Even though they’re in front of our faces every single day, our windshield wipers and their importance to our overall safety when driving through a storm often go underappreciated. Wipers keep the rain and debris off the glass so we can see while driving through drizzles or hail storms. When you think about it, wipers are our best defense when caught in inclement weather.

In today’s blog, we’ll dive into windshield wipers—their composition, how to make them last as long as possible, and most importantly, how to avoid damaging your windshield, which is far more expensive to replace than wipers.

What Are Windshield Wipers?

We know windshield wipers as those long, thin, rubber or silicone strips that glide across our windshield when activated. Their main function is to clear obstructions like rain, snow, and debris so you can have a clear view of the road ahead. Your ability to see the road is crucial to your safety, especially in hazardous weather conditions.

Below are the main parts of a functioning windshield wiper system:

• The Motor: The wipers are powered by an electric motor that converts energy into the back-and-forth movement we recognize.
• Linkage: A system of levers and pivot points creates the sweeping arc movement of the wipers.
• Arms: The arms are plastic rods that connect the blades to the vehicle. The motor moves the arms, which hold the blades.
• Blades: Wiper blades, typically made of rubber or silicone, make contact with your windshield and sweep away rain, snow, and debris.
• Switch: The switch that activates the wipers depends on the vehicle, but it’s usually on the right and allows you to adjust the wiper frequency.
• Washer System: The washer system sprays wiper fluid onto the windshield, and the wipers clean it away along with any debris.
• Nozzles: The small holes on the hood that spray wiper solution onto your windshield.
• Tank: The tank that stores your windshield wiper fluid.
• Washer Pump: The pump draws the fluid from the tank and pushes it through the nozzles to spray onto the windshield.
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Is Wiper Maintenance Important?

Neglecting wiper maintenance can cost you in the long run. Here are some potential issues you could face if you continue to use worn-out wipers:

• Poor Visibility: If your wipers aren’t functioning properly during a storm, you’re putting yourself at risk. Clear visibility is crucial for safe driving.
• Increased Collision Risk: When you can’t see the road clearly, you increase the chances of running into obstacles like other cars, buildings, or pedestrians.
• Slowed Reaction Time: Without good visibility, your reaction time is significantly reduced. The sooner you spot an obstacle, the better your chances of avoiding it.
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Signs Your Wipers Are Worn

Here are some signs that your windshield wipers are worn and may need to be replaced:

• Poor Visibility: If your wipers aren’t clearing your view properly, it’s time to replace them. Visibility is the most important factor in safe driving.
• Streaking or Smearing: If your wipers leave streaks or smears on the windshield, they need replacing.
• Skipping or Chattering: If your wipers skip or move erratically instead of gliding smoothly across the windshield, there could be an issue with the arms. It's time to have your wipers inspected by a professional.
• Damaged Blades: If the rubber or silicone part of your wipers is cracked, ripped, or peeling, it’s time for new blades.
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Worn wipers can also hide small debris like pebbles that could scratch your windshield. As we mentioned earlier, repairing or replacing a windshield is much more expensive than replacing the wipers.

Do You HAVE A DAMAGED WINDSHIELD in the Grayson or Lawrenceville, GA Areas?

If you have windshield damage and live in the Grayson, Lawrenceville, Norcross, or surrounding areas of Georgia, contact us at Express Mobile Auto Glass. We offer mobile auto glass services throughout the Greater Atlanta area, and our experienced team is available to answer any questions you may have about your auto glass or windshield.