Car wipers - Bosch and Valeo and others. Which wiper blades to choose?
Content
There are several types of glass cleaners on the market:
- feather (skeletal);
- hybrid;
- flat (frameless).
Which is better to choose? First, let's start with the history of this invention.
Who Invented Car Wipers?
The windshield wiper patent was held for a time by Mary Anderson, born in 1866. Driving in her days was not easy. Drivers had to lean out of the cab to see what was happening in front of them. Thus, the invention of the American woman became a practical answer to their problem. However, that's not all, because over time, electric wipers were also invented. The woman Charlotte Bridgewood is also responsible for their creation. And although a lot of time has passed since then, their shape and the way they move have not changed dramatically.
Wiper blades, or a little about their oldest type
This is the first (and currently still widely used) type of car wipers. This design is based on replaceable brushes that are pressed against the glass by the wiper lever. The popularity of this solution is mainly due to economic reasons. It is possible to replace the handles themselves, as we have already mentioned. Unfortunately, these wipers are not as effective as more modern types. Why? The profile of the frame does not allow the rubber to be evenly pressed against the glass, so the blade often jumps. In addition, their aerodynamics leave much to be desired.
Frame window wipers and their features
What else characterizes the original glass cleaning solution? Skeletal elements are not particularly durable. Such car wipers will have to be changed even every six months to ensure the proper quality of water drainage. However, this procedure will not cost you money at all. Drivers like adjustable wiper blades because they are inexpensive and easy to install.
Frameless car wipers
A newer solution that has eliminated many of the disadvantages of paddle solutions are flat (frameless) wipers. As their name implies, they are devoid of an additional frame, and the handle has a special pressure rod. In addition, you should also evaluate the material from which such a rug is made (rubber). It works better than the traditional rubbers needed to make feather models. Frameless car wipers have a number of other advantages.
What else characterizes flat models?
The deprivation of these models of a metal frame means that they have fewer parts that are sensitive to corrosion. And it is rust that has a very detrimental effect on the work of janitors and aesthetic considerations. In addition, the frameless design provides a lower blade profile and better aerodynamics. This allows the drainage system to work more efficiently at higher speeds. Unfortunately, these items usually cost more, which you will experience with every replacement.
Hybrid wipers, or a way to compromise
In 2005, the Japanese company Denso released hybrid car wipers. At first, this product was adopted only by local concerns in order to use it for the first assembly. However, over time, the situation has changed. Nowadays, many brands are opting for hybrid models. Why? Their features:
- lean physique;
- easy to put on;
- the convenience of use;
- water drainage efficiency.
But that's not all.
What distinguishes hybrid wipers?
The line of wipers is closed and more like frameless models. They are extremely easy to assemble because the ways to mount them on hand are limited. The core used in such products contributes to the uniform distribution of force along the entire length of the blade. Hybrids, although not as slender as flat models, are not very striking either.
Manufacturers of car wipers. Which brand to choose?
Online stores and stationary stores offer a wide range of products. A lot depends on the car you drive. Frameless car wipers of popular brands (including Bosch and Valeo) are not so cheap. You will often have to pay more than 10 euros per piece. Therefore, for an old passenger car, such a product is unprofitable. The second extreme option is also not encouraging, because the cheapest frame wipers wear out very quickly. You will have to replace them with new ones after a few months of heavy use. They may wear out or be damaged. It will be better if you compare all the characteristics of the products and follow the suggestions, tests and opinions.
How to choose the size of the wiper blades?
If you're looking to buy new car wipers from the supermarket, remember that you won't be sure of the right one. Often with them you will not find the right “size”, and this is a big difficulty in making decisions. One of the best options is to use a store that specializes in auto parts. Such shops provide special catalogs informing the seller and the buyer about the exact length of the blades installed in this model. Thanks to this, you will avoid blind buying.
You already know how to choose wipers for your car, but how do you use them? Before running them, it is best to remove dirt, dust and leaves from them. Take care of them especially in winter. You can remove ice and snow with a brush and scraper. Then the car wipers will work for a long time and provide visibility on the road and driving safety even in difficult weather conditions.
