The 5W1H of Windscreen Wipers
Whether you are a beginner driver who has been driving for two months or a regular driver who has been driving for 20 years, it is important to know the parts of your car that keeps it functioning no matter how small they may seem. Windscreen wiper blades are easily one of the most, if not the only important companions your windscreen would have. Typically, most of us would not give a second thought about replacing them or have the urgency to do so but they are essential for our vision on the road in wet or snowy weather.
Who first invented the windscreen wiper?
When were the first windshield wipers invented?
Created by Mary Anderson while touring in New York on a snowy day back in the early 1900s, the first windshield wiper blade was meant to be operated from the insides of trolleys. In 1919, the automatic windshield wiper was introduced. Thankfully, this innovation has kept its importance over the decades, making it one of the most fundamental parts of a car.
What car had the first windshield wiper?
Although there are not many records on which is the first car that had windshield wipers, the first automobile company that ever implemented this invention in their cars was Ford Motor Company.
Why? What is it good for? Why is it important?
Windshield wipers or car wipers literally help you see! When rain or snow falls, they naturally obstruct your vision which is highly dangerous for you, your passengers and other drivers on the road as well. At various speeds, they can remove dirt and grime on your windscreen. Additionally, you can activate a spray of water up or have windscreen wiper fluid onto the windscreen and clean it with the wiper blades.
How often do you need to replace your windscreen wipers?
About every 12 months you should replace your windscreen wipers.
Why is it important to change your windshield wipers?
Most drivers would think it may not be important to change or replace their wipers. In fact, your window wipers are probably one of the dirtiest and worn-out parts of your car right now. This is because of how exposed it is and how often they are probably used, consciously and unconsciously. Apart from that, here are several reasons why you should change your windshield wipers:
- They no longer touch the windscreen
- They begin to have a squeaky noise
- They start to smear or streak which affects the driver’s visibility
- They are damaged or broken
Replacing windscreen wipers or checking their conditions should be one of the priorities when you go into a mechanic’s shop for servicing.
How do you change windscreen wipers?
Windscreen wiper replacements can be easily found in your local mechanic store or even a home depot. Now you can easily replace windscreen wipers or change windscreen wipers with these easy steps by yourself:
Step 1: Identify the right replacements of car wipers for your car.
Step 2: Make sure to place a soft cloth between the exposed blade arm and your windshield.
Step 3: Clean your windshield.
Step 4: Lift the arms of your wiper blades and unclip them to remove the wipers and then the blades.
Step 5: Clip your new blades in.
Step 6: Place your wipers back on.
Step 7: Test it out.
You might be wondering if it is advisable to change or replace just one window wiper of your car and it is NOT. This is because if one of them is damaged, whether it is through regular wear and tear or sun damage, it is likely that the other one is not far along. Might as well do your future self a favour and change them both, for the safety of yourself and the others around you.
How can you maintain them?
It is difficult to maintain your window wipers considering that you would not be able to control your environment and its conditions. Luckily, it is not impossible. You would want to ensure that your blades would last as long as possible once it is changed or at least until it is until your annual vehicle servicing. Apart from replacing them once a year, these are five ways to maintain your windshield wipers:
- Clean your wiper blades using a damp cloth or paper towel to get rid of any lingering dust or grime. You could make this part of your weekly car maintenance routine.
- Park indoors as the rubber may run dry and become brittle.
- Occasionally check your blades to see if they are fastened on properly.
- Keep your windshield clean. A clean windshield means that your windshield blades are likely to be clean as well.
- Make sure your windshield is not dry when using your windshield wipers as this can cause them to wear out.
What happens if you don’t?
Your wipers can deteriorate faster than usual which will incur more cost and maintenance to both the wipers and your windshield. Damaged wipers can leave nasty streaks and smudges onto your windscreen, endangering you and the lives around you as you will not have clear visibility when driving. Do not that replacing windscreen wiper blades might be a possibility as well.
Who can help with windscreen repairs?
From providing the best ways to repair your windscreen wipers to identifying the best ones that fit your car and lifestyle to replace, Dean’s Autoglass in Perth is ready to assist you the best we can. Contact us today!