Car wipers - which wipers to buy?
Content
Effective car wipers directly affect traffic safety. Unfortunately, they are often an underestimated piece of equipment on a car, and driving with worn out seat stays can be difficult, dangerous, and annoying.
We are happy to advise you on how to choose the right wipers for your car so that you can forget about their existence altogether.
The role of car wipers
A patent for the described accessories was issued in 1903 to the American businesswoman Mary Anderson. However, the real sensation was the automatic car wipers, developed in 1917 by Charlotte Bridgewood. The influence of the Polish inventor Jozef Hofmann was also significant. His idea was used by Ford. As you can see, more than 100 years have passed since the invention of simple wipers, and these rubber elements are still installed on various types of vehicles. Interestingly, despite the elapsed time, they have not come up with alternatives.
car wiper models
Basically, there are 3 types of wipers on the market. These are feathers:
- traditional,
- flat (hinged),
- hybrid.
What are the features of each of them?
Traditional rugs, in other words skeletal rugs, are the simplest designs on offer. Their basic element is a frame that presses the rubber against the glass. Assembly is carried out by fixing the tongue on a special clamp. This is a very simple operation and you will certainly succeed if you opt for this model. Remember, however, that this type of car wipers are not the most durable solutions. Especially in winter, they can work less efficiently due to ice and debris adhering to the rack.
So let's take a look at another type on the market. These are non-articulated, that is, flat wipers. Their spring steel core is inside the surrounding rubber. They do not have a frame, but thanks to the presence of a spoiler, they skillfully nestle against the windshield at high speeds. Compared to traditional door mats, they can last twice as long.
The final solution is hybrid wipers. They are a combination of traditional and flat models. When creating them, the advantages of both types of wipers were used. They have a steel frame and a lid to prevent the ingress of dirt and water. Their profile ensures proper fit to the glass and efficient operation.
How to evaluate the wear of car wipers?
The good news is that identifying worn wipers is not difficult. One of the symptoms is the formation of streaks during operation and insufficient scraping of water and other contaminants. Most often, car wipers jump when moving or form thin strips of water. This can be frustrating for the driver due to the sudden loss of visibility.
Another symptom that should prompt you to replace them is creaking. When moving on glass, rubber elements emit a mercilessly annoying sound, which is difficult to get used to. Unfortunately, it usually does not stop on its own, and the only effective method of getting rid of squeaks is to replace the wipers with new ones. The ideal time for this activity is the winter-spring border. After a period of frost, rubber loses its softness and is no longer suitable for effectively removing water from windows.
What wipers to choose for the car?
You already know what models of wipers are available, but how to choose them? First, pay attention to the length of the feathers. If the current ones fit, just measure their length and select the wipers according to the value obtained. In most cases, this size is enough to make a successful purchase. Each of the offers available on the Internet, including, for example, on the AvtoTachkiu website, is determined by the length of the nibs, so you will not have problems matching them. Please note that on many vehicles, the left and right handlebars vary in size, so make sure you measure both before purchasing.
Wipers that are too short will collect too little dirt from the glass surface, making it difficult to drive comfortably and safely. On the other hand, if you go too far with their length, they can begin to rub against the glazing beads. This will cause accelerated wear on the components of the entire windshield wiper and may also damage the slats. And then you will face additional unnecessary expenses.
How to find a good car wiper?
In many cases, price goes hand in hand with quality, so don't go for the cheapest solutions. It may happen that they do not last long and quickly get bored with squeaks and insufficient removal of dirt. Good car wipers are made by brands such as DENSO, VALEO, BOSCH, HEYNER or NEGOTTI. The best solutions are characterized by the presence of special hooks for specific car models, which greatly simplifies the installation of wipers. Cheaper models are equipped with adapters, so they can be adapted to most cars.
How to replace car wipers?
Installing new feathers is extremely simple. It all depends on the type of holder used in the vehicle. These can be fasteners marked with the letters "A", "B", "C", "E" or "U". Familiarize yourself with its type and instructions on the packaging. Many manufacturers also include a timetable for the next assembly steps, so this step should not take more than a few minutes. Tilt the wiper arm first and remove the worn element. Choose the correct adapter and place it in your hand. After that, you can insert the wiper blade and tilt the lever to the operating position. Ready!
How to take care of car wipers?
To make your wipers last as long as possible, try to make life easier for them. Before you hit the road, it is better to remove coarse dirt and frozen snow yourself, using the available tools, so as not to abuse the rubber feathers. You can also use window heaters and invisible wipers. Thanks to them, you will improve the effect of using traditional car wipers and increase their lifespan. This will allow you to enjoy their effectiveness for a long time!
You can find more articles about automotive industry on AvtoTachki Passions in the Tutorials section!
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