Always good visibility thanks to the right wiper

When it gets cold and damp outside, it's time to check your car's readiness for winter. In addition to changing tires and checking the coolant, the windshield wipers should also be checked. Clear visibility is especially important at night. At the latest, when the roads are salted, a whitish film quickly forms on the windshield. The light from oncoming vehicles is scattered, further impairing visibility. Read this article to find out everything you need to know about windshield wipers and how to attach them.

Quality has no alternative

Windshield wipers have been installed on cars for 100 years. However, there is still a lot of research and development ahead. Vehicle bodies change, design has its own requirements, but above all, windshield wipers must be able to cope with the most adverse conditions.

At the same time these details are definitely subject to wear . They are usually replaced as part of the annual inspection. This is not income and an important contribution to road safety.

Even windshield wiper kits from well-known manufacturers cost up to 30 euros

sterling , it's money well invested and will ensure clear vision next season. Although cheap models from the discounter look the same, their performance is very different. With cheap wipers, you should expect the following problems:

- Loud creaking rubber when driving - Rubber comes off the edge of the wiper – Rapid rusting of the bracket – Poor job of the janitor - Rattle at high speeds – Rapid wiper edge wear

High-quality wipers of well-known brands stand out in all respects. Instead of annoying squeaks, you hear a soothing clapping-clapping-clapping even in the heaviest rain. The branded wiper also keeps the windshield clean.

Installation problem

Windshield wiper installation can become quite a challenge if you do it too casually. Obviously, windshield wipers must be firmly attached to their arms. Otherwise they will start to flutter at higher speeds or even fly off .

Especially fatal if this happens while driving: on the one hand, a blown-off windshield wiper becomes a projectile; on the other hand, it endangers other road users . If the wiper is disconnected during operation, the arm drags on the windshield and inevitably leaves a scratch. Then the entire windshield needs to be replaced. This is much more expensive than buying a quality wiper right away.

Windshield wiper installation is complicated only at first glance. Currently in use 4 mounting types. In other countries, there are even more fastening concepts, but they have not yet had time to establish themselves on the market. Four types:

1. Classic hook 2. Side lock 3. Clamping tongue 4. Top lock

1. Classic: hook fastening

The hook mount is the classic connection between the wiper arm and the wiper blade . It's tested and reliable. With this type of attachment, it is almost impossible to tear off or fly off . The reason for this is the interlock, in which a steel bracket securely holds the wiper blade in place. However, hook mounting also has its drawbacks. It is a

– Aerodynamics
– Optics

• Wipers on hooks are quite wide . Depending on the type, the wiper blade, consisting of a wiper blade and a wiper holder, may protrude 3-4 centimeters from the windshield.
• During normal driving, the wipers are visibly attached to the windshield. It not only looks unaesthetic, but also worsens the aerodynamics of the car . This results in noise generation while driving and even a slight increase in fuel consumption.

Installation is somewhat difficult with the hook type.

• The wiper blade itself has a small plastic shoe. equipped with a fixing clip. Clip pressed against the tongue. It draws small pin from the hole in the hook.

• When you unlock, the shoe must be pushed against the direction of the hook . This looks somewhat contradictory, since at first the wiper is pulled further on the hook.

• However, it is necessary to release the hook from the wiper . You can then pull the wiper out of the wiper arm. It's quite difficult.
• Especially if holding shoe old, brittle and dirty , disassembly can turn into a game of patience. Therefore, before installing a new wiper blade with a new retaining shoe, the hook must be thoroughly cleaned.

2. The easiest: side-mounting (Side-Lock)

Side mounting is especially popular for windshield wipers . Side lock wipers do not have a high mounting frame, but only consist of a steel bracket with an attached wiper blade.

• With side attachment and flat brush this type of wiper has a fairly low profile. This makes them particularly advantageous both in terms of appearance and aerodynamics.
• Moreover , beam wipers are quite wide and have a very high cleaning efficiency.
• For side mounting the wiper arm folds up to the stop . The wiper blade then turns to 90° and pulls forward. Made!

3. One hand: latch

• With a snap-on mount, the locking mechanism is behind the hinge.
• The wiper arm is complicated.

• Now the lock is pressed with both thumb and forefinger.
• The wiper blade can then be pulled forward.

4. Bosch Special Offer: Top Lock Mount

The top lock mount is basically similar to the classic hook mount. .

• The wiper retaining shoe is pushed directly onto the arm until it locks into place.
• It is also suitable for windshield wipers.

Wiper Service

You can extend the life of your windshield wipers by servicing them regularly.

The ideal service product is a mixture of dishwashing liquid and antifreeze . However, ordinary water for windshield wipers will also work. Simply apply a few drops to a clean, lint-free cloth and wipe the rubber lip a few times until dust no longer sticks to it.

Also clean the windshield thoroughly before turning the wiper back on. . Every three months, the glass cleaner can also be sprayed silicone spray to keep it soft.

No cuts

You can always buy gadgets that should make replacing wipers unnecessary. These " windshield wiper sharpeners » are not recommended. They do cut the roughness of the wiper blade, but only make it thinner and more sensitive. After a few days, the windshield wiper completely fails and must be replaced. Thus, one could save money on a windshield wiper sharpener.