QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE ABOUT WINDSHIELD WIPERS

Don’t let a faulty pair of wipers put you in a dangerous situation!

If you’re like most people you probably don’t spend much time thinking about how often you rely on your windshield wipers. Windshield wipers are like an cell phone charger, out of sight and out of mind until they are needed. But when you do turn on your wipers, just like your phone and phone charger, you expect them to work properly. Your windshield wipers play a significant role in keeping you safe, especially during rain or snow storms. It is crucial that you know when windshield wipers not working right. If you notice that your vehicle's wiper blades are not clearing away rain, snow, and sleet well then it might be time to inspect the wipers.

According to Wikipedia.com "A windshield wiper is a device used to remove rain, snow, ice, washer fluid, water, or debris from a vehicle's front window. Almost all motor vehicles, including cars, trucks, buses, train locomotives, and watercraft with a cabin—and some aircraft—are equipped with one or more such wipers, which are usually a legal requirement.'

WINDSHIELD WIPER FUN FACTS IN HISTORY:

One of the earliest recorded patents for the windshield wiper is by George J. Capewell of Hartford Connecticut, which was filed on August 6, 1896. His invention was for an automated, motorized, wiper for "cars, locomotives, and such land-vehicles"

American inventor Mary Anderson is popularly credited with devising the first operational windshield wiper in 1903. In Anderson's patent, she called her invention a "window cleaning device" for electric cars and other vehicles. Operated via a lever from inside a vehicle, her version of windshield wipers closely resembles the windshield wiper found on many early car models.

A vacuum-powered wiper blade system was in use until about 1960. Today, an electronic timer is used, but originally a small vacuum cylinder mechanically linked to a switch provided the delay as the vacuum leaked off!

AM I REQUIRED TO HAVE WIPER BLADES?

Missouri has legal requirements that vehicles be equipped with windshield wipers. Windshield wipers are a required safety item in auto safety inspections in Missouri.

REQUIREMENT OF SECTION 307.365, RSMO:

(1) All front windshield wipers as equipped by the manufacturer shall be in operating condition.

(2) Inspect for operation, damaged or torn rubber blades, and for proper contact of blades with windshield. Raise wiper arm slightly away from windshield and release.

(3) Reject vehicle if:

      (A) Windshield wipers fail to function;

      (B) Rubber wiping element is damaged or torn;

      (C) Part of blades or arms are missing or are severely damaged; or

      (D) The blades fail to contact the windshield firmly.

WHEN TO REPLACE YOUR WIPERS?

A clean windshield is integral to safe driving, especially on rainy or stormy nights. We all understand the importance of visibility while driving a vehicle. Therefore, a good pair of windshield wipers is nothing short of a knight in shining armor when it comes to dust storms. A good couple of wipers can save your life, literally. However, like other car parts, they are also prone to wear and tear and might need replacement.

WHAT SIGNS YOU SHOULD LOOK FOR?:

  • YOU HEAR NOISY WINDSHIELD WIPERS -- It can be very annoying when you’re driving down the road and your wipers are either squeaking or grinding across the windshield.
  • YOU SEE A GAP BETWEEN WIPER AND WINDSHIELD – The gap is most likely because they’ve pulled up from the windshield because of old rubber or because of a bent frame, and they simply aren’t doing their job anymore.
  • YOU HAVE A STREAKY WINDSHIELD -- Streaks are a clear sign you need to replace windshield wipers. Sometimes wiping the blades with a paper towel will clear up this issue, but if it keeps happening, you know what to do.
  • YOU NOTICE BENT FRAMES -- The frame can become bent for any number of reasons. Clearing ice off your windshield in winter can do it, for example, as can some car washes. Even a slight bend will reduce the wiper’s efficacy, so don’t wait until it gets even worse before replacing.
  • THERE’S A CHANGE IN SEASONS -- Did you know that there are winter blades and summer blades, both designed to keep your windshield clear in different conditions? Because they are designed differently, it’s a good idea to have new winter wiper blades installed when you have your winter tires put on. Then install a new set of summer wiper blades when you have your summer tires installed in the spring.

WHAT KIND OF DAMAGE DO WORN/DAMAGED WIPERS CAUSE?

Even though it seems like such a small, insignificant part on your vehicle, damaged or worn out wiper blades can be very costly when they play a role in injuring someone in a car wreck.When you have bad windshield wiper blades, they can cause streaks across your windshield in rainy conditions. Streaks are dangerous and hard to see through normally, let alone in the rain at night. When another driver’s headlights hit your windshield, you won’t be able to see at all!

Windshield wiper blades missing the rubber edge can damage your windshield. When you use your windshield wipers and they don’t have the soft rubber edge, they can create deep scratches in your windshield! Scratches on your windshield can have a similar effect as streaks. They reflect sunlight and other vehicles’ headlights just as much as a streak. They also provide a channel for water which your wiper blades cannot reach because it’s in the surface of your windshield.

WHAT IS THE BEST BRAND OF WINDSHIELD WIPERS?

There are many great wiper blade brands like Rain-X, Bosch, Trico, Acdelco, Anco, and more. There isn’t one best brand since each one offers something a bit different than the others, so it pays to do some research. Choose the brand with the products that fit your needs the best.

CAN I PUT THEM ON MYSELF? 

Yes. You absolutely can. If you are uncomfortable doing so, Come to Hillside Auto Repair, we will happily replace your wipers for you. We are committed to serving you with professional auto service and repair at a reasonable cost, because We are The Professionals You Can Trust.