Windshield wipers - is it necessary to take a special set for the winter

The harsh climate of Russia does not allow car owners to relax. In winter, they have to take special measures to continue to operate their vehicles safely. One way is to carry out seasonal maintenance. In addition to changing tires, it may be necessary to fill in fresh technical fluids.


However, it is unlikely that during maintenance they will look closely at such “little things” as wiper blades. But these are important elements of a car: the safety of movement in conditions of precipitation depends on them. Neither snow nor rain should interfere with the trip. Manufacturers offer different types and models of wipers.

Classification by common features

Wipers of each type are equipped with "their" mechanism to help deal with the effects of bad weather. Windshield wipers differ in several ways:

• ✅ the force with which the brush is pressed against the glass
  
• ✅ level of aerodynamics (meaning the windage of the structure)
  
• ✅ protected from UV rays
  
• ✅ the ability to maintain its operational properties for a long time
  
• ✅ performance level in frost and snowfall
  

Wireframe models

For the coldest time of the year, this is not the best option. A group of wipers of this type is characterized by the use of the simplest method of pressing the rubber band against the glass. Here, the rocker arms are pivotally connected and fixed on a plate, which is attached to the holder. The most important plus of the design is instant adaptation to the most difficult bend of the windshield. And another advantage is the affordable price. But there are also disadvantages:

• ✅ short service life due to the rapid wear of metal hinges and the appearance of backlash
  
• ✅ poor performance in snowfall due to lack of frost protection
  
• ✅ poor glass cleaning at high speed
  

Bosch 60C

Brushes are very affordable. However, this does not mean that the purchase of such a product should be abandoned. Brushes are able to work normally, at least a season. Among the shortcomings, one can note the weak resistance to corrosion of the metal parts of the product.

Winter brushes

Their configuration resembles wireframe models. To prevent the appearance of ice on the metal parts, they were covered with a plastic material. As a result, only the gum falls under the precipitation, and the snow will melt on the body, without loading the wiper and without preventing it from cleaning the glass. The main disadvantage of winter windshield wipers is their windage, which is clearly visible at high speeds. It also happens that under such conditions, the oncoming flow contributes to the penetration of moisture into the protective lining. From this, the wipers begin to work only worse. But the manifestation of this minus again depends on the quality of the product, that is, the manufacturer.

Winter wipers from Alca

A German brand that constantly occupies a leading position in the rankings. Windshield wipers, like all frame structures, have stamped metal rocker arms connected by bushings. Reliable adjoining to glass is guaranteed by the pressing force concentrated in 6 contact points. The rest of the structure is protected by a rubber cover. The composition of the latter includes rubber, which does not allow loss of elasticity. The cleaning blade has a triangular shape, which provides the necessary rigidity when cleaning the windshield.

Frameless wipers

Designs are characterized by the absence of movable rocker arms. Instead of them - a hard plate, poured into a plastic case. It strongly presses the rubber against the glass, which cleans the surface evenly and without streaks. Of the features of frameless models, it is worth highlighting:

• ✅ lack of windage at speeds up to 130 km/h
  
• ✅ attractive appearance in terms of aesthetics
  
• ✅ good work, provided that the profile of the metal insert of the brush matches the curvature of the windshield
  
• ✅ at a negative temperature, the gum loses its plasticity (although it does not freeze over), it becomes unyielding
  

Bosch Aerotwin

One of the representatives of the frameless wiper class, occupying leading positions in the ratings. Made in China. The wiper is designed for certain brands and models cars. Information is on the packaging. The wipers are easy to install and remove. They are highly resistant to ultraviolet radiation. The fixation method is Hook. The manufacturer positions the model as all-season.

Hybrid wipers

This is an improved version of the frame models. Its peculiarity lies in maintaining the advantages of the classical design and eliminating such a minus as the inability to clean glass at high speed with high quality.

DENSO DUR-065L

All-weather wipers with hook fastening. A special rubber is used for the manufacture, which does not tan at a negative temperature. Users in the reviews note the almost silent operation of the brushes.

Non-standard solutions for wiper designs

We are talking about heated frameless wipers. The idea was developed and turned into reality at Burner. The meaning of the innovation is the installation of a heating element in the housing. It raises the temperature of the plate that transfers heat to the glass. As a result, it is possible to "kill two birds with one stone": frost does not form on the brush, and the elastic band remains elastic in any conditions.

How often do you need to change your windshield wipers

Wiper manufacturers try not to indicate specific dates on the packaging or in the instructions. It all depends on the operating conditions. For example, with constant trips to megacities where anti-icing reagents are used, windshield wipers may not work for even six months. On the other hand, car owners living in rural areas, where only sand is used from the “chemistry” on the roads, you can think about replacing the brushes in a couple of years. On average, the cleaners are changed every 1,5 years or 25-30 thousand kilometers.

How to increase the resource of wipers

It's not that hard. The first rule is to regularly clean the rubber bands from dirt. First wipe them with a damp cloth, then with a weak solution of vinegar. Second, keep your windshield clean. Washing and rain do not always remove traces of reagents and dirt from the surface. Simply wiping the glass before driving will extend the life of your wipers. In cold weather, leave the brushes in the raised position so that they do not freeze. If, nevertheless, this happened, you do not need to tear them off the glass by force - there is a risk of damaging the rubber band. Better let the wipers thaw out by redirecting the stream of warm air from the stove to the windshield.

Numerous tests conducted by magazines, organizations and web publications have not revealed any clear advantage of any group of designs. When choosing windshield wipers, be guided by the climate in your area (mild or cold winters) and the manufacturer.