Sunday, November 18, 2007

The Importance of Wiper Blades

Unlike some parts of the car, for example, the car's engine or shock absorbers, the two wiper blades on the windscreen are normally deemed as petty device. Not much attention is paid to its very existence. Often, the blades are forgotten when car owners send their car for scheduled service.

Although it looks simple, it should not be taken as something unimportant, especially when clear vision becomes very important especially during a heavy storm. Having a good pair of wipers is as important when driving in wet weather conditions as having a good braking system. So it is not an understatement to say that wiper blades are important in ensuring driving safety. It is vital to equip your car with a pair of quality and reliable blades.

When buying or choosing a pair of wipers, please take note of the following:

  1. Make sure that the rubber strip is soft and elastic. Since the wipers are installed outside the car and exposed to sunlight, high temperature as well as corrosive chemicals and weather conditions, the anti-weathering property of the rubber part determines the quality of the wiper blade.
  2. It is advisable to select a pair of wipers of similar length to the original wipers. This is to ensure that the pressure transmitted from the wiper spring to the wiper arm can be spread out evenly on the contact surface between the rubber blades and the windscreen. The efficiency is optimal under such conditions.

MAINTAINING WIPER BLADES

If you're one of those who place importance to maintaining a regular engine check-up, it's about time you do the same for your wiper. All it takes is a few minutes and by doing this, not only will you be extending the lifeline of your wipers, but you will also help protect your windscreen from scratches. More importantly, it will offer you clear vision, especially at night or when it rains.

Here are a few things that you should notice when checking the wipers

  1. The screws on the wiper arms are tightened.
  2. The joins of the wiper arm are flexible. If they are rusty, lubricate it. However, make sure that you don't dirty the rubber blades or the windscreen.
  3. Check that the rubber strip is in a straight line. If deformed, rub it longitudinally with a soaked cloth from the fixed end to the loose end. Replace it with a new one if the deformation is too serious and cannot be restored.
  4. Adjust the angle of the wiper arm so that the rubber blade will be perpendicular to and in full contact with the windscreen.
  5. Remember to remove your wipers when you send your car for washing or repainting. The detergent in paint as well as high temperature will only expedite the ageing of the rubber parts.

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