The Ultimate Wiper Blade Guide
Car glass that comes into contact with dirt or rain is usually cleaned using wipers. Usually, wipers are installed on the front and rear sides. With wipers, the driver’s view is unobstructed so they can clearly see ahead or behind them.
A good pair of wiper blades can make the difference between a safe and dangerous journey. If it rains heavily and the windshield wipers are not used, condensation will form on the windshield. Visible dew on the glass can obscure the driver’s view.
When a driver’s vision is obstructed, the risk of an accident is very high. This makes wipers a very important car enhancement and must be installed on all types of vehicles. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into the importance of wiper blades, how to choose the right wiper blades for your vehicle, and maintenance tips to keep your wiper blades operating optimally.
Car Wiper Blade Components
Car wipers have several key components that work together to ensure optimal performance. Understanding these components can help you choose the right wiper blades for your vehicle and maintain them properly. Car wipers are composed of various components such as wiper blades, connecting rods, switches, motors, and arms.
Wiper Motor
The wiper motor is the component that powers the wiper blades and controls their movement. The motor is usually located under the hood of the car and is connected to the wiper arm via a linkage or linkage system. The motor generates the necessary force and speed to move the wiper blade back and forth across the windshield.
Wiper Connecting Rod
The wiper linkage, often referred to as the wiper rod, is used to convert the rotational motion of the wiper motor into side-to-side and front-to-side motion. The front of the car often uses wiper systems that use two blades simultaneously and a mechanism that uses a parallel series system to move both blades.
When the wipers start to turn on, the wiper motor rotates the crank arm, which causes the connecting rods to pull and push against each other. The wiper linkage will cause the wiper arm to move in a semicircle around its pivot axis. A link or connecting rod, usually attached to the two wiper arms, will allow both blades to operate simultaneously and in parallel.
Wiper Arm
The wiper arm is responsible for connecting the wiper blade and wiper motor. Wiper arms are typically made of metal or high-strength plastic and are designed to provide the necessary strength and flexibility to allow the blades to move across the windshield.
Wiper Blade
The rubber blades are responsible for clearing water, debris, and other obstructions from your windshield. Blades should be made of high-quality rubber that resists cracking, splitting, and deterioration caused by long-term exposure to the elements. It should also have smooth, even edges to ensure efficient and streak-free wiping.
Some wiper blades also come with spoilers or wind deflectors to help improve performance at high speeds. The spoiler reduces lift and drag, keeps the blade in contact with the windshield and provides more even pressure for improved wiping.
What Does Wiper Blade Do for Cars?
Wiper blades are an important part of the automotive exterior system. They are designed to clean the car’s windshield and ensure a clear view for the driver. The wiper blades are attached to the wiper arms and are controlled by the driver through various speed settings.
During rain or snow, wiper blades move across the windshield, wiping away water, snow, and other debris that might obscure the driver’s view. They can also be used to remove dirt, dust and insects from your windshield when driving in dry conditions.
Of course, without wipers, the rainwater that wets the glass will condense and the condition of the glass will become unclear. Not only that, but the dirt that sticks to the windshield for a long time is of course difficult to remove. If left unaddressed, it will of course obstruct the driver’s vision and create a high risk of driving accidents.
It’s not just about wipers, there’s also a gasket that helps with wiper performance. The washer will spray or remove cleaning fluid on the windshield, making it easier to remove various dirt on the windshield. The gasket can be installed on the front or rear of the car.
Wiper blades consist of rubber sheets fixed to a metal frame. The rubber blade is flexible and conforms to the shape of the windshield to effectively clean the surface. Over time, rubber blades can become worn or damaged, resulting in reduced performance. Regular inspection and replacement of wiper blades is important to ensure safe driving conditions.
What Size Wiper Blade Do I Need?
To find the right wiper blade size for your vehicle, you can:
Please consult your user manual:
We strongly encourage you to refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual prior to purchasing new wiper blades. Your manual will provide the precise dimensions required for both the driver and passenger sides, ensuring an accurate fit. This approach offers certainty in making an appropriate selection from the outset.
Measure your existing wiper blades:
Kindly assess the current condition of your wiper blades. Should they still be in satisfactory condition, you can establish the precise size required for replacement blades by gauging their length. This process necessitates measuring solely the dimensions of the rubber blade and not including those of the metal frame in your assessment. Please ascertain to measure both on the driver’s side as well as on the passenger’s side since their respective measurements may differ.
Website of Dealer or Manufacturer:
As a standard, most car manufacturers’ websites or authorized dealers possess an extensive parts database. This allows you the convenience of inputting your vehicle’s make, model, and year to garner in-depth information regarding your wiper blades.
Arm Attachment Compatibility:
Emphasizing size as a key parameter, it is equally essential to identify the specific arm attachment utilized by your vehicle. As there are various types – including but not limited to hook type, bayonet type and pinch type – ensure that the wiper blade you select is appropriate and compatible with your car’s specified arm connector.
Should there be any uncertainty regarding the size of your wiper blades, it is prudent to refrain from assumptions. Implementing incorrectly sized blades could culminate in subpar windshield cleansing, impairment of the wipers themselves or potential harm to the windshield. Kindly utilize the subsequent guide which is designed to assist you in identifying superior quality wiper blades most suited for your geographical location, thereby ensuring optimal operational efficiency.
Making Your Wiper Blades Last Longer
The average wiper blade lifespan is 0.5-1 year, depending on how much your vehicle is used.
Some factors that can damage your blade, making it brittle and requiring replacement as soon as possible include:
Seasonal Weather
During a heat wave, your windshield wipers are often exposed to direct sunlight for an extended period of time, causing them to break down more quickly. In the winter, cold snaps can cause the same amount of damage as moisture expands into ice.
When it’s hot and you know you won’t be going anywhere for a while, try parking in the shade or using a windshield cover if possible.
Windshield Guards If your windshield is frozen, wait for the ice to melt and make sure there is no ice on the windshield before turning on your wipers.
A convenient way to prevent your wiper blades from freezing to the windshield is to place a frost-resistant sun shield under the wiper blades, with the rubber on top. If heavy snow is expected, it is best to place the blade under a blanket.
Sap/Pollen and Pollutants
Parking under a tree can be frustrating for car owners when things like sap, seeds, bird droppings, fallen leaves, and dust start to settle on the windshield. This can collect under the blades and cause damage to the rubber or silicone, opening them up can cause streaks and even more damage.
Before you go, check around the blades for dirt or foreign matter, such as leaves, twigs, or seeds, and remove them. Using a clean rag and vinegar will not only clean the blade but also eliminate streaks. Pour the excess vinegar onto your windshield and turn on the wiper blades for a clear view.
A good way to prevent debris from landing on your windshield is to cover your vehicle at night or before high winds. Pollen and tree sap can also cause damage, so it’s best to wash them off with a 50/50 mixture of water and vinegar, spray and wipe them off before using your wipers.
How to Clean Windshield Wiper Blades?
One way to help your blades last longer and improve their performance is to clean them! Clean the wipers using a clean rag and warm soapy water. Then, wipe the edge of the blade with a cloth dampened in rubbing alcohol to remove any remaining dirt and oil.
For optimal wiper performance, wash your windshield regularly to remove dirt and grime. Accumulated dirt can not only damage the blades, but it can also stain the windshield and affect visibility.
You should also top up your windshield washer fluid. It comes in handy when you need to remove bugs, dirt, or other debris while driving.
How Long Do Windshield Wiper Blades Last?
What is the expected duration of performance for windshield wipers? The reply to this query, much like a multitude of consumable products, hinges considerably on the specific brand and cost. Lower-priced wiper blades often present a shorter service life, spanning between four to six months typically.
Meanwhile, high-caliber all-weather windshield wiper blades could provide unwavering functionality up to several years in certain instances.
In the mid-price range, most wipers typically have a useful life of six months to a year, depending on frequency of operation and conditions. When you’re considering your next purchase of windshield wiping equipment, it’s prudent to check the label with recommended replacement intervals – prioritize maintaining optimal visibility over poor performance due to aging blades.
Quality Wiper Blades Are Here
Topex specializes in wiper blades in a variety of sizes for quick replacement on your car, truck or SUV! Provides clear vision on wet streets, making your driving safer. Contact our parts department online and you can even order parts here!