Windscreen wiper blades, roadworthiness and safe driving

Windscreen Wiper Blades as an important vehicle component. One of the most important requirements for safe driving is having a clear view of the road ahead in all types of weather and driving conditions.

We all understand the importance of a clean windscreen; yet often neglect checking that our windscreen wiper blades are in effective working condition –until we need them and it is too late!

In this section take a closer look at how a better understanding of and a bit more attention to windscreen wipers will enhance our safety on the road significantly! 

What is a windscreen wiper?

A windscreen wiper or windshield wiper is a device used to remove rain and debris and sometimes even snow and ice from a windscreen or windshield. A wiper generally consists of an arm, pivoting at one end and with a long rubber blade attached to the other. The blade is swung back and forth over the glass, pushing water from its surface. The speed is normally adjustable, with several continuous speeds and often one or more “intermittent” settings.

Most vehicles use two synchronized radial type arms, while many commercial vehicles use one or more pantograph arms.Most windscreen wipers operate together with a windscreen (or windshield) washer; a pump that supplies a mixture of water, alcohol, and detergent (a blend called windshield washer fluid) from a tank to the windscreen.

The fluid is dispensed through small nozzles mounted on the hood. Conventional nozzles are usually used, but some designs use a fluidic oscillator to disperse the fluid more effectively. Most modern vehicles are now available with driver-programmable intelligent (automatic) windscreen wipers that detect the presence and amount of rain using a rain sensor.

The sensor automatically adjusts the speed and frequency of the blades according to the amount of rain detected. These controls usually have a manual override. Windscreen wipers often endure extremes of temperature, from sub-zero winter weather to scorching African sun. They may have to operate for hours at a time and are then quickly withdrawn out of sight and too often forgotten.

Source: Arrive Alive