How to take care of car wipers?

Regulacja wycieraczek samochodowych

 

Most of us treat a car simply as a means of transport. For this reason, we don’t usually think about minor repairs or improvements, focusing only on what’s necessary for trouble-free and safe driving. However, do we pay enough attention to the devices that ensure our safety? Among them are windscreen wipers. How much influence do they have on our safety? How should we take care of car wipers?

Windscreen wiper maintenance: Essential or optional?

This purely functional approach to car ownership has its pros and cons. Focusing solely on the performance of essential components seems reasonable, especially for those who wouldn’t hesitate to scrap an old car when needed. However, if you treat your car more like a part of the family, or simply want to prevent expensive repairs, it’s worth paying attention to even the often-overlooked components. Windscreen wipers are one such part; due to their task and location, they are constantly exposed to harsh conditions.

On sunny days, the rubber blades are exposed to UV rays and high temperatures, while on rainy days, they face constant contact with water. In winter, they battle frost, ice, and snow. Improper use or simple carelessness can also shorten their lifespan, necessitating earlier replacement. We must remember their crucial task: cleaning the windscreen to improve visibility while driving. Good visibility can help prevent both dangerous road incidents and traffic fines. Let’s not forget that driving with a dirty windscreen (and thus limited visibility) could result in a fine (e.g., up to 130 EURO in Poland). So, spending a relatively small amount on new wipers roughly every six months, and dedicating a few moments to their regular care, is a worthwhile investment.

How do external conditions affect windscreen wipers?

External conditions pose the greatest threat to windscreen wipers. Several key factors contribute to their wear and tear. The first is ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can cause the rubber elements to harden and eventually crumble. Snow and ice also degrade the blades. Forcing these delicate components to move heavy snow or scrape ice can easily damage or even break them.

Higher speeds can also contribute to wear, increasing the chance of dirt and small stones hitting the windscreen and potentially damaging the wiper blades. Water also takes its toll, especially on metal components, which are susceptible to corrosion despite manufacturers’ efforts to increase durability. Furthermore, even when the car (and therefore the wipers) isn’t in use, the blades can deteriorate. If left in one position for long periods, they can warp and stiffen. This often leads to streaking or smearing when they are used, indicating the need for replacement.

How to maintain your wiper blades

To keep your wiper blades in good condition, follow a few simple recommendations. While this won’t make them last forever, it will certainly delay the inevitable need for replacement. First, clean the blades themselves as regularly as possible. Removing dirt and deposits from the rubber elements helps prevent deformation. Secondly, avoid using wipers to scrape off ice or clear heavy snow from the windscreen. Always remove ice with a proper scraper and snow with a brush first. Rough ice can fray or tear the blade edge, heavy snow can deform the wiper arm or blade, and the resulting meltwater can accelerate corrosion of metal parts. As mentioned, UV radiation also has a negative effect. While covering your car at every stop isn’t practical, garaging the car whenever possible helps significantly, as it protects the wipers from most harmful factors. However, we understand not everyone has access to covered parking.

When is it necessary to replace the wipers?

If you notice your wipers showing the signs of wear described above (like streaking, smearing, chattering, or visible damage), it’s usually too late for maintenance to solve the problem. Fortunately, wipers are relatively inexpensive, and you can start caring for the new set right after replacement. To choose the right windscreen wipers for your car, it’s best to get advice from a knowledgeable seller at an auto parts shop or use an online search tool, like the one available for free on our website (www.oximo.pl/en/find-wipers/). You typically just need basic information about your car: make, model, and year. You can purchase the recommended wipers from an online shop or one of our authorized dealers. If you encounter any problems with installation, we encourage you to watch our instructional videos.