You’ve mapped your route, loaded up the cooler, and topped off the tank. But when’s the last time you looked at your wiper blades? It’s one of the most overlooked parts of road trip prep, and one of the most important. A sudden rainstorm, a wave of bugs across the windshield, or a dusty stretch of highway can test your wipers fast. If they’re not up to the job, you’re not just annoyed. You’re a safety risk. Here’s what every road tripper should know before pulling out of the driveway. How Often Should You Replace Wiper Blades? Most automotive experts recommend replacing wiper blades every 6 to 12 months. But if you’re putting serious road trip miles on your vehicle, you might hit that threshold faster than you think. Highway driving accelerates wear in ways that city driving doesn’t. High speeds increase the stress on the rubber edge. Long drives through rain, bugs, heat, and temperature swings all chip away at the blade’s ability to make clean contact with the glass.…