Wipers 101

If you look closely at the edge of an new wiper blade, you will see that it is actually flat with two very well defined edges running the length of the blade. As the wiper does its thing, the blade flips back and forth so that they are getting dragged behind the wiper so that the edges can squeegee the water off. As the edges become worn and rounded, the blade becomes less effective.

One thing to note is that, when the wipers are turned off and they park, the blade itself is always pointed the opposite direction that the wiper was moving when it stopped. Since it will stay that way until the next time you use the wipers, it will take a set in that direction. The next time you turn the wipers back on, because the blade has set, the wiper will be pushing the blade ahead of it instead of pulling it. This will cause the blade to be using the same edge on both strokes which will make it squeegee less effectively. This is evidenced by noticeably poorer performance on the “up” stroke than the “down” stroke (made more noticeable by road film on the windshield). This will wear out that one edge faster. After the blade has run awhile (depending on its age, wear, and temperature), it may start flip-flopping again as it’s supposed to. In the transition from not flipping to flipping, only part of the blade may flip for awhile.

One thing you can do prolong the life of your blades, is to periodically flip the blades by hand while the wipers are parked (to the direction they should go on the up stroke). This will give the blade an opportunity to start to set toward the other direction. What you will find is that the wipers will work better sooner and will last longer since they will be using both edges in the manner they were designed to do.

Here are couple of techniques you can do to reverse the blades without having get your hands dirty (especially when it’s rainy weather).

Method 1 is, when you park, and you’re ready to turn off the ignition, leave the wipers running and then turn the ignition off when the wipers are on the up stroke.

Method 2 (which might take a little practice) is, when the wipers are off and parked, bump the wiper control on then quickly bump it off. If you’re quick on the draw, the wipers will stop an inch or two into the up stroke, effectively flipping the blade. Unlike Method 1, since the wipers are technically parked, this method will allow you to drive while the blades are reversed from the normal park.

 

I didnt realize people cared this much about wipers.

Leaves streaks = change. This is how I roll.

 

More important than headlights for seeing in the rain, and they’re about the only thing that goes bad on a 4Runner.