What is it?
A wiper generally consists of a metal arm; one end pivots, the other end has a long rubber blade attached to it. The arm is powered by a motor, often an electric motor, although pneumatic power is also used for some vehicles.
What does it do?
A windscreen or windshield wiper is used to remove rain, snow, ice, washer fluid, water, and/or debris from a vehicle’s front window so the driver can see what’s ahead of them. Almost all vehicles, including cars, trucks, buses, trains, watercraft and some aircraft are equipped with one or more wipers, which are usually a legal requirement!
Typical Wear and Tear
An wiper and its motor can malfunction over time, as the rubber naturally degrades as it oxidizes, becoming stiff and brittle. They also wear out from rubbing back and forth across the glass surface of your windshield. The interval for maintenance can be modified by:
- Time
- Weather and climate conditions
- Vehicle type
Symptoms
- Chattering
- Skipping
- Streaking
- Squeaking
