Wiper Blades | Is it Time to Change

When rain, dirt, sleet or snow happen, it's important to have the right wiper blades for the job. Wiper blades have come a long way since they first became standard issue on vehicles, so we invite you to learn more about these devices and how to properly maintain them.

Mary Anderson, invented the wiper Blades in 1903 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MaryAnderson

Cadillac introduced vacuum-driven wipers in the 20s and other manufacturers soon followed suit.

Quick Tips:

§      Listen for slapping, screeching or vibrating.

§      Slapping means the rubber has torn from the arm.

§      Screeching indicates there is friction between the glass and the blade.

§      Vibrating means the blade is worn or not mounted on the arm correctly.

§      Look at the wipe pattern.

If you see a lace pattern that means the rubber has bent too far.

If you see a filmy haze after wiping, there most likely is oil or road debris on the rubber.

Cracked or hardened rubber will result in streaks when the blades attempt to remove water.

§      Examine the blades.

Look for splits or gouges in the rubber, discoloration or ragged edges.

§      Have you replaced your Wiper Blades with in the last 12 months?

Wiper Blade Maintenance

You may need to replace your wiper blades if:

§      Your current blades leave streaks or miss sections of your windshield

§      Your current blades leave a haze on the windshield

§      You haven’t replaced them in the past 12 months or don’t recall ever replacing them

Did you know?

Maintenance tips:

§      You should Inspect the windshield wiper blades every six months for wear and damage, and change at least once a year.

§      Do not wait to replace them. Eyestrain from poor visibility can lead to driver fatigue.  Remembering to inspect your wiper blades will help avoid potentially dangerous situations.

§      Give your wiper blade rubber elements a quick cleaning when filling up with gas. After the windshield has been cleaned using service center's washer solvent and squeegee, wipe down the rubber with a paper towel. Doing so removes any loose dirt and most road grime that can lead to streaking, smearing or hazing.

§      Use an ice scraper as much as possible when de-icing vehicles. Allow plenty of time to warm up the vehicle with the defroster on "high" to loosen as much ice and snow as possible. Do not use windshield wipers as ice scrapers; it causes a high rate of damage to the wiper blades

What causes windshield wiper wear?

§      Sun: ultraviolet light and ozone deterioration

§      Oil: car waxes and exhaust hold rubber-deteriorating oil

§      Airborne debris: sand, mud and dust carried in the wind

§      Moisture: Acid rain and salt water (in moist air both near the shore and inland)

§      Temperature: extreme cold and heat cause hardening and softening of the rubber element

This is NOT a good idea...

Indicators to look for:

§      Streaking: blurry vision caused by dry or dirty rubber blades

§      Chattering: skipping of the blade caused by a permanent set or curve in the rubber of old blades

§      Lift-off: over time the arm tension deteriorates causing the blades to lift

§      Squealing: worn blade edges cause excessive friction and ultimately noise

§      Windshield scratches: in extreme cases, the wiper can deteriorated enough to cause scratches on your windshield

Did you know?

§      Wiper blades that are worn can cause excessive load on the wiper motor and linkage and lead to premature failure

§      If the blade is worn to the point where the metal frame can come into contact with the windshield at any point of rotation, then scratching/grooving can occur. In some cases windshield replacement would be the only fix.

§      If the blades do not clean well, the tendency is to use your washer fluid repeatedly until the windshield is clean. This generally causes excessive washer system and washer fluid use and could end up costing you as much as replacement blades or even more

§      Driver and passenger wiper blades can be different sizes

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Types of wiper blades

There are many different types of wiper blades to fit any requirement and budget.  The better the blade, the better the performance and the longer the life.

Choose the ones that are right for you.

§      All-Season Wiper Blades

    Good replacement standard blades for occasional drivers who are value conscious

    Polymer wiper blade designed to resist rusting, chipping or bending.

    Coating on the rubber parts helps reduce streaking, friction and noise

    Aerodynamic design helps reduce wind lift

    Pre-installed universal adapter fits most wiper arms directly and makes installation easy

§      Performance Wiper Blades

    Better option for most drivers

    High strength steel blade with easy fit assembly for quick installation

    Has corrosion-resistant epoxy coatings designed to resist rusting, chipping or bending

    Made from natural rubber, which helps reduce streaking, friction and noise

    Fits virtually all wiper arms directly making installation easy

§      All-Season Plus Wiper Blades

    Great option for heavy highway drivers

    Includes all of the features of the All-Season blades plus the following:

    Extra-thick, rugged steel superstructure for better strength

    Pre-installed universal adapter fits most wiper arms directly

§      Winter Wiper Blades

This specialty blade includes the following characteristics:

  Rubber boot helps prevent snow and ice build-up

  Riveted steel superstructure for strength and durability

Brought to you by Biggs Cadillac Buick GMC Parts andService Department

http://www.gm.ca/gm/english/services/goodwrench/wipers/

Keep it between the lines,

Happy Motoring