National Check Your Wipers Day
National Check Your Wipers Day – November 16
National Check Your Wipers Day is observed annually on November 16 to remind drivers to inspect their windshield wipers and make sure they are ready for changing weather conditions. The observance was introduced by Michelin North America in 2021 in collaboration with National Day Calendar.
Windshield wipers play an important role in driving safety. They help clear rain, snow, road spray, and dirt from the windshield so drivers can maintain a clear view of the road. Worn or damaged blades can leave streaks, miss sections of glass, or make it harder to see in poor weather.
National Check Your Wipers Day is a useful reminder to check this often-overlooked part of vehicle maintenance before winter weather and busy holiday travel.
When Is National Check Your Wipers Day?
National Check Your Wipers Day is observed on November 16 each year. Since 2022, Michelin has also promoted the observance internationally as International Check Your Wipers Day, including in Canada and Europe.
The day is an informal automotive-safety observance, not an official public holiday. It encourages motorists to check their wipers regularly rather than waiting until heavy rain or snow makes a problem obvious.
The History of National Check Your Wipers Day
Michelin North America introduced National Check Your Wipers Day in November 2021. The initiative was proclaimed by the registrar at National Day Calendar to encourage drivers to check their windshield wipers before the holiday travel season.
The following year, Michelin announced that the observance would expand internationally under the name International Check Your Wipers Day. November 16 became a reminder for drivers in multiple regions to pay attention to wiper condition and visibility.
The campaign highlights a simple but important maintenance task: inspecting wiper blades before poor weather makes clear vision more difficult.
Why Windshield Wipers Matter
Windshield wipers help drivers maintain visibility when rain, snow, dirt, and road spray accumulate on the glass. When blades become worn or damaged, they may leave streaks, skip across the windshield, chatter, or fail to clear water evenly.
Poor visibility can make it more difficult to identify other vehicles, pedestrians, road markings, and hazards. Checking the wipers is therefore a practical part of preparing a vehicle for changing weather.
Wipers are only one part of safe driving. Drivers should also maintain suitable tires, working lights, clean windows, adequate washer fluid, and a safe following distance.
Signs Your Windshield Wipers Need Attention
Check your wiper blades for the following warning signs:
- Streaks or smears: The blades leave water or dirt behind instead of clearing the glass evenly.
- Skipping or chattering: The blades move unevenly across the windshield.
- Cracked or torn rubber: The wiping edge shows visible damage or missing pieces.
- Uncleared areas: Sections of the windshield remain wet or dirty after the wipers pass.
- Unusual noise: Squeaking or scraping may indicate dirty blades, a contaminated windshield, worn rubber, or another problem.
- Reduced performance: The wipers no longer clear the windshield effectively in rain or other conditions.
Some problems can be improved by cleaning the blades and windshield. If the blades remain ineffective or show damage, replace them with the correct type for your vehicle.
How to Check Your Windshield Wipers
- Park safely. Turn off the vehicle and follow the owner’s manual before handling the wiper arms.
- Inspect the rubber. Look for cracks, splits, hardened rubber, or missing pieces.
- Check the blades’ condition. Look for bending, loose connections, or other visible damage.
- Clean the blades and glass. Use an automotive-glass cleaner or another product approved for your vehicle and wiper materials.
- Check the washer system. Make sure the washer reservoir contains suitable fluid and that the spray nozzles work.
- Test the wipers safely. Use the washer system on a wet windshield and check whether the blades clear the glass evenly.
- Replace worn blades. Consult your vehicle’s manual to choose compatible replacement blades and follow the specified installation instructions.
Never test wipers on a dry, dirty windshield, because this can cause smearing or scratching. Be careful when lifting wiper arms, as some are spring-loaded and can snap back against the glass.
How to Celebrate National Check Your Wipers Day
- Inspect your vehicle. Check the front and rear wipers, where fitted, and look for signs of wear.
- Top up washer fluid. Use a fluid suitable for the temperatures and conditions in your area.
- Check before a road trip. Make sure your wipers, lights, tires, and other essential vehicle systems are ready for the journey.
- Help a family member. Remind someone who may have overlooked this simple maintenance task.
- Share a safety reminder. Encourage friends and coworkers to inspect their wipers before the next spell of bad weather.
- Review your maintenance schedule. Add wiper inspections to your regular vehicle checks instead of relying on a single annual reminder.
Fun Facts About Windshield Wipers
- Windshield wipers help maintain visibility in rain, snow, and road spray.
- Some modern vehicles use rain sensors to adjust wiper operation automatically.
- Wiper blades are exposed to sunlight, heat, freezing temperatures, dirt, and other conditions that can cause wear.
- Front and rear wiper systems may use different blade sizes and attachment styles.
- A blade that fits one vehicle may not fit another, so the correct size and connector should be confirmed before replacement.
National Check Your Wipers Day FAQ
When is National Check Your Wipers Day?
National Check Your Wipers Day is observed annually on November 16.
Who created National Check Your Wipers Day?
Michelin North America introduced the observance in 2021 in collaboration with National Day Calendar.
Is National Check Your Wipers Day an official public holiday?
No. It is an informal vehicle-maintenance awareness observance.
Why should I check my windshield wipers?
Wipers help clear rain, snow, and dirt from the windshield. Damaged or ineffective blades can reduce visibility, especially in poor weather.
How often should I replace my wiper blades?
Replacement timing depends on the vehicle, blade type, climate, and use. Michelin’s launch announcement cited a general recommendation of every six to twelve months, but you should inspect the blades regularly and follow your vehicle and blade manufacturer’s guidance.
Can I clean my wiper blades instead of replacing them?
Cleaning can help when dirt or residue is causing streaking. However, cracked, torn, hardened, or persistently ineffective blades should be replaced.
Is International Check Your Wipers Day the same observance?
Michelin announced the international expansion of the observance in 2022, using the name International Check Your Wipers Day for November 16 in Canada, Europe, and other regions.
Make Wiper Checks Part of Your Regular Maintenance
National Check Your Wipers Day is a helpful reminder that small maintenance tasks can make a difference to visibility on the road. Take a few minutes on November 16 to inspect your blades, clean the windshield, check washer fluid, and replace worn components when necessary.
Most importantly, do not wait for the annual observance. Check your wipers regularly and before driving in challenging weather so you can respond to problems before they affect your view of the road.
When is National Check Your Wipers Day?
- Monday, October 19, 2026
- Tuesday, October 19, 2027
- Thursday, October 19, 2028
Reviewed by the Holiday List editorial team on October 13, 2026.
Frequently asked questions
When is National Check Your Wipers Day in 2026?
National Check Your Wipers Day is on Monday, October 19, 2026. After that, it falls on Tuesday, October 19, 2027. Every year on October 19.
Is National Check Your Wipers Day a public holiday?
No. National Check Your Wipers Day is an observance, not an official public holiday, so schools and businesses stay open as usual.
What is National Check Your Wipers Day?
It’s an annual observance that reminds drivers to check their windshield wipers and keep them in working condition. Properly functioning wipers help clear rain, snow, dirt, and debris from the windshield.
Who introduced National Check Your Wipers Day, and why?
Michelin North America introduced National Check Your Wipers Day in November 2021.
How can you celebrate National Check Your Wipers Day?
Look for cracks, missing rubber, streaking, or poor contact with the windshield, and ask an automotive professional if you’re unsure whether the blades need replacing. You can also remind others to check their wipers or organize a casual group wiper check.
