Most people, if asked to identify the most important automobile safety features, would recognize well-functioning brakes, tires with good tread levels, and clean windshields and side windows. Much like the benefits of a balanced diet, the windshield wiper is often overlooked.
Windshield Wipers Pre-date the Model T
The famous Model T Ford first drove on American roadways in late 1908, quickly leading many Americans to purchase and drive their very own automobiles. But it may surprise you to learn that the invention of the windshield wiper predates the Model T by five years. The year was 1903, and at least three separate inventors received patents for devices that can only be described as windshield wipers. One of these inventors was Mary Anderson. During a trip to New York City, she noticed that the trolley driver poked his head out the window during heavy snow so he could see. Inspired to solve the problem, Anderson devised a lever that allowed the driver inside the car to wipe the outside of the windshield. However, because cars were still not in high demand for consumers, Anderson could not find a company interested in manufacturing her invention and attaching it to vehicles. Once cars rose in popularity and increased in speed, windshield wipers became essential.
Blinking Eyelids Inspired the Intermittent Wiper
Another important date in windshield wiper history occurred around 1962. In that year, engineering professor Robert Kearns demonstrated his version of the intermittent windshield wiper to car designers at Ford Motor Company. Instead of constantly wiping across the windshield when activated, these wipers could pause for short intervals between wipes without prompting from the driver. Kearns said his invention was inspired by humans’ own blinking eyelids and his own eye injury. A stray champagne cork struck him in the eye, eventually rendering that eye basically blind. Because of the eye problem, he struggled to drive in inclement weather. But he realized he could mimic the blinking patterns of the eye with windshield wipers, giving drivers several speed options to match the severity of the weather outdoors. If you’re a movie buff, there was a very good movie about the invention of the intermittent wiper called “Flash of Genius” starring Greg Kinnear.
You Should Change Most Wiper Blades 1-2 Times a Year
It’s pretty simple to identify when your car’s wiper blades are past their prime because the signs are hard to ignore. The wipers make scraping noises. They leave streaks on the windshield. Or the rubber on the blades has obvious signs of fraying and cracking.
However, even after noticing these wiper blade problems, many drivers avoid replacing them. Typical wiper blades should be replaced once or twice a year, based on the following factors:
- Weather- Extremely sunny conditions can wear down rubber and cause it to crack. Freezing winter temperatures can also age wiper blades, so in cold regions it’s wise to replace blades in late fall and early spring.
- Blade material- Rubber wiper blades are usually the cheapest, but they are also known to wear out fastest. Blades made from stronger materials, such as silicone or halogen-hardened rubber, may last over a year. That said, some tests have shown that when it comes to rubber and silicone wiper blades, one doesn’t seem to last longer than the other.
Anytime you replace your wiper blades, replace all of them, including rear wiper blades if your car has them. A windshield professional can recommend an optimal blade for your car and install it for you if needed.
Some Basic Maintenance Can Extend the Life of Your Wiper Blades
In addition to replacing your blades on a regular schedule, you can protect them by performing a few simple tasks.
- Clean your windshield when you fill up your gas tank. Also wipe down the blades with a towel or paper towel, looking out for signs of wear.
- Position your wiper blades away from the windshield when you park during cold conditions. This step keeps the blades from freezing to the window. Similarly, never try to use your blade to scrape ice off your windshield.
Remember that wiper blades are an important part of a functional car windshield. To keep your windshield wipers and your windshield itself in top-notch condition, you can get additional information at GoGlass. The number is 800.746.4527.
Silicone OR Rubber
Now that you have decided what type of blade you want for your windshield wiper, you need to choose a blade material. For the most part, you have two choices: silicone and rubber.
Lower cost is the biggest advantage of going with rubber blades. Your lower-priced wiper blades are almost always constructed of rubber. They’re also the ones more likely to be noisy as they drag across your windshield which each pass. Additionally, they’re more likely to be affected by the weather elements.
Silicone blades are much quieter than rubber blades, because there is a lubricant that causes the water to bead up on the windshield, making the blades glide across the windshield more easily and effortlessly. However, you’ll pay more for those conveniences.
My personal favorite is the Rain X 5079280 Lattitude 2-In-One Water Repellant Wiper blades
Common Questions
What can you do to stop windshield wipers from squeaking?
The best ways to prevent a windshield wiper squeak is to regularly wipe your windshield wiper blades down with vinegar to prevent dust accumulation or other contamination. Just dip a cotton cloth in vinegar and give it a once-over. You can also use baking soda mixed with water to clean your windshield.
Make sure there is no built-up dirt on your windshield.
If you haven’t cleaned your windshield for a long time, those fallen leaves, twigs, road debris and dirt are very likely to have accumulated on it and they might be what causing your wipers to squeak.
The Fix: You need to thoroughly clean your windshield and your windshield wipers. Nothing too technical here. Simply grab a glass cleaner from a local store, spray it onto the windshield and the rubber of your windshield wipers, and clean them using a soft cloth.
It’s also possible your windshield lacks moisture.
When your windshield lacks moisture, friction may impede the movement of wipers causing them to squeak.
The Fix: A little extra lubrication should do the trick. Open your windshield wiper fluid reservoir—it’s located under your car’s hood—and simply refill it. However, make sure you don’t fill it to the top. Leave it partially unfilled to avoid spillage when closing the cap.
Why do my brand-new wiper blades squeak?
Even if you don’t see any dirt on the blades, the rubber squeegees may still be coated with protective oil from the factory, especially if your wipers are new. Like dirt and debris, this oil can cause squeaking. Remove it by cleaning your wipers carefully with rubbing alcohol.
Can I put Vaseline on my windshield wipers?
The best and most resourceful rubber protector you will find is petroleum jelly (Vaseline for the skin). I’ve read that mildly applying a small amount of petroleum jelly on a cloth and rubbing it on the wiper blades can be beneficial because just like your skin, it will retain the original properties of the rubber blade and will keep it clean and nourished. My personal experience, however, is that it is very easy to end up with a film of Vaseline on the windshield, which must then be removed.
