Driving in adverse weather conditions can be a real hassle, especially if you’re struggling with wiper blades that leave streaks, skip, or squeak. Your visibility on the road is crucial for your safety, which is why it’s essential to have reliable wiper blades that keep your windscreen clear in any condition.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at wiper blades, including the different types, how to choose the right ones for your car, and how to maintain them for optimal performance. We’ll also address some common questions and concerns about wiper blades to help you get the most out of them.
TYPES OF WIPER BLADES
There are several types of wiper blades on the market from hundreds of different Brands, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the most common types:
- Traditional Framed Blades: These are the most common type of wiper blades and are typically made using a metal frame to apply pressure to the blade to try and keep it in contact with the windscreen.
- Jointless Flat Blades: A newer type of wiper blade that uses a single piece of curved metal hidden inside a spoiler to apply pressure to the rubber blade. They’re more aerodynamic than traditional framed blades and are less likely to lift off the windscreen at high speeds or create wind noise.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT WIPER BLADES FOR YOUR CAR
Choosing the right wiper blades for your car can be tricky, especially if you’re not sure what to look for or know what type of fitting your vehicle uses to attach the blade to the wiper arm. Here are some things to consider:
- Size: Wiper blades come in different sizes, so make sure you choose the ones that are the right length for your car. You should be able to find this information in your car’s manual. If your manual does not offer this information then you can either measure them yourself or use our own “Find My Blade!“ form.
- Material: Wiper blades are typically made of rubber, silicone or a compound of both. Some materials used can make the blades more expensive but can last longer and provide better visibility in extreme weather conditions. The price of wiper blades does not always reflect the quality or performance.
- Brand: There are many different wiper blade brands on the market, so do some research to find the ones that offer the best performance for your needs.
HOW TO MAINTAIN YOUR WIPER BLADES
Proper maintenance is crucial for getting the most out of your wiper blades. Here are some tips for keeping them in good condition:
- Clean Them Regularly: Use a damp cloth to wipe your wiper blades clean regularly, especially after driving in dusty or dirty conditions.
- Don’t Use Them on a Dry Windscreen: Using wiper blades on a dry windscreen can cause damage to the blades and reduce their lifespan.
- Replace Them When Necessary: Wiper blades typically last around six months to a year, depending on usage and weather conditions. If you notice any signs of wear or damage, it’s time to replace them.
WIPER BLADE FAQS
Q: How do I know when it’s time to replace my wiper blades?
A: If your wiper blades are leaving streaks, skipping, or making noise, it’s time to replace them. You should also inspect them regularly for signs of wear or damage, this will avoid them from damaging your windscreen. A wiper blade that has begun to fail or fully failed can permanently damage your windscreen by scratching it, the damage caused to the windscreen can also lead to damaging any wiper blades you replace afterward.
Q: Can I replace my wiper blades myself?
A: Yes, replacing wiper blades is a relatively easy DIY task, depending on which blades you choose to install. The most difficult part is actually purchasing the correct blades. Some wiper blades are manufactured to fit specific vehicles using a certain type of wiper blade arm, if you purchase the wrong one then you will not be able to install the new blades. Hyper-Blades are universal and come with multiple adaptors that enable you to swap and change the fittings to suit. Our adaptors simply clip on and off making installation very quick and easy.
Q: Can I mix and match wiper blades?
A: You could but it’s not recommended. Mixing and matching wiper blades isn’t something you should do, different blades perform differently. So only replacing one blade may improve or even reduce vision depending on the blade installed. We always recommend replacing both blades at the same time to ensure even performance across the whole windscreen and saving time and money doing them separately.
Q: How often should I replace my wiper blades?
A: We recommend changing wiper blades yearly. Although most wiper blades last longer than 12 months, wiper blades are one of those parts that by the time you realise they need replacing it’s too late. We often hear stories from our customers where they kept meaning to change them and this one time they got caught out in bad weather and they didn’t know one or both of the blades had failed. The majority of our customers choose to either change them at the time of MOT or during their annual service.
It is also a misconception that wipers are only required during Winter months when the weather is generally worse than at other times of the year. You may tend to use your wipers more during the Winter months but they’re equally as important to have them fully performing during the nicer months of Summer too. During summer people tend to wash their vehicles less which leads to the build-up of road grime and dust, trying to clear this build-up with underperforming wiper blades can seriously reduce visibility. Smeering dust, dirt and road grime with screenwash in the height of summer and not being able to clear it from the windscreen can be just as bad or worse than trying to clear road salt, ice and snow during winter.
CONCLUSION
The importance of having the correct reliable high-performance wiper blades cannot be overstated. They are an essential component of your vehicle’s safety system that can make a significant difference in your visibility.
By understanding the different types of wiper blades, choosing the right ones for your car, and maintaining them properly, you can ensure optimal performance and clear visibility on the road. Don’t hesitate to invest in high-quality wiper blades that will keep you safe and comfortable during any weather condition.