Car wipers or window wipers are important components that help remove rainwater residue and other contaminants like dust, dirt, and other foreign substances. They also function to enhance visibility while driving in the rain.
Factors like wet road surfaces reduce tire traction, thus, contributing to an increase in accidents during downpours. Additionally, other factors such as technical failures such as warning lights, brake lights, wipers, and non-functional rear lights are also part of the problem.
Rainy weather limits visibility, particularly, at night.
Types of Car Wipers
There are several types of car wipers available in the market – conventional, flat, and hybrid. If your car comes with conventional wiper blades from the factory, you can replace them or they can be interchanged with a more modern type (flat or hybrid).
However, if your car comes equipped with flat wiper blades, they cannot be interchanged with conventional ones.
Conventional Car Wipers
These are the most common types installed on older vehicles. However, the newer cars these days come with flat ones.
Conventional car wipers are said to be more durable and higher in quality which is why they have been around for a long time.
Flat Car Wipers
Most modern cars come with flat wipers. These car wipers have a metal flexor that supports the rubber element and sometimes, an integrated spoiler.
They use an airflow-generated pressure to create a more aerodynamic shape, thus reducing wind noise.
Hybrid Car Wipers
Hybrid car wipers combine the best features of conventional and flat car wipers. They incorporate the aerodynamic characteristics of flat car wipers with the performance of conventional car wipers.
These wipers keep the rubber blade in constant contact with the windshield – this makes movement smoother and quieter, especially at high speeds.
Car Wiper Sizes
Choosing the right car wiper solely depends on your car’s make and model. If you’re unsure, measure the size of your current car wiper blades or refer to the owner’s manual.
There are various sizes of car wiper blades to choose from in the market, so it’s important to do your research first. If the rubber blade is too long, they may collide with each other; too short, they won’t clean your windshield effectively.
Rubber vs Silicone Car Wipers, Which Are The Best Car Wiper Blades?
The quality and durability of both products are a subjective matter for discussion. While many believe that silicone car wipers are better and last longer, it doesn’t mean it’s bad.
How to Prolong Your Car Wiper’s Lifespan
Choose a Trusted Brand
With so many types of car wipers available in the market, choosing a branded one can go a long way. Branded car wipers are generally designed to withstand all sorts of weather conditions and keep you safe while driving.
Keep the Front Windshield Clean
Environmental factors like dust, dirt, and debris (such as leaves and insects) on the windshield can affect the performance and lifespan of your car wipers. To preserve your car wiper’s durability, consider the following:
Ensure your windshield always stays clean.
Frequently inspect your car wipers, especially after the windy season, to identify any damage or wear and tear.
Remove any debris stuck to the windshield to prevent damage to the wiper blades.
Lift Wiper Blades in Open Parking
Raising your car wiper blades during hot weather can prevent it from melting from the heat. If possible, park your car in shaded areas to prevent sunlight from drying out and damaging the rubber blades.
Avoid Using Water Repellents
Using water-repellent substances can shorten the lifespan of your car wipers. This can potentially lead to uneven blade wear and affect the quality of wiping.
Moreover, the use of water repellents can create a hazy effect on your windshield, making it difficult to remove and see under rainy, night drives.
Check Wiper Rubber Every Six Months
It is advisable to inspect and replace your car wiper blades every six months. Replace them immediately if you notice signs of hardening, wear, deterioration, damage, or cracking.
Replace Wipers If You Notice These Signs
As mentioned above, it is recommended that you replace your wipers every six months or at most, up to a year, depending on the type of wiper and usage frequency.
However, it is imperative that you need to replace them immediately if you notice any of these signs:
Excessive blade vibration: If your car wipers vibrate excessively during use, it’s very likely the rubber blades are worn out or the wiper frame is damaged.
Water streaks remain on the windshield: Car wipers are meant to clear water from the windshield effectively, especially during rainy conditions. If there are still streaks or lines of water on the windshield, this suggests that the rubber wiper blade is damaged, cracked, or dried out.
Wipers make noise when in use: A smooth wiper operation should be near silent. If there is noise when using the wipers, it means the blades are no longer effective and not in good condition.
Car Wiper Care Tips
To ensure that your car wipers last longer, here are several tricks you can do:
Clean the car wiper blades regularly to prevent any debris from sticking to them.
Raise or lift the car wiper blades if the car is parked in an open parking area or under direct sunlight.
Clean the car windshield to ensure that dirt on the windshield’s surface does not damage the car wiper blade.
Use a safe and non-damaging windshield washer fluid or cleaner for both the car wiper blade and the windshield.
Good-condition car wipers not only provide comfort while driving but also ensure your safety by preventing unexpected accidents. Therefore, make sure your car wipers are always in good condition to avoid unwanted situations, especially when driving in the rain.
