Did You Know? Characteristics of Damaged Wiper Rubber and Maintenance Tips

Wipers are a key safety tool that helps improve driving visibility while driving in the rainy season.  However, it's important to recognize that wiper rubber has a limited lifespan and requires regular attention. Continuing to use wipers beyond their optimal condition can lead to difficulties and confusion for drivers. Here are the characteristics of wiper rubber that is time for replacement:

1. Noise
Wiper rubber that is still in good condition will not squeak. Flexible rubber ensures optimal performance in clearing the glass surface. If the wiper rubber sounds rough or noisy, it is a sign that the wiper rubber has started to brittle and usually becomes loud.

2. Less Clean Water Sweep
Wiper rubber is a fast-wearing component, often requiring replacement every six months.  If the wiper part already in a damaged condition is used continuously, it will increase the risk of the glass becoming damaged, opaque, and many scratches appear.
Wiper rubber that is no longer suitable for use can also be seen from the results of cleaning the glass. If there are still many traces of water attached to the glass surface and the view from inside the cabin becomes minimal or blurred, it means that the wiper rubber needs to be replaced.

3. Movement of the Wipers 
The wipers follow a smooth left or right movement, mirroring the wiper rubber housing's (wiper link) direction. If the wiper rubber is still in a suitable condition, then the movement will be very smooth. However, if the condition of the wiper rubber is not suitable for use, the movement will become stagnant or in a severely damaged condition the wipers will not move because there is dust and dirt accumulated.

There are three basic maintenance tips so that wiper rubber lives long. Where these tips can be done easily, it only requires consistency from vehicle owners, such as:

• Elevate wipers when the car is parked outdoors to preserve wiper rubber quality. Exposure to sunlight and overheating can make rubber brittle and prone to cracking.
• Refrain from relying solely on wipers to clean heavy stains, especially after prolonged vehicle inactivity. Clear accumulated dust using soap and a soft cloth before engaging the wipers.
• It is highly recommended to use wiper or glass cleaning fluid, specifically used to smooth wiper sweeps. Avoid using tap water, as it may clog the wiper nozzle and lacks the lubrication necessary for smooth wiper movement. Tap water also does not contain soap, so stains and dust on the windshield will not be able to clean optimally. This can aggravate or inhibit the performance of the wipers and even cause the windshield to scratch.

Hopefully, thus information about wiper rubber on vehicles, including functions, characteristics of damage, and maintenance tips, enriches your understanding. If you need further explanation regarding the terms and conditions of the policy, please contact us at 021 - 2523110 and we will be happy to assist you.