Written by Ron Winter
The lowly windshield wiper is one of the most overlooked, yet essential pieces of equipment on every automobile.
Even though it is within the driver’s field of vision every time the vehicle is driven it often is ignored, especially when it is not needed.
Ask most automobile maintenance experts and they’ll say it’s a safe bet that most drivers probably don’t pay a lot of attention to their wipers until they start streaking or making that terrible BRRRRRRRP noise when they are old and worn.
Yet windshield wipers provide the first line of defense when driving in inclement weather. Anyone who has spent a summer in Florida driving through the near daily torrential downpours of the rainy season, or a northern winter with especially heavy snow or ice storms can attest to the importance of their automobile’s wipers.
It is easy to forget them once the sun comes out and roads are clear but weather plays a critical role in windshield wiper blades’ deterioration, even when it is dry.
Freezing temperatures make the rubber in windshield wiper blades hard and brittle, which increases their tendency to crack or tear. Hot weather warps the rubber and prevents the blade from wiping the windshield cleanly.
It should come as no surprise that windshield wipers wear out more quickly in areas where they are used extensively. But even in dry arid areas dust is a constant factor and it hastens the deterioration of the blades even when they are used with washer fluid.
Many types of materials can add to the wear and tear on wipers blades including chemicals that are splashed up from the road, bugs that splat on the windshield, some of which leave brittle parts behind that don’t wash off easily, and even leaves in the northern climates in fall. The various materials and elements combine to erode the edge of the rubber blades, leading to streaking and that horrible noise mentioned above.
The life of wiper blades can be extended to some degree by regular maintenance including cleaning with washer fluid or mild soap. A soft cloth can be used to wash the blade, followed by rinsing with clean water, and the area where the blade rests on the windshield should be cleaned at the same time as debris tends to accumulate there.
Drivers living in colder climates also are familiar with the annual issue of wipers freezing to the windshield when the vehicle is not in use. There are several ways to free them including using the defroster – before setting out on the roads – and breaking the ice away manually.
If a vehicle will be sitting overnight and a storm is expected the blades can be protected by covering them with a plastic wrap or similar substance that can easily be peeled away in the morning, saving time and aggravation.
Experts recommend that wiper blades be changed at least every six months, more often in hot or dusty climates, and failing to do so can mean the difference between driving with a clear field of vision in a rain or snow storm, or driving blind. The proper size is usually listed in the owner’s manual, and if in doubt drivers can call their local automobile dealer parts department for assistance.
“While it depends on your make and model, most manufacturers will recommend you change your wipers every 12,000 miles,” explained Don McKenzie, Izuzu Master technician in the Hoffman Ford service department. McKenzie has more than 20 years of experience with Izuzu and Ford vehicles; he has been with Hoffman for over 17 years. “Most people will only change their wipers when they see streaks. Some even wait a year between changes.”
Don McKenzie
There are options available depending on how much motorists want to spend and whether they can do the job themselves. Replacing just the blade will cost less, or the entire blade and arm assembly can be changed.
Proponents of changing the entire assembly say it will apply even pressure across the windshield, which ensures that the field of vision will stay clear and free of annoying and distracting streaks.
Motorists may have to be a bit handier with tools such as pliers to do just the wiper blade so that should be taken into account when making the switch. It also is important to replace both blades at the same time as the wear and tear experienced by one usually is duplicated by the other.
Generally speaking drivers will know if their wiper blades need replacing based on their performance. Still it is worth taking a couple of minutes every few weeks to check their condition, simply by lifting the wiper up and examining the edge of the blade.
Cracking or peeling is easy to spot, which also will show up when the blade is in use. A simple inspection will determine whether blades are coming to the end of their useful life, which can give drivers the freedom to change them on their schedule rather than an emergency basis.
Editor’s note: DrivenCt.com is a consumer auto guide which CtWatchdog Editor & Publisher George Gombossy helped create, provides editorial guidance and advertising in return for a marketing fee. The columns that published from DrivenCt.com are not only edited by George, they are sometimes, suggested by him. In full disclosure, George’s son Ethan Gombossy is the Porsche service representative for Hoffman. And of course from time to time Hoffman dealerships pay for advertising on CtWatchdog.com. George also purchased his company vehicle at Hoffman prior to entering into the marketing agreement. Obviously George has a huge conflict of interest and therefor cannot publish any positive or negative comments from readers about Hoffman Auto Group. As he has in the past, he forwards any complaints he recieves to co-owner Brad Hoffman.
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