What is the black part on top of the wiper?

[LaMiranda]

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.

[JudeRose]

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.

[Ruby]

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.

[DeJosiah]

The black wiper blade rubber is the core consumable of the wiper. Embedded with a U-shaped steel spine for enhanced elasticity, it features aerodynamic fins at the tips to prevent lifting. Common failure modes I encounter during repairs include: edge cracking (indicating aging), central deformation (from frame misalignment), and complete curling (a sign of inferior quality). Premium vehicles often use silicone-coated blades for extended durability, whereas standard rubber variants typically last 6-12 months. To replace, pinch the end clips and slide out the old blade; remember to remove the protective film when installing new ones. Pro tip: Heavy oil film buildup on windshields accelerates blade wear.

[DelOwen]

The black part of the wiper blade is the rubber strip that directly contacts the glass, with a thickness of about 8 millimeters. The front edge acts as a blade to wipe water, while the rear plastic shell covers the metal frame. The rubber strip is particularly vulnerable to oil contamination and oxidation. For maintenance, I wipe the rubber surface with a damp cloth every month, and in winter, I also check if it's frozen to the glass. If there's a skipping issue, you can try sanding the edge of the rubber strip with fine sandpaper. Nowadays, there are coated wiper blades that contain hydrophobic materials, giving the glass a lotus leaf effect and significantly improving visibility during rain. Note that when the rubber strip ages and fails to clean properly, the entire blade should be replaced.

[AbigailMarie]

The black one is a rubber wiper blade, professionally called a wiper rubber. I've seen the test bench at auto parts stores, a good rubber must meet three criteria: quick rebound and resistance to deformation, UV-resistant for long lifespan, and chamfered edges to prevent glass damage. The rubber actually has a spring steel strip inside to maintain its curvature, cheaper ones use iron wire which easily rusts. When purchasing, check if the rubber surface is fine and feels elastic when pinched. Pay attention to the direction during installation, the side with the wind guide groove should face outward. Some high-end models come with spoiler wings on the rubber, which can increase downforce at high speeds to ensure firm wiping.