All you need to know about windshield wipers

It’s raining, it’s snowing, or you’re clearing the dust off your windshield – you’ll be putting your windshield wipers on full blast. It’s that one component of your car that means everything when driving through unfavourable conditions. In this blog, Tower Service Station will explore everything there is to know about windshield wipers including how they work, the different options, and the signs that you need a new pair.

How do windshield wipers work?

The first windshield wipers had a lever attached to several gears, which in turn was attached to the arms. They were operated manually by the driver by pulling the lever.

Today, you just flip a switch right next to your steering wheel and set an electrical motor in action, which is connected to a worm gear that turns the windshield arms. However, some vehicles use pneumatic power to operate the wipers. The arms are attached to rubber blades. As the motor turns the arms, the blades move across your windshield and wipe it clean.

Most modern cars have rain-sensing windshield wipers: wipers that activate and adjust speed based on the rain intensity. They rely on a sensor mounted right behind the windshield, which sends out an infrared beam. When there is water on the windscreen, the ray of infrared light gets reflected back at a different angle, which causes the windshield wipers to activate by themselves.

The different types of windshield wipers

When purchasing a new pair of windshield wipers, you will find yourself left with countless options to choose from. Boiling down to your needs and budget, you could always find a windshield wiper that fits your vehicle’s needs perfectly. Typically, windshield wipers are categorized into:

Conventional wipers

Conventional wipers have either a full metal or a plastic-metal composite structure with a central bridge and articulated links providing a number of pressure points. Conventional wipers are cheaper than the other options, and were the most widely used windshield wiper up until most recent times.

Flat wipers

Flat wipers consist of a thick rubber blade with a connection block at the centre. They sit lower on the windshield and apply more pressure evenly across the windshield, guaranteeing wiping efficiency. The flatter shape also translates to quieter functioning. Flat wipers are quickly becoming the new norm for all new vehicles.

Hybrid wipers

As the name suggests, hybrid wipers combine the best of both conventional and flat wipers. They maintain the aerodynamic properties of flat wipers with delivering the performance of conventional wipers. The properties of hybrid wipers greatly vary based on the manufacturer.

Maintaining your windshield wipers

Your windshield wipers are durable, but they won’t last forever. With proper maintenance, you can get a longer lifespan and better performance while they last. Here are a few tips on how to maintain your windshield wipers:

1. Make sure to clean your windshield wipers regularly. You can do this by wiping them down with a damp cloth or using a wiper blade cleaner. Use rubbing alcohol or vinegar to clean the rubber blade.
2. Remove any debris, fallen leaves, or twigs from the base of your windshield as soon as you see it. When clearing off snow, make sure you don’t leave a layer of dirty snow right alongside your wipers.
3. Use a water repellent on your windshield. The extra protective layer between your windshield and your wipers will allow the water to bead up on your windshield, easing the job for your wipers.

How long do wiper blades last?

There’s no definitive answer to how long wiper blades will last because it depends on a number of factors, including how often they’re used, the type of environment they’re used in (e.g. hot, cold, wet, dry), and how well they’re maintained. However, most experts agree that wiper blades should be replaced at least once a year to ensure optimal performance.

Signs that you need windshield wipers

If you notice any of the following signs, it may be time to replace your windshield wipers:

• Streaks or smears on the windshield: This is usually caused by worn-out blades that no longer make full contact with the windshield.
• Blades that chatter or skip: This can be caused by a build-up of debris on the blades or damage to the windshield itself. If you hear a chattering noise, it’s time to clean or replace your blades.
• The rubber on the wiper is failing. There is no clearer sign that you need to get yourself a new pair than visible cracks on the rubber.
• Cracks or holes in the blades: Once again, this is usually caused by wear and tear. If you see any cracks or holes, it’s time to replace your blades.

Conclusion

Your windshield wipers are a crucial part of being safe on the road. Without proper visibility on your windshield, you could be in great danger while driving through unfavourable conditions. While a good pair of windshield wipers should last a year, you best make sure you do it properly when it is time to replace them. At Tower Service Station, our team of expert mechanics will waste no time in identifying your needs and fitting your worn-out windshield wipers with a high-quality, brand-new pair.