Wipers. Which to choose? Skeleton, flat or hybrid? What to remember?

Good windshield wipers are essential for safe driving in bad weather when you need to maintain good visibility. We must take care of them, because without windshield wipers, traveling in difficult weather conditions becomes almost impossible. But what to do so that their feathers retain their proper properties? We explain how to clean and maintain your windshield wipers, and in a pinch, how to know when it's time to replace them.

Although wiper blades are not the most expensive parts of a car, it is worth knowing how to handle them and what to do so that they last as long as possible and when to think about replacing them. Especially since the windshield wiper works unevenly, so it is good to choose the type and model that suits the needs of the car.

Skeleton, flat or hybrid?

Frame models were once the most popular. These are rugs with a frame, which are also called hinged. They have a metal construction, so when choosing this type, pay attention to the anti-corrosion protection of the wiper frame and how they adhere to the glass. Let's also check the mounting type, because this model is not necessarily suitable for every car.

In newer vehicles, flat wipers, also known as frameless wipers, are more common. Due to their design, they create less air resistance, so they are better suited for higher speeds than skeletal counterparts. An additional advantage is a more precise fit to the glass in bad weather conditions such as gusty winds or storms. “Among flat mats, we recommend models with a graphite rubber surface and stainless steel reinforcement, which provide more weight and thus stabilize the structure and reduce vibration,” explains Jacek Wujcik, Product Manager at Würth Polska.

Hybrid models are another type of wipers. This is a combination of solutions used in frame and flat products. They give a modern look and adhere well to the surface. Finally, it is also worth mentioning the rear window wipers. They usually differ depending on the specific car model, so when replacing, you need to focus on the product designed for a particular vehicle.

How to take care of wipers?

Changing weather conditions, including low and high temperatures, can shorten the life and effectiveness of wipers. It is also affected by impurities such as tar, oils and resin. Let's be especially vigilant after waxing the car. Then a layer of the drug is collected on the feathers, which negatively affects their work. Such substances must be carefully removed before the wipers are switched on.

Drivers make the mistake of using wipers instead of a rag or ice scraper. This applies not only to greasy contaminants, but also to those with a hard texture. It is better to get out of the car and remove them with the right tool. This question is especially relevant in winter, when there is ice on the glass. Moreover, the wipers themselves can freeze to its surface. Activating them in such a situation can damage the feathers, says Jacek Wujcik from Wurth Polska.

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We should be aware that wipers get dirty over time. This is a natural process because the feathers and water scrape dirt off the glass. For this reason, it is better not to neglect them when washing the car. Carpets can be washed with water and a rubber-safe cleaner. Remember that they should be washed together with the glass, because then one will not stain the other. If you plan not to use the vehicle for a long time, it is worth removing or raising the wipers. This will prevent them from deforming.

Time for replacement

It is impossible to name specific terms for replacing the wipers. However, as a recommendation, this should be done once a year. Everything depends on their design, material and, above all, on the conditions and method of their use. A symptom indicating that it is time to buy new ones is the increasingly inefficient performance of existing copies. This can be seen when they stop taking on water or slide on the glass. Sometimes this is accompanied by a characteristic squeaking sound.

– Drivers should regularly check the condition of the wipers. This is especially true of winter and the periods before and after it. This time of year is the biggest problem for feathers. Frost, frost and snow can affect the condition of the rubber, so it should be carefully monitored. On the other hand, metal parts should be inspected especially for rust, explains Jacek Wujcik from Würth Polska.

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