Good visibility allows drivers to react more quickly to changes in the traffic situation, such as pedestrians, unexpected obstacles or changing traffic signals. This is especially important in bad weather, when road conditions become more challenging and unpredictable. Rain, snow, hail or spray from other vehicles significantly reduces visibility on the road. And on a bright, sunny day or when driving toward the headlights of other vehicles, raindrops or snowflakes on the windshield can create glare and distortion, making visibility difficult and causing temporary glare. Wipers effectively remove these precipitation and contaminants from the windshield, allowing the driver to see the road, pedestrians and other vehicles clearly.
Wipers are not just an accessory, but an important safety feature of your vehicle. They provide good visibility during rain, snow or mud, which is especially important for preventing accidents. However, like any other car part, wipers eventually wear out and need to be replaced.
Why do wipers break?
Wear and tear of the rubber blade: The rubber from which the wiper blades are made loses its properties over time. It becomes stiff, cracked and no longer adheres tightly to the glass, resulting in streaks and streaks on the windshield.
Frame damage: The metal frame of the wipers can be deformed by sunlight, frost and chemicals. This causes the wiper blades to become loose and clean the glass unevenly.
Dirt: Dirt, dust and insect residue can build up on the wiper blades and wiper mechanism, causing them to jam and deteriorate.
Improper operation: Using the wipers on dry glass, brushing ice and snow off the glass, and improper installation of the wipers can accelerate their wear.
Thewindshield protective filmcan have both positive and negative effects on the performance of the wipers and the overall condition of the glass.
Some protective films have hydrophobic properties that allow water to roll off the surface of the glass faster, improving visibility in rain and reducing the need for frequent wiper use.
In some cases, the protective film may impair the performance of the wipers. This may be because the wiper blades do not glide over the film surface as well, leaving streaks and streaks. In addition, the film may wear faster where it makes contact with the wiper blades.
Good visibility allows the driver to react more quickly to changes in the traffic situation, such as pedestrians, unexpected obstacles or changing traffic signals. This is especially important in bad weather when road conditions become more challenging and unpredictable.
Wipers consist of several main elements:
Brushes: These are rubber blades that come into direct contact with the glass and remove moisture and dirt from it.
Leash: The metal lever that connects the blade to the wiper mechanism.
Motor: An electric motor drives the wipers.
Mechanism: A system of levers and rods that transmits movement from the motor to the leashes.
Types of wipers:
- Framed: The traditional type of wipers with a metal frame. They are affordable but can leave streaks and squeak.
- Frameless: A more modern type of wipers without a metal frame. They provide a better fit on the glass, make less noise, and last longer.
- Hybrid: Combine the benefits of both framed and frameless wipers. They have a metal frame, but it is hidden under a protective casing for a better fit and less noise.
How to choose wipers:
- Size: Match the wipers to the size of your windshield. The size can be found in your vehicle’s manual or on the wipers themselves.
- Type: Choose the type of wipers based on your preference and budget.
- Quality: Pay attention to the quality of the rubber blades. They should be flexible and free of cracks.
- Some countries have rules that require drivers to use wipers in certain weather conditions. Failure to comply with these rules can result in fines and create danger on the road.
Care of the wipers: Wipe the wipers with a soft cloth soaked in soapy water to remove dirt and dust. It is generally recommended to replace the wiper blades every 6-12 months, depending on the amount of use and the quality of the rubber. However, if you notice any of the above signs, don’t delay replacement, even if the wiper blades haven’t worked out yet.
Periodically check the condition of the wiper arms and mechanism andclean windshield wiper blades from onlinecarparts.co.uk. If they are worn or damaged, replace them. In winter, use special winter wiper blades and clean snow and ice from the glass before turning on the wipers.
In summary, wipers are an essential element of car safety, especially in bad weather. They provide the driver with good visibility, prevent dazzle, remove dirt and help the driver react quickly to changes in the traffic situation. Therefore, it is important to monitor the condition of the wipers and replace them in time to ensure safety for yourself and other road users.
