across the glass.

Chattering is another major red flag. If your wipers ‘hop’ across the windshield, it’s a sign that the rubber has taken a permanent set or the arm tension is off. This creates an incredibly distracting noise and fails to clear water effectively. Additionally, look for split rubber where the wiping element begins to detach from the metal or plastic frame. If you hear squeaking every time the wipers cycle, the protective coating on the rubber has likely worn away, leading to friction that can eventually score your windshield glass.

While big-box stores offer generic blades, they often lack the precision engineering required for the 2020 Subaru windshield. Subaru uses specific beam-style blades and frame-style connectors that are designed to match the exact curvature of your glass. This ensures that the entire length of the blade makes contact, preventing those frustrating missed spots in the center of the driver’s view.

Genuine Subaru blades are also tested for durability against the unique chemical compositions of road salts and cleaning agents. Using OEM parts maintains the aerodynamic profile of your vehicle, preventing ‘wind lift’ at highway speeds. If you’re looking to upgrade your driving experience, checking out our New Subaru Inventory will show you how the latest models continue to prioritize these engineering details.

Living in Sunset Hills means your Subaru deals with the ‘Gateway to the West’ climate—which is famously hard on rubber components. The high humidity in the summer can cause rubber to become soft and ‘tacky,’ leading to chattering. Conversely, the freezing winters in 63127 cause the rubber to become brittle, leading to the cracking and splitting we mentioned earlier.

To extend the life of your wipers, we recommend cleaning the blades with a damp cloth and a bit of glass cleaner once a month. This removes the buildup of road salt, pollen, and sap that can degrade the rubber. If you’re concerned about how weather is affecting your car’s overall value, you can always Get your value trade to see what your well-maintained Subaru is worth today.

For 2020 Subaru owners, the EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology is your co-pilot. This system relies on dual cameras mounted behind the top of your windshield to monitor traffic and activate Pre-Collision Braking. If your wipers are streaking or leaving a film directly in front of these cameras, the system’s performance can be compromised.

In heavy rain, the cameras need a clear ‘window’ to see the road ahead. Old, worn blades that fail to clear the upper portion of the windshield can cause the EyeSight system to temporarily disable itself. Maintaining your wipers isn’t just about your vision—it’s about ensuring your car’s most advanced safety features can do their job properly.

Outback & Forester: These models feature an integrated rear blade that is often neglected. Because they sit on the back of the vehicle, they collect more road grime and exhaust soot than the front blades.

Crosstrek & Ascent: The rear wiper is essential for backing up safely in the rain. Ensure you check the plastic housing for cracks, as Missouri’s freeze-thaw cycles can make these parts brittle.

Installation Tip: Rear blades often use a unique ‘snap-in’ fit rather than a J-hook. If you’re struggling with the swap, our team at Sunset Hills can handle it in minutes.

Your wipers are only half of the visibility equation. A healthy washer system is vital for removing bugs and road film. During the spring, we recommend using a fluid with a bug-wash additive. In the winter, ensure you’re using a de-icing formula to prevent the pump from freezing. If your spray nozzles are producing a weak stream, they may be clogged with wax or debris. Our team checks these levels and clears nozzles during every Schedule Service and Diagnostics visit to ensure total system health.

Tire Health: While we check your wipers, we’ll also glance at your tires. Proper tread is essential for hydroplaning resistance in MO rain.

Battery Performance: Heat and humidity can drain a battery. We offer complimentary testing to ensure your 2020 Subaru starts every time.

Upgrade Options: Thinking of a newer model? Get your value trade today and see how easy it is to move into a 2026 Subaru.

Blades Lifting: If your wipers seem to float or miss the windshield at highway speeds, you may have installed a non-aerodynamic aftermarket blade. Genuine Subaru blades are designed to use the wind to press the blade closer to the glass.

Persistent Noise: If new blades still squeak, you might have a buildup of ‘road film’ or old wax on the windshield. A deep clean with a dedicated glass stripper often solves the issue.

Wiper Motor Issues: If your wipers move slowly or get stuck, the issue might be internal rather than the blades themselves. In these cases, it’s best to seek professional help. You can Get approved for financing for larger repairs if your 2020 Subaru needs more than just a quick maintenance refresh.