Windscreen Wiper

Windscreen wipers are part of the car’s safety system. By sweeping back and forth across the windscreen they help keep the driver visible in bad weather. Often automatic they can be adjusted for speed and intensity for different scenarios.

What is a Windscreen Wiper?

A windscreen wiper also known as windshield wipers clears rain, snow, and debris from the car’s windscreen. It helps the driver see clearly while driving.

The wiper has a metal arm with a rubber blade. The arm moves back and forth across the glass. This pushes water and dirt away.

Most cars have 2 wipers on the front windscreen. Some cars also have a wiper on the rear window.

Drivers can control the wipers with a switch inside the car. Some wipers work at different speeds. This is for light rain or heavy storms.

Windscreen wipers are very important for safe driving. Without them, you can’t see the road in bad weather.

What is the History & Evolution of Windscreen Wiper?

Mary Anderson invented the first windscreen wiper in 1903. She designed it as a hand-operated device to clear snow, rain, and dirt from car windshields.

In 1917 Charlotte Bridgwood improved the design by creating an automatic wiper powered by an electric motor. This made wipers more convenient.

The 1920s saw vacuum-powered wipers become popular. These wipers used the engine’s vacuum to move the blades across the windscreen, more consistent performance.

By the 1960s electric wipers became standard in most cars. They were more reliable and controllable than the previous ones.

Intermittent wipers were introduced in 1969 by Robert Kearns. His invention allowed the wipers to pause between swipes, for better visibility in light rain.

Today, modern cars have advanced wiper systems. Some even have rain sensors that adjust the wiper speed based on the amount of rain.

Windscreen wipers have come a long way since its invention. They still evolve and make driving safer and easier in all weather conditions.

What are the Different Types of Windscreen Wipers and their Movements?

Windshield wipers come in different types, each with different movements. Here are the main types:

Traditional Frame Wipers

Traditional frame wipers have a metal frame that holds the rubber blade. The frame moves back and forth across the windscreen to clear water and dirt.

Beam Wipers

Beam wipers have a single piece of rubber without a metal frame. They apply even pressure on the windscreen, good for harsh weather.

Hybrid Wipers

Hybrid wipers combine features of traditional and beam wipers. They have metal frames for strength and rubber covering for flexibility and better performance.

Winter Wipers

Winter wipers are for snowy and icy conditions. They have a thick rubber cover to prevent ice from building up on the wiper.

Rear Wipers

Rear wipers are smaller and used on the back window of some cars. They help visibility when driving in reverse or during bad weather.

What are the Different Movements of Windshield Wipers?

Different cars have different windscreen wiper configurations hence different movements. Here’s a guide to the most common wiper movements:

Pivot/Radial – Left Hand Drive

This wiper has a single arm attached to the motor, and moves in a straight line. Found in left-hand drive cars.

Pivot/Radial – Right Hand Drive

Similar to the left-hand drive version, this wiper moves in the opposite direction and found on right-hand drive cars.

Sequential Sweep

In this type, wipers move in opposite directions at the same time. This complex mechanism covers more of the windscreen, minimizing unwiped corners.

Single Blade Arm

Used on rear windows, this wiper has a single blade that moves back and forth with a center pivot for maximum coverage.

Monoblade

This wiper has a single arm to create an ‘M’ shape on the windscreen. The cantilever design allows for wide coverage, clear water away from the driver’s view.

Pantograph System

Common in commercial vehicles like buses, the pantograph system has two arms for each blade. One arm is motorized and the other pivots, covering a larger windscreen more effectively.

Dual Wiper Arms – Top Pivot

Cars with two windscreens, like some military vehicles, have dual wiper arms pivoted at the top. This design covers better at the bottom of the windscreen.

Dual Wiper Arms – Bottom Pivot

Found in older cars with split windscreens, like the Volkswagen camper van, this system has a radial design pivoting from the bottom. It covers better at the top of the windscreen.

Now you know the movements of Windshield wipers, you can choose the best wiper for your car to have clear visibility in all conditions.

What are the Other Features of Windscreen Wiper?

Windscreen wipers have many features that enhance their performance and usability. Here are some of them:

• Adjustable Speed
• Intermittent Settings
• Rain Sensors
• Heated Wiper Blades
• Washer Fluid Dispensers
• Rear Wipers
• Windshield De-Icer
• Aerodynamic Design

These features make windscreen wipers more effective and convenient, so drivers can see clearly in all weather.

What are the Signs Your Windscreen Wiper Needs to be Replaced?

Windscreen wipers are important for clear visibility. Here are the signs that it’s time to replace them:

• Streaking on the Windshield
• Skipping or Chattering
• Splitting or Cracking
• Squeaking Sounds
• Poor Performance in Rain
• Visible Wear and Tear
• Reduced Visibility

Replacing worn-out wipers ensures you have a clear view of the road, enhancing your safety while driving.