Wiper blades
SELECT YOUR VEHICLE TO FIND THE RIGHT PARTS!
All you need to know about windshield wiper blade
One of the most stressful condition the drivers often meet is the rainy weather. That is why the use of reliable high quality windshield wipers is indispensable.
"
It is part of the windshield wiper system. It is important that it ensures proper viewing condition even among poor weather conditions. Its function is the keep the glass free from dirt and dust.
Types of windshield wiper blades
- Framed (summer, winter and four-season versions)
- Without frame
- Hybrid
Handling the windshield wiper blades
Recommendations:
- It is recommended to change the blades once a year (preferably at the end of winter), if the car is used all through the year.
- Clean the blades on a regular basis to ensure a condition without contamination.
- The dust has to be removed also from the hinges and the guide elements in case of framed models. It is important not to use any lubricant.
- Align the nozzles properly, so that the entire surface below the windshield wiper would be wetted during use.
- Use winter version of windshield wiper liquid during the winter.
- Never operate the windshield wipers when the ambient temperature is below freezing point until the glass is not warmed up sufficiently.
- Snow should be removed by means of some sweep and do not use the windshield wiper to clean the windshield from snow.
- Use glass cleaning agent to remove eventual greasy dirt from the glass surface.
- Auto shampoo may also be used, which contains to protecting agent (e.g., wax).Â
Signs of faulty windshield wiper
- Dirty and wet spots remain on the glass surface after cleaning.
- The wiped surface remains striped, or the edges do not clean any longer.
- Unpleasant sound accompanies the operation (whistling, squeaking).
- Scratches appear on the glass surface.
Reasons of faulty windshield wiper
- Life span expired.
- Extensive dirt on the rubber blades and the frame.
- Use of windshield washing liquid, which is inadequate for the season.
- Loosened spring of the windshield wiper arm.
- Using the windshield wipers while traveling with very high speed.
- Inadequate installation or use of wrong parts.
- The blades wipe dry windshield because of the faulty nozzles.
Repair or changing of windshield wiper blades
- Usually, the part tends to operate properly after cleaning.
- If the fault is not the result of dirt, then the entire windshield wiper blade has to be replaced, or just the windshield wiper rubber (use the latter solution only in case of emergency).
- The replacement is not difficult; it can be done almost by anyone at home.
- Fix the adapter before removing the unusable windshield wipers, then mount the new one.
- It is a convenient practice to place a towel on the glass surface until the windshield wiper blade is mounted. A springing back windshield wiper arm could case extensive damage to the windshield.
FAQ
Can't find what you're looking for?
Look around in the help center.
Look around in the help center.
What windshield wipers are the best for winter weather?
- Rigid windshield wiper blades. These are suitable in moderate winter regions, because their rubber elements are less flexible in cold weather, and thus the effectiveness of the cleaning is reduced. They work quietly, because they have no hinges. The arched shape of the parts follows the contour of the windshield.
- Framed winter windshield wiper blades. As opposed to the traditional parts, they have rubber cover, which protects the hinges from the humidity and dirt. They clean efficiently at low ambient temperature. Such type of windshield wipers is cheap, but they do not touch the windscreen sufficiently, when the vehicle travels with high speed.
- Hybrid. These blades have aerodynamic design, so they touch the windscreen tightly at any velocity of the vehicle. The parts are protected against external influence by special cover. These products are available with relatively high price.
- Heated. These parts ensure high quality cleaning even in very cold weather. They remove the ice from the surface quickly. The heated parts are rather difficult to install, because they have to be connected to the onboards network.
How often should the replacement made? How the life span could be extended
- If you use your vehicle all through the year, then replace the windshield wipers / windshield wiper blades once year, preferably at the end of the winter
- Flush the windshield wiper often with water to remove the dirt. Clean the joints too in case of framed versions, but never use lubricant.
- Adjust the nozzles: the entire glass surface below the windshield wipers should be wetted. Check the accuracy of the adjustment at 60-80 km/h too.
- Make sure that antifreeze windshield washing liquid is in the tank of the windshield wiper instead of water well before the freezing season.
- Do not use the windshield wipers at temperatures below freezing point until the heating system warms up the entire glass surface. It is better to clean off the snow from the glass surface first.
- If the glass or the windshield wiper blades are affected by greasy contamination, then use 10 % hydroxide solution and rinse them with warm water.
- Auto shampoo may also be used, in which no protecting substance (e.g. wax) is present. Â
How should the windshield wiper blade be replaced?
- Usually, the part tends to operate properly after cleaning.
- The entire windshield wiper or only the windshield wiper rubber has to be replaced, if the malfunction is not caused merely by dirt.
- The replacement is not difficult; you might do it yourself. Depress the clip or the latch, and then dismount the used windshield wipers from the arm, then mount new ones.