Introduction to Windshield Wiper Blades

A windshield wiper blade consists of a thin rubber strip with a straight edge whose purpose is to effectively remove water, ice, snow and mud off of the surface of the windshield. 

The two wiper blades are connected to pivoting wiper arms in the form of several V shaped connections which can be as many as six and even eight separate links between the rubber blade and the windshield arm.  This particular design is meant for allowing the pressure to be applied evenly and across the entire surface of the blade.

Since they are powered up by an electric motor, the driver can set up the windshield wiper arms to operate the blades at various speeds, hence the faster the motor runs, the faster the blades move across the windshield surface.

Types of Windshield Wiper Blades

There is more to a windshield wiper blade than meets the eye; therefore a visit to a specialised store will introduce you to several types of blades besides the standard rubber ones.  During the cold season, it is best to equip your vehicle with winter windshield wiper blades for these are specifically made to handle the snow and ice that may cover the windshield.  The features of windshield wiper blades designed for winter times should include the following: they have to be made out of heavy gauge steel and tough rubber to resist more extreme weather conditions.  In addition, some winter wiper blades have a heating property to facilitate the melting of snow and ice from the windshield surface.

Silicone windshield wiper blades resemble standard wiper blades, but they’re different as to the price and the material involved.  Because the wiping surface of the blade is made of silicone, they are more expensive and also more appreciated due to an enhanced driver visibility.

Shaker windshield wiper blades, as the name suggests, vibrate in order to dislodge more efficiently any debris that accumulates under the blade.  These are known to be more pricy than standard wiper blades, and more difficult to install, but they do provide a superior visibility, especially necessary in extreme winter conditions.

Lifespan of a Windshield Wiper Blade

A windshield wiper blade can be perceived as the hardest working part of a vehicle, so it’s not surprising it is also the least durable.  Due to the extreme weather conditions and various temperatures endured throughout the year, wiper blades crack, break loose from the wiper arm or lose their flexibility.  Generally, it is agreed that wiper blades should be replaced every 12 months, and as soon as you notice streaking as they wipe the windshield surface, you’ll know you need to change them, perhaps with improved types of blades such as the silicone ones whose lifespan is a lot longer.

Drivers should not take the risk of leaving the windshield wiper blades unchanged too long, for the rubber part of the blade can shred, ending up scratching and damaging the glass surface of the windshield.  You don’t even have to replace the entire blade assembly for most windshield wipers have the option of replacing solely the rubber part.