How to Choose the Best Windscreen Wipers for Your Car
Windscreen wipers are essential components that contribute to a vehicle’s active safety. Their role is to ensure optimal visibility and prevent potential collisions. Unfortunately, many drivers forget to regularly replace these parts. Find out how to choose the best windscreen wipers for your car.
In this article, you will learn:
- What are the different types of windscreen wipers?
- What are the signs of worn-out windscreen wipers?
- How to choose the right wipers for your specific car model?
- How to extend the lifespan of your wipers?
What are the different types of windscreen wipers?
There are three main types of windscreen wipers available on the market today:
- Frame Wipers
This is the most popular type of windscreen wiper. Their characteristic feature is an external metal frame that acts as a pressure mechanism and is used to attach the rubber blades. The advantage of frame wipers is the ability to replace just the rubber blades, reducing maintenance costs. Some users are concerned about the susceptibility of metal parts to corrosion. However, OXIMO windscreen wipers are made from durable, galvanised High-Carbon steel, providing effective protection against rust. The plastic components are made from high-quality polyethylene and polycarbonate alloy, ensuring stable operation and protection against extreme temperatures and UV radiation.
- Flat (Frameless) Wipers
These wipers have a blade bent into a C-shape, which is directly attached to the wiper arm without a separate pressure profile. Flat wipers have excellent aerodynamic properties. They don’t lift off the windscreen even at high speeds and offer minimal air resistance. The flattened shape allows frameless wipers to work efficiently even when driving at high speed. In winter, they are resistant to freezing and are easier to detach from the windscreen.
- Hybrid Wipers
These combine the features of the previously discussed types. They consist of a small frame that limits lateral bending while maintaining flexibility. The hybrid wiper blade is connected to the arm and fully covered. The pressure system is highly precise, ensuring the wiper adheres to the entire length of the windscreen. Hybrid wipers combine high performance with a stylish design.
What are the signs of worn-out windscreen wipers?
It can be challenging to notice the decreasing effectiveness of windscreen wipers during daily use. Here are the most common signs indicating it’s time for a replacement:
- Narrow Streaks on the Windscreen
Streaks can be caused by worn blade edges or foreign objects sticking to the surface. Narrow streaks also appear when the rubber wiper blades wear out due to high temperatures, ice, or dirt.
- Jerky and Noisy Operation
Excessive noise is caused by the hardening of the wiper blades due to temperature changes or prolonged use. Noisy operation can also result from excessive play in the connector or wiper arm.
- Unwiped Areas
This may be due to insufficient pressure on the wiper blade and arm, deformation of the rubber blade, or mechanical damage to the wiper arm. A common cause of unwiped areas is an improper connection in the metal parts of the wiper.
- Foggy Windscreen
This symptom occurs when wipers have not been used for an extended period, leading to rubber deformation. The cause is also the stiffening of the wiper rubber due to temperature, causing the edge to point in one direction and not rotate during the return movement.
Experts recommend replacing wipers even twice a year. The rate of wear depends on product quality, usage frequency, and weather conditions. OXIMO wiper blades use a silicone-rubber blend, protecting the material from cracking. The blade surface is additionally coated with a layer of Teflon (PTFE), ensuring quiet and effective operation even in harsh weather conditions.
How to choose the right wipers for your specific car model?
Many drivers choose new wipers based on their previous blades. Are you sure they were correctly selected? You should match wipers to the specific make, model, and year or generation of your vehicle. Their length and type of mounting must be perfectly tailored to the specifications of your car. Incorrect wiper selection can lead to installation problems and reduced performance. Remember that if your car originally came with frameless or hybrid wipers, switching to pivot wipers may not be possible.
Want to avoid mistakes when choosing wipers for your car? Use the best search tool on the market at oximo.pl. Simply enter the make, model, and year of your car. Selecting the best wipers for your vehicle will take just 30 seconds. OXIMO offers wipers for passenger cars, vans, trucks, buses, and even classic cars. OXIMO products have been tested by many racing drivers, giving you confidence that they provide maximum visibility in the most challenging weather conditions. OXIMO is the largest manufacturer of windscreen wipers in Poland, with nearly 8,000 distribution points across the country.
CHECK ALSO:
Replacing Car Wiper Blades: When and How Often Should It Be Done?
How to extend the lifespan of your wipers?
Want to extend the lifespan of your wipers and ensure optimal performance throughout their use? Remember to follow these guidelines:
- Ensure proper installation of the wipers. Correct pressure is crucial.
- Check the condition of the windscreen washer fluid. Wiper movement on a dry windscreen causes faster wear and can damage the glass.
- Regularly clean the wiper blades with water or car shampoo without wax. This will remove accumulated sand in the crevices that can scratch the glass surface.
- Use high-quality cleaning fluid that does not damage the rubber parts.
- In winter, remove snow and ice before operating the wipers. Check if the blades are not frozen to the windscreen.
For your safety and the state of your wallet, you should regularly check the condition of your wipers and replace them if necessary.
