Otherwise left unattended, windshield wipers come to our rescue during the monsoon and stormy weather. Properly functioning wiper blades allow us to carry on with the journey without having to clean the windshields every now and then. It is, however, safe to say that they are neglected by most car owners and replacement is delayed as much as possible.
Windshield wipers are as essential to an automobile as any other component. When you search car batteries near me on Google to get a replacement, you must inquire about windshield wipers as well. They are equally important to the windshield for the safety of the passengers. First, let’s look at the types of wiper blades available in the market:
Silicone blades – silicone is used in several parts of the car. Silicone wiper blades are relatively new in the market as compared to rubber blades and they are extremely resilient to severe weather conditions. They are comparatively expensive and last longer than their rubber counterparts.
Rubber blades – made from good quality rubber, this type is most commonly used in automobiles. They are easy to attach to the frame and quite flexible but require regular maintenance.
Coated blades – these blades are regular ones coated with Teflon or graphite for added strength. They are the best type for cleaning and last longer than the other two.
Factors affecting the performance of the wipers
Wipers are affected by most external elements just as dust, debris and falling leaves. When wipers are used with these elements on the windshield, they wear off sooner than they ought to. Harsh weather conditions like high temperatures adversely affect the wiper blades as well. Moreover, fluctuating temperatures decrease their strength, leading to untimely replacement.
Logically, cars that are subject to heavy rainfall in cities like Mumbai, warrant wiper blade replacement every season. Professionals suggest that you ought to change the wipers blades every six months and no longer than in a year under any circumstances. Likewise, areas that receive snowfall are not great for car wiper blades as they stick to the windshield and gradually deplete every time the snow melts.
Taking care of the windshield wipers
- Windshield wiper blades ought to be cleaned at least once in two days or when the car is washed. The wiper blade must be wiped gently to remove unwanted elements
- Washer fluid must be filled periodically to ensure that the wipers are not used on a dry windshield
- Pull the wipers away from the windshield during winters to avoid them sticking to the windshield
- Change the wiper blades every 6 months
Windshield wiper related problems
Streaking – the wipers cause streaks on the windshield if the rubbers on the blades become harder due to drying up and form cracks.
Splitting – the ultraviolet rays of the sun cause the rubber of the blades to split from the frame which leads to malfunctioning
Damaged frame – when the frame of the wiper is bent or broken, it causes streaks and might even scratch or crack the windscreen
Wearing – when the windshield wipers are used extensively, the rubber gradually wears off, leading to decreased performance
Climate – The rubber on the wiper become brittle in cold weathers and it might simply stick to the windshield instead of functioning smoothly. High temperatures, on the other hand, cause the rubber blades to warp and crack
PRO TIP – before leaving for a road-trip, ensure getting your wipers checked by professionals at Windshield Experts for an unobstructed view on the highways. Get them replaced if they are worn out to ensure the safety of the passengers.