How to Watch the Windshield Wiper Blades

Whether it's raining or snowing outside, windshield wipers keep your view clear as Mother Nature pelts your car with precipitation.

Wiper blades are long rubber pieces that swivel back and forth across the glass, pushing water and other debris from your field of vision.

They're powered by a motor, and they're often adjustable for different speed options. Some wipers use a lever mechanism, while others have radial arms.

Windshield Wiper Blades

Watching your windshield wiper blades is a great way to prevent streaks and smudges that can impair visibility and increase the risk of crashing. You can also watch them to see if they are still working correctly or if they need to be replaced.

When replacing windshield wiper blades, it is important to choose the correct size and type for your vehicle. Check your owner's manual or the catalog at an auto parts store to find the right fit for your car or truck.

A squeaking wiper blade may be an indicator that you need to change your blades. Changing them regularly is the best way to avoid squeaky blades that can cause damage and even a safety hazard while driving.

Wiper blades will wear down gradually over time. But some factors accelerate their wear, like the sun's harsh rays or salt in the air. The temperature can also affect the blades' longevity.

It is a good idea to change the wiper blades every six months or so, depending on your climate and how often you use them. If you live in a colder area, you might need to replace them sooner than that.

To change the wiper blade, lift the wiper arm and remove it from your windshield. If it has a locking button, press the lock down until the wiper arm is off the glass.

Lay a towel on your windshield where the wiper blade normally sits so that it is protected from damage if the blade falls back down. This will make it easier to remove the old wiper blade and install the new one.

Using a rag, sponge or paper towel, gently wipe the wiper blade to clear any debris. You can also use a mixture of vinegar and water to clean the wiper blade rubber.

You should also replace your wiper blades as soon as you notice a squeaking noise or streaks in your windshield. This is a sign that your blades are no longer working properly and should be changed right away.

Windshield wipers are a vital part of keeping your vehicle safe on the road. Regularly replacing your wiper blades will help ensure you're always able to safely drive through rainstorms.

Windshield Wiper Motor

The windshield wiper motor is a crucial part of a vehicle's safety system. When it's in good condition, a windshield wiper motor can last up to 10 years or more. However, if it's not working properly, you should replace it as soon as possible.

Windshield wipers are used to clear rain, snow, ice, washer fluid, and other contaminants off of the front window. Almost all motor vehicles have them, including cars, trucks, buses, train locomotives, and watercraft with cabins.

Most modern windscreen wipers operate together with a windscreen washer; a pump that supplies a solution of water, alcohol, and detergent (a blend called windscreen washer fluid) from a tank to the windscreen. The system also includes small nozzles to spray the fluid.

Some wipers have a rain-sensing system that automatically activates the wiper blades when it begins to rain. This is a useful feature that helps drivers avoid getting stuck in the rain or snow.

Other wipers are operated using a simple switch, which sends a signal to the control module of the car. This control module then operates the wiper relay to send 12-volt power to the wiper motor.

If the wipers are sluggish or not moving at all, this could be a sign of a mechanical problem with the wiper transmission linkage. It's not uncommon for this linkage to stick, which causes the wipers to stop or start mid-sweep.

Alternatively, it may be an electrical problem with the circuit that controls the wipers. This can be caused by an overheated wiper switch, a worn switch, or a fuse that is blown.

Another common problem is a loose nut that holds one of the wiper arms in place. This can cause the arm to shift away from its proper position or stop entirely, which is a serious safety hazard.

In most cases, replacing a windshield wiper motor is relatively easy. The process varies widely between different makes and models, but the steps are usually similar.

Windshield Wiper Switch

A windshield wiper switch is a fancy term for an electronic device that controls your front and rear windshield wiper motors as well as your headlamp and washer nozzles. Most modern cars come equipped with multi-function switches that will be difficult to replace in one shot, so you’ll likely have to visit the professionals at your local Subaru dealership for a hefty bill. The average cost of a switch replacement is around $198, but that doesn’t include taxes and fees, so it may be worth the investment for those on a tight budget.

A properly installed multi-function aficionado should last you years if you keep it up. The best part is it will likely be the last time you need to change your oil and filter, so you can enjoy your ride for another 10 or so years with no hassles or worries.