About Windshield Wiper Blades

Most drivers don't ever think of their wiper blades unless it's raining. And that's the way it should be. However, understanding the way they work, what kinds of blades are available as replacements, and the consequences of not paying attention to them, can't hurt and it might just save you money.

Function

Wiper blades, while fundamental in construction and concept, are vital to the safe operation of a vehicle in bad weather or hazardous conditions . Wiper blades are a strip of rubber with a stainless steel spine attached to a superstructure or frame made of painted steel. The blade is attached to an arm which connects to a series of rods, known as a wiper transmission, which is powered by an electric motor. Energy from the motor is conveyed through the transmission to the arm and then the blade. The blade moves across the windshield to wipe the glass clear of rain,snow or occasional liquid road debris like oil or lost cargo.

Types

The basic blade is a single edged rubber strip, but other versions are available. There are multi-edged blades that claim to clear the windshield more thoroughly, a claim made by the double blade as well. The frame of this blade holds two wiping surfaces. A winter wiper blade is usually made of heavier plastic or can be a blade which has the superstructure covered by fabric to prevent snow and ice from accumulating and freezing it to the windshield. A consumer has the option of replacing just the rubber, which is called a refill. Or the blade and frame can be replaced. An exact fit blade eliminates the need for adapters to hold blade to the arm, which is often the case with universal blades.

Size

Wiper blades are sold by application, location and size. So you might need a 24-inch blade for the passenger side of a 2002 Nissan Maxima. Blades are measured along the length of the rubber. It is not unusual for a vehicle to have two sizes of wiper blade depending on its location on the car. Wiper blades for the rear of SUV's, hatchbacks and wagons are generally shorter.

Features

While the safety benefits of the wiper blade are obvious, the system that controls it has evolved over some time. The system responded to driver preferences and introduced variable speeds, intermittent capability and automatic sensors as cars became more sophisticated. Some luxury cars sense moisture and automatically activate the wiper system. The wiper blade and its motorized system helped make the automobile something more than a fair-weather curiosity.

Expert Insight

The wiper blade, when ignored, has potential to cause damage. A torn or missing rubber blade can cause the superstructure to contact the windshield. It only takes a few strokes of that exposed metal to permanently scar the glass. The stress from a wiper blade frozen to a windshield in a snow or ice storm will quickly burn out a wiper motor. Monitoring the condition of the blades can save you money on otherwise needless repairs. Most motorists don't ever consider them unless it's raining.