Should I Replace Just the Wiper Blade or the Entire Wiper Assembly?
3 Answers
You can simply replace the wiper blade, as the original wiper assembly can continue to be used. Below are specific details about wipers: 1. Structure: Wipers, technically known as windshield wipers, are blade-like structures installed in front of the windshield. They consist of a motor, reducer, four-bar linkage, wiper arm spindle, and wiper blade assembly. Their primary function is to clear rain, snow, and dust from the windshield that obstructs visibility. 2. Application: Intermittent flexible wipers allow the driver to adjust them according to the intensity of the rain and visibility conditions. Unlike standard wipers, they can automatically adjust the wiping speed based on the vehicle's speed. This is because, with the same amount of rainfall, the faster the vehicle moves, the more rainwater it encounters. Additionally, when the vehicle is stationary, the wiper's reduced speed operation minimizes noise.
I've driven several cars before and always preferred replacing the wiper blades myself, which is much more cost-effective than replacing the entire wiper assembly and also eco-friendly. Wiper blades are made of rubber and typically age and crack after about a year, affecting their wiping performance. If you only buy the rubber blades for replacement, the cost can be as low as a few dozen yuan, and the process is simple: just lift the wiper arm, remove the old blade, and install the new one. However, pay attention to vehicle compatibility, as some newer models can only use the entire wiper assembly for replacement. Personally, I recommend regularly checking the condition of the blades and replacing them as soon as the wiping becomes ineffective or noisy, rather than waiting until the entire wiper fails. Delaying replacement not only costs more but may also leave water streaks, affecting driving safety. Since adopting the habit of replacing the blades, I've found vehicle maintenance to be more economical and efficient.
Having driven for over thirty years, I used to always replace the entire wiper arm when I was younger, thinking it was convenient and hassle-free. Now that I'm older, I've realized that just replacing the wiper rubber is much more cost-effective, costing less than a third of the original price, and it also reduces waste. Changing the rubber requires a bit of patience: first, check if the wiper frame structure supports individual replacement, then gently pull out the old rubber and slide in the new one. If you accidentally damage the frame, you might end up having to replace the entire unit. From a safety perspective, I believe the cleanliness of the wiper is crucial—worn rubber leaves streaks when wiping, making it hard to see the road clearly in rainy weather. Developing a habit of checking the rubber monthly can help prevent issues in advance and avoid the need for last-minute spending on a whole new system.
