Unlike some parts of the car, for
example, the car's engine or shock absorbers, the two wiper
blades on the windscreen are normally deemed as petty
device. Not much attention is paid to its very existence.
Often, the blades are forgotten when car owners send their
car for scheduled service.
Although it looks simple, it should not be taken as
something unimportant, especially when clear vision becomes
very important especially during a heavy storm. Having a
good pair of wipers is as important when driving in wet
weather conditions as having a good braking system. So it is
not an understatement to say that wiper blades are important
in ensuring driving safety. It is vital to equip your car
with a pair of quality and reliable blades.
When buying or choosing a pair of wipers, please take
note of the following:
- Make sure that the rubber strip is soft and elastic.
Since the wipers are installed outside the car and
exposed to sunlight, high temperature as well as
corrosive chemicals and weather conditions, the
anti-weathering property of the rubber part determines
the quality of the wiper blade.
- It is advisable to select a pair of wipers of
similar length to the original wipers. This is to ensure
that the pressure transmitted from the wiper spring to
the wiper arm can be spread out evenly on the contact
surface between the rubber blades and the windscreen.
The efficiency is optimal under such conditions.
MAINTAINING WIPER BLADES
If you're one of those who place importance to
maintaining a regular engine check-up, it's about time you
do the same for your wiper. All it takes is a few minutes
and by doing this, not only will you be extending the
lifeline of your wipers, but you will also help protect your
windscreen from scratches. More importantly, it will offer
you clear vision, especially at night or when it rains.
Here are a few things that you should notice when
checking the wipers
- The screws on the wiper arms are tightened.
- The joins of the wiper arm are flexible. If they are
rusty, lubricate it. However, make sure that you don't
dirty the rubber blades or the windscreen.
- Check that the rubber strip is in a straight line.
If deformed, rub it longitudinally with a soaked cloth
from the fixed end to the loose end. Replace it with a
new one if the deformation is too serious and cannot be
restored.
- Adjust the angle of the wiper arm so that the rubber
blade will be perpendicular to and in full contact with
the windscreen.
- Remember to remove your wipers when you send your
car for washing or repainting. The detergent in paint as
well as high temperature will only expedite the ageing
of the rubber parts.