August 22

What Windscreen Wipers are Best

D & C Auto Glass understands how important windscreen wipers are to your safety and will inspect them when you have your windscreen replaced or repaired.

Windscreen wipers are a safety requirement, and the more time your vehicle is exposed to the sun, the faster the rubber or silicone degrades. Because there are so many options, knowing which windscreen wipers are the best is critical.

If you choose the right windscreen wipers for your vehicle, you will get better performance, durability, and safety in the rain.

​​When the edge of your windshield wears down, your wipers may fail to remove all of the residue and moisture from your windshield, leaving large smudges across your field of vision.

The good news is that your old windshield wipers can always be replaced by our automotive technicians. Get in touch with DC Auto Glass today.

When Should You Replace Your Windshield Wiper Blades?

Windscreen wipers degrade over time, leaving you vulnerable in the rain. Unfortunately, you may only notice a problem with your wipers when driving through a sudden storm. As a result, they should be checked at least once every six months.

When your windshield wipers aren’t effectively clearing the rain from your windshield and leaving streaks, it’s time to replace them. Windshield wipers may also squeak, warp, develop cracks in the blades, or feel hard or brittle to the touch.

Which Mounting System Should You Use?

When it’s time to replace your wiper blades, pay special attention to the mounting system. There are eight types of mounting systems, also known as connectors. Inspecting your vehicle or searching the vehicle’s make, year, and model will help you determine which type of mounting system you need.

Systems for mounting windshield wipers:

  • Pinch tab button – this system, like the pinch tab mount, has a buttonhole that locks.
  • Saddle – a type of seat that is commonly found on medium and heavy-duty vehicles. The blade is released by a spring.
  • Dead locker or permanent pin connector – to release the blade, this connector has a small arm underneath the wiper arm.
  • Side pin – this blade is held in place by a small pin that is inserted into a hole on the attachment.
  • Saddle hook – the end of this system has a small hook.
  • J-hook – the end of this wiper system has a J or U-shaped hook.
  • Bayonet – an indent on the top of the wiper blade fits into a hole on the wiper arm and is held in place by a spring lever.
  • Pinch tab – attaches to a tab that is pinched together to release or attach the blade.

Styles of Windscreen Wipers

Windscreen wiper blades are classified into three types, each with its own set of characteristics.

  1. Conventional or standard windscreen wiper blades: these wiper blades are attached to a metal frame and use a spring to apply pressure to the windscreen.
  2. Beam windscreen wiper blades: these have no metal frames, are more flexible for a cleaner wipe, and are typically found on luxury vehicles.
  3. Hybrid windscreen wiper blades: they are made for use in all weather conditions and provide exceptional performance. They combine beam and conventional windscreen wipers.

Silicon vs. Rubber Windscreen Wipers

Compared to rubber wiper blades, silicon wiper blades tend to leave streaks, degrade more quickly, and aren’t suitable for changing temperatures. Wiper blades made of natural rubber provide better performance under all circumstances, durability, and little streaking.

Inspecting your wipers is also an excellent opportunity to inspect your windscreen. The majority of windscreen chips and cracks are obvious, but you should also look for signs of scratches on your windscreen. These could be obstructing your view of the road and are usually caused by deteriorated wiper blades.

Our team at D&C Auto Glass will gladly assess any damage to your windscreen and advise you on what can and cannot be repaired. If you’re in the Perth, Western Australia area, be sure to get in touch with us.