Windshield Wiper Tips

Although it is more difficult to do so, wiper refills should be
inserted from the bottom of the assembly, or going away from the
locating point of the arm. Inserting them from the other direction will
encourage them to work loose and come out.

When parking the car, always shut the wipers off before shutting
off the car. This will ensure that the assembly is not subject to
unnecessary strain when restarting. The system is made to withstand the
starting surge from a certain position, namely the parked position.
Moreover, if the blades are left in other than the parked position, the
wipers will start to operate the moment the ignition comes on, a
battery drain you don’t need when trying to start the car. The
consequences if the wipers have been frozen to the windshield boggle
the mind — they range from destroyed wiper refills to burned out wiper
motors.

Author: Michel Potheau

3 June 2006 | Windshield Wiper