Everything You Need To Know About Car Wiper Blades

The debris, snow and rain deposited on vehicles' front window is removed by a windscreen wiper or windshield wipers. Generally, all the motor vehicles that include cars, trucks, buses, train locomotives and watercraft with a cabin and some aircraft have one or more such wipers installed. These are generally a legal requirement.

Usually, a wiper contains a metal arm, one end pivots while the other end is equipped with an elongated rubber blade connected to it. The arm is controlled using an electric motor. Also, in some cases, pneumatic power is put to use for a number of vehicles. You can observe the blade swinging back and forth over the glass, pushing water, other precipitation, or any other contaminants to visibility, from the surface. In the latest models, you can adjust the speed, with several continuous speeds, and generally one or more intermittent settings. Almost all the automobiles that are designed for personalized use have two synchronized radial-type arms, on the other hand the commercial vehicles make use of one or more pantograph arms.

In a variety of vehicles, a windscreen/windshield washer system is used to enhance and expand the function of the wiper(s) for dry or icy conditions. This system performs the task of spraying water or an antifreeze window washer fluid at the windscreen making use of a large number of well fit nozzles. This system aids greatly in eliminating the dirt or dust from the windscreen in times when it is used in concert with the wiper blades. The snow or ice can be removed with antifreeze washer fluid. During such harsh winter conditions, various vehicles have extra heaters that aim at the window or embedded heating wires in the glass. These defroster systems aid to keep the snow and ice from building up on the windscreen. Although rare, at times you are likely to find miniature wipers on the headlights that assure optimal function.

In all there are a variety of wiper blades available that include the standard wiper blades, spoiler wiper blades, flat wiper blades, flat wiper blade upgrades (or retrofit). Parts Avatar has mentioned here about the types and usage of various types of wiper blades so that it becomes easy for you to choose the most apt wiper for your vehicle:

1. The Standard Type Wiper Blades - These types of wiper blades of windscreen wiper are the conventional ones. They are famous for looking like a coat hanger and can still be found on a large number of new vehicles, although this is declining day by day. These wiper blades are connected to the vehicle using a hook shape wiper arm fitting. Usually, the sizes range from 10" to 28". Commonly, you are likely to notice different sizes fitted to the drivers and passengers’ sides of the windscreen.
2. Spoiler Type Wiper Blades - The spoiler type wiper blades have a full spoiler that runs throughout the length of the blade that helps greatly in keeping the blades closer to the windscreen at higher speeds. This can be found mostly on the driver’ side only. They too are connected to the vehicle using a hook shaped wiper arm fitting.
3. Retrofit Flat Wiper Blade Upgrade - These types of wiper blades are made with new style and technology and are gaining popularity. They do not have a metal 'coat hanger' shaped frame but rather have a tensioned metal strip running within the rubber frame of the wiper blade. Such structure enables design a flatter aerodynamic shape that helps in decreasing the noise made by the wind. The internal metal strip present inside puts constant pressure along the length of the blade and has a built-in spoiler. This type of wiper blade is smaller than a conventional wiper. This kind of wiper blade helps in providing less obstruction to the driver's field of vision.
4. Hybrid Wiper Blades - The hybrid wiper blades have an aerodynamic shape i.e. it has a flat blade with the solid construction of a classic wiper. The ‘aerodynamic skin’ of the wiper blade is composed of an articulated plastic frame. This helps greatly in smoother airflow that further helps in creating an even down force throughout the length of the blade. For support in the rubber wiping element, you can find steel substructure under the skin. This type of design enables the complete wiper to flex according to the shape of the windscreen, thereby creating a smooth and efficient wiping action.
5. Flat Wiper Blades - These types of wiper blades conform to the newer style and technology and are rapidly being used in all the vehicles. They too don't have a metal ‘coat hanger’ shaped frame, but rather have a tensioned metal strip that runs throughout within the rubber structure of the wiper blade. This design has a flatter aerodynamic shape that enhances the performance by reducing wind noise. Constant pressure is being applied by the internal metal strip present throughout the length of the blade. It also has a spoiler built inside it. The flat wiper blades are smaller in size; hence they provide little obstruction and disturbance to the drivers' field of vision. In case, your car had these type of wiper blades, note that you can change these only with similar type of flat blades. Side pin, pinch tab, push button and slider are a few generic types of wiper arm fittings.
6. Specific Fit Wiper Blades - This type of wiper blades are generally original equipment replacements and are designed for certain vehicles. A number of rear blades have uncommon designs and should be changed with this type of wiper blade only.
7. Rubber Refills - The rubber refills only have the rubber part of the wiper blade and are designed in such a way to replace the present rubber element. Its replacement is cheap as you can perform the replacement by solely replacing the refill. Well, we advise you to replace the complete blade for better performance. Avoid changing the refill too many times as it can weaken the wiper blade superstructure. Note that these refills can’t be utilized to refill the new variety of flat wiper blades.

The wiper blades serve the purpose of cleaning the windshield screen. Operated by an electric motor, you can find this motor connected to the worm gear that transfers the required force to move the wipers as fast as the desired movement. The worm gear aids in creating the force that is essential to move the wipers. These arms help in the movement of the actual windshield wiper blades. These blades are composed of rubber. Adequate amount of pressure is required by the windshield in order to eliminate all moisture without any streaks. In the middle of each wiper blade, you can find the arms connected. Each wiper blade has numerous arms that evenly distribute the pressure onto the windshield. This entire procedure is referred to as tandem system. A number of times, there are other systems used too that include the single arm system (found in Mercedes vehicles). In this, there is a single arm (controlled) system that extends and retracts as it moves along with the opposed system that has pivot points on opposite ends of the windshield with the wipers moving in the opposite direction. These windshield wipers function at varying speeds. 

There are a number of problems with the wiper blades that might be faced:

1. Water smearing in both directions - Damaged or dirty blades, bad quality wiper fluid or polluted windshield can lead to this problem. Firstly, we advise you to clean the windshield and blades using lukewarm water. Next, wipe it using a microfiber towel soaked in rubbing alcohol. Replace the fluid if your problem remains unsolved. Finally, replace the blades if you want to avoid streaks on the glass.
2. Blades are not synchronized - This is a minor problem and is quite uncommon. The wiper blades are designed in a way that they rotate in rhythm to be able to clear all the water, dirt and snow off the screen. When at times, these fail to function in synchronicity, it is indicative of a loose arm or a damaged linkage. For this, tightening a screw or mending the exhausted linkage is a common and effective solution.
3. Crushing sound created by the wiper - This is likely to happen when the blade arm is fixed too tightly onto the linkage. It leads the gears in the blade motor to scrape. Consequently, unusual noise is created. Don’t leave the problem unchecked as it might lead to burning the motor completely.
4. You are likely to encounter a clattering noise - This happens due to grease, wax and oil deposits on the glass and the blades. Due to this, the wipers fail to perform their function and also lead to marks. Give your windshield and blades proper attention and regular service, if you want to avoid such issues.

For effective and safer operations of any vehicle, apt working of the windshield wiper is important. These tend to wear out after a certain duration of time as they are made out of soft rubber. Regardless of their usage, we advise you to replace them every six months. In all, there are a large number of wiper blades with different ways of replacements. Usually, almost all vehicle owners change the complete blade that is connected to the wiper control arm, while on the other hand, some people change the soft blade insert. So, no matter what method you choose to adopt, it is important to replace the wiper blades, once you notice the following symptoms:

1. You are likely to notice streaking on the glass - well, wiper blades are designed in such a way that they evenly press onto the windshield and eliminate water, dirt and other contaminants smoothly from the glass. Due to smooth operations, there usually aren’t any streaks. Although, if the windshield wiper blades get old and wear out, you will notice streaks and spots on the glass. We advise you to perform immediate replacements if you see any such kind of streaks or spots on the glass of your vehicle.
2. You will hear screeching sound when the wipers operate - if in case your wiper blades have outlived their span of operations, you will hear screeching sounds that are mostly triggered by uneven rubber gliding over the windshield. Often, these sounds are heard when the hard rubber shrinks because of excessive heat and sunlight. We advise you to perform amendments as these types of issues not only lead to screeching sounds but also can end up scratching your glass screen as well.
3. Wiper blades might bounce as they function - there will be times when you might turn on the wiper blades and you’ll see them bouncing while operating. If you encounter this, take it as a warning sign for damaged wiper blades. Bent wiper blades usually cause such problems. Check thoroughly or take professional advice before jumping on any fixed conclusions regarding the complete replacements. Perform a thorough inspection of both the wiper blades and windshield wiper blades.

Parts Avatar Canada recommends you to perform replacements of the wiper blades at regular intervals in order to avoid such type of problems. You can also buy new wiper blades and get them installed at the same time as performing a complete oil change. Also, you can get them change occasionally with change in seasons. For example: for cold weather climates specially coated and covered wiper blades that protect from ice freezing on the blades.

Are you thinking of repairing your wiper blades on your own? Then there is one thing which you must have, that is the right tools needed for repairing your wiper blades. It is essential to make sure that you are outfitted with the right tools to get the work done properly. Have a look at some tools which you might need to get started with your repair work:

• Some needle-nose pliers

When it comes to vehicle owners choice, the brands really matter a lot. You might pay a premium for a specific car part brand, over time, as it has created a perception of quality, stability as well as trust. There are some leading car parts brands which are more than just products or services as they give rise to memories and emotions related with the quality. So have a look at some of the top brands for wiper blades:

It is very important to arm yourself with information before you shop any auto part. We are here to help you dive deep into the names of the wiper blades related parts:

• A windshield wiper arm
• Windshield Wiper Arm
• Wiper Transmission
• Wiper Switch

Wiper blades replacement cost can differ wildly depending on application, the brand of the wiper blades as well as who does the work. All you have to do is to replace your faulty wiper blades with us online and then you can leave your car to the mechanic and pick it up a few days later. Just be sure that the car mechanic is highly skilled and has a good reputation. Sometimes the additional service level might cost you more than what you have expected. We also recommend you to take pictures of your car before you leave it with them so that you are sure that later on it is returned back to you in an unharmed condition. The average cost for a windshield wiper blade replacement is between $31 and $53. Labor costs are estimated between $17 and $23 while parts are priced between $14 and $30. Estimate does not include taxes and fees.

Know how often you should change the wiper blades? Well, wiper blades come with a lifespan of six months as they are prone to damage in excessive heat and sunlight. In case, you don’t change them, you are likely to face a lot of problems related to visibility and scratches. Here’ how you can change the wiper blades following these instructions:

Start by measuring your wiper. Then disconnect the older one for replacement. Now that you have access to a new one, perform the procedure to change your old one with new wiper blades. Lastly, now that you have performed the installation, we advise you to probe the new ones.

How to disconnect the windshield wipers

• Firstly, the wipers should be measured - there is a large variety of windshield wipers available. So, if you use and install the wrong ones that prove to be a misfit, it can cost you a lot of time and money. Ensure that you test the current blade length or look in the vehicle’ manual for reference before performing any replacements.
• Removing the old wiper - lift the arm away from the windshield carefully. Then, next you should press the small tab under the wiper where it connects to the arm. Make sure that the wiper blades slide right off the arm when it is pulled downward.

Installation of the windshield wipers

• Fix the new blade - it is essential for the new blade to use the previous old hooks. If it does, attach the arm. Be all ears to hear a clicking noise that should be heard while the new blade is locked in. Lower the arm back to the windshield prior to repeating the procedure.
• Probe them - we advise you to perform a quick test after the installation. Turn on the wipers to see if they work efficiently and don’t fall apart.