How to Maintain Car Windshield Wipers?
2 Answers
Car windshield wiper maintenance methods: 1. Regularly clean and check the lubrication of the wipers; 2. Inspect the wiping speed; 3. Listen to the sound of wiping; 4. Observe the wiping traces; 5. Remove debris promptly; 6. Avoid dry operation. Windshield wipers are blade-like structures installed in front of the windshield, composed of a motor, reducer, four-bar linkage mechanism, wiper arm spindle, wiper blade assembly, etc., designed to clear rain, snow, and dust from the windshield. The power source of the wipers comes from the motor, which is the core of the entire wiper system. The quality requirements for the wiper motor are quite high, utilizing a DC permanent magnet motor. The wiper motor installed on the front windshield is generally integrated with the worm gear mechanical part. The worm gear mechanism serves to reduce speed and increase torque, with its output shaft driving the four-bar linkage mechanism, converting continuous rotational motion into a left-right oscillating movement through the four-bar linkage.
Having driven for half my life, I believe wiper maintenance is particularly important—don't wait until it rains to realize there's a problem. When parking, avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, as this accelerates rubber deterioration. I make it a habit to clean the wiper blades every two to three months using a damp cloth or alcohol swab to remove dust and oil stains, which helps minimize scratches. The autumn and winter seasons are especially critical, as wiper blades tend to harden, leading to ineffective water clearance and compromised visibility—a serious safety hazard. Always use dedicated wiper fluid instead of plain water; it prevents freezing and rust. From my experience, replacing the blades every 6 to 10 months costs just a few dozen dollars but avoids major repairs. Safety comes first—wiper blades are lifesavers on the road, and negligence is not an option.
