What is the black part on top of the wiper?
3 Answers
The black part on top of the wiper is the windshield washer pump. Below is an introduction to wiper-related content: 1. Manual activation: Indicates manual operation. Pushing the entire wiper lever upward toward the front of the vehicle once will trigger a single wipe. 2. Variations by model: Depending on the vehicle model, the markings on the wiper stalk may differ slightly. For example, "HIGH" might also be labeled as "HI," "MIST" could be labeled as "1x," or entirely replaced by icons. Below is extended information about the INT function: 1. Abbreviation: INT stands for "interim," meaning intermittent. 2. Intermittent operation: On the wiper, it refers to intermittent operation, wiping every few seconds. The interval can be adjusted. The white blocks decrease in size from top to bottom. Below INT, there is an arrow. Rotating the dotted circle around INT will align the arrow with the white blocks, with the interval increasing from top to bottom.
That black strip is the core component of the wiper blade, technically called the wiper rubber. It's made of special rubber with a graphite coating on the surface to enhance smoothness. The rubber needs to be soft enough to fully adhere to the windshield and completely wipe away water stains. However, it's quite delicate—I just replaced mine recently because it became noticeably hardened and cracked after sun exposure, making squeaky noises and leaving water streaks when wiping. During replacement, I discovered there's actually a thin steel strip embedded inside as a support frame, so extra care is needed during installation to avoid bending the bracket. Try to avoid prolonged sun exposure when parking in summer to extend the rubber's lifespan.
The black rubber strip on the wiper is called the wiper blade, which mainly relies on friction with the glass to remove water. The rubber material tends to harden and become brittle with use. The pair on my car started skipping and couldn't clean properly after two years of use. When buying blades now, pay attention to the cross-sectional shape—there are flat double-layer structures and old-style three-groove types. OEM parts are more expensive but have a better curvature match, while aftermarket ones start to peel off after three months. Remember not to let tree sap or insect resin stick to the glass, otherwise the edges of the blade will wear out and become burred. In winter, always lift the wiper arm before removing snow, otherwise the blade will freeze to the glass and crack if forcibly pulled off.
