What to do if the old wipers are worn out and scratch the windshield
Tips for motorists

What to do if the old wipers are worn out and scratch the windshield

Like any part, windshield wipers have a wear life. Car owners know what consequences can be expected when the brushes wear out, but not everyone knows how to restore old wipers on a car, often replacing the part with a new one.

How to restore old car wipers

The first sign of wiper wear is insufficient cleaning of the windshield, which causes a lot of inconvenience when driving, as stains and stripes interfere with the view, which affects not only the constant eye strain, but can also cause an accident. Splitting or uncharacteristic creaking sounds may also be observed, indicating a breakdown.

For an experienced motorist, restoring windshield wipers is not a laborious process and takes half an hour at most, but before you start repairing a part, you should understand the cause of the malfunction:

  1. Cleaning element dirty. If particles of oil or abrasive remain on the surface of the glass, the brushes experience strong resistance during operation and inevitably wear out without the possibility of recovery, therefore, periodic cleaning of the rubber bands should be carried out.
    What to do if the old wipers are worn out and scratch the windshield
    The first sign of wiper wear is insufficient windshield cleaning.
  2. Weak contact with the glass surface is due to the weakening of the spring or the stretching of the bracket and the inability to press the brush against the glass sufficiently. This defect appears when the wipers are frequently raised to the maximum to clean the glass from snow and ice.
  3. The deformation of the brush edge occurs due to the laborious work of the part. Such a defect is subject to repair, but is considered impractical, since the average price of a spare part is not so high as to waste time and effort on its resuscitation.
  4. The reason for the failure of the wipers may be the oxidation of the trapezoid wiring drives. If the diagnostics demonstrate a malfunction of the trapezoid, you should not resort to self-repair, but contact a service center.

What to do if the cleaning element is dirty

The first cause of poor windshield wiper performance can be easily eliminated by cleaning brushes with solvent white spirit type. This solution is popular as it is able to effectively remove the most stubborn dirt that has settled on the cleaner brushes, after which attention should be paid to the restoration of rubber.

The most primitive way to restore a rubber element is soaking it in hot water. The brushes are soaked for about an hour - during this time the rubber has time to soften well. You can also soften and degrease rubber elements, by immersing them in gasoline and holding about 20 minutes. The method is considered universal, since drivers, as a rule, have a certain amount of fuel on hand. To restore rubber after soaking, you should use silicone or glycerin. To do this, dry the brushes, treat them with glycerin and leave for a while for maximum absorption. It is recommended to repeat the procedure several times, and then remove the remaining grease with a cloth.

The described methods have the side effect of removing the protective graphite layer of the brushes with an aggressive solution. Silicone grease should also be handled carefully to avoid contaminating the glass.

It is worth noting that the restoration of the rubber part of the wipers should be dealt with until it has become unusable, cracks and tears have not appeared on the rubber. Torn rubber cannot be repaired in any way.

What to do if the wiper does not fit well

The second reason is eliminated pulling up the staple, which holds the spring and is located on the bend of the leash. For repair, it must be removed and tightened. The method is effective, but it requires a certain dexterity, since the spring, when removed, can bounce to the most unexpected place, and inserting the part into place is also inconvenient.

What to do if the brush is deformed

The third type of malfunction is eliminated mechanically. To eliminate irregularities in rubber bands, many use a scheme based on the use of sandpaper. By friction, the defects are aligned, but some effort will have to be made. This is done before the solvent treatment or soaking process.

What to do if the old wipers are worn out and scratch the windshield
To eliminate irregularities in rubber bands, many use a scheme based on the use of sandpaper.

Depending on the type of damage to the windshield wiper, a certain list of auxiliary elements may be needed to restore it:

  1. Wrench;
  2. Screwdriver;
  3. Rubber gloves;
  4. Working fluid for cleaning;
  5. Lubricant for surface treatment;
  6. Rag or other soft cloth to clean the surface and remove any remaining grease.

In addition to elementary means for restoring wiper blades, there are special mechanisms on sale that are designed to help car owners repair wipers. For example, a wiper blade cutter can grind a rubber surface and remove minor damage. There are also kits for repairing wipers, the filling of which is designed for prompt restoration, or a knife for restoring wipers that does not require their removal.

What to do if the old wipers are worn out and scratch the windshield
There are also wiper repair kits, the filling of which is designed for prompt restoration, or a wiper repair knife that does not require their removal

When performing the process in a closed room, it is necessary to ensure the necessary air circulation in it. Next, you need to do the following:

  1. Remove brushes and disassemble. This manipulation is carried out by moving the lower arm away from the windshield, the metal holder is lifted to the attachment point and brought to a stable position - to the end. By pressing on the plastic plug that holds the blade, you need to disconnect the brush from the wiper.
    What to do if the old wipers are worn out and scratch the windshield
    By pressing on the plastic plug that holds the blade, you need to disconnect the brush from the wiper
  2. In some car models, special fastening flags are provided, which, when removing the brushes, must be moved to the position.
    What to do if the old wipers are worn out and scratch the windshield
    In some car models, special flags-mounts are provided.
  3. Rinse parts thoroughly.
  4. Wear protective gloves. Moisten a cloth with solvent and wipe the rubber surface to remove accumulated dirt. Let the parts dry.
  5. Apply a small amount of silicone to a soft cloth and rub into the cleaned surface. To withstand the time required for absorption.
  6. Remove any remaining lubricant.
  7. Mount the wipers in place by inserting them into the holder and giving the correct position, fix the hook and return the wiper to the working position.

What to do if the old wipers are worn out and scratch the windshield
At the end, you need to mount the wipers in place by inserting them into the holder and giving the correct position
What to do if the old wipers are worn out and scratch the windshield
Then fix the hook and return the wiper to the working position

What methods do not work and can harm the car

It is important to understand that the parts to be self-repaired are not all the elements that make up the windshield wiper mechanism. The rotational and translational mechanism of the wipers, as well as its smoothness, is ensured by a trapezoid that works by means of an engine. Taking on the repair of internal parts with your own hands is extremely dangerous for an inexperienced car mechanic. This is where you need the help of a professional.

Wipers should be removed very carefully so as not to damage the windshield. Since the mechanism is equipped with a spring, there is a chance that it will bounce, and the impact on the glass will be strong enough to damage it. The safest way to secure the windshield is to place a towel or other cloth over it as a buffer.

What to do if the old wipers are worn out and scratch the windshield

Windshield wipers need systematic inspection, cleaning and replacement if necessary. Do not neglect these procedures, as the wipers are an important component of the car system. The quality of car movement does not depend on their work, but the comfort of the driver, and hence the safety of driving, are directly related.

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