How to avoid excessive wear or damage to the wiper linkage during use?

The wiper system is an important safety component in the car, responsible for clearing rain, snow, dust and other debris from the windshield to ensure a clear view for the driver. As a key component of the wiper system, the wiper linkage is responsible for transmitting the power of the motor to the wiper arm. Due to long-term frequent movement and environmental factors, the wiper linkage may be worn or damaged, resulting in malfunction of the wiper and even damage to the motor and other systems. In order to ensure the normal operation of the wiper linkage and avoid excessive wear or damage, car owners and maintenance personnel can take the following effective preventive measures.

1. Regular inspection and lubrication
1) Regularly check the status of the wiper linkage:
The wiper linkage is a mechanical component, which will inevitably wear or loosen during long-term use. Therefore, it is very important to regularly check the connection parts and hinges of the wiper linkage. When checking, pay special attention to the connection points, bearing parts and transmission parts of the linkage connected to the motor. If any looseness, cracks or wear is found, the damaged parts should be handled or replaced in time.

2) Lubricate regularly:
The movement of the wiper linkage depends on friction, especially at the connection points and hinges. After long-term use, the lubricant may gradually consume, resulting in increased friction and accelerated wear. Therefore, in order to avoid excessive wear caused by lack of lubrication, it is recommended to regularly add appropriate lubricating oil or grease to the connection parts of the wiper linkage. Lubrication not only reduces friction, but also prolongs the service life of components and improves the operating efficiency of the system.

2. Keep the wiper system clean
1) Clean the wipers and glass:
When using the wiper system, dirt and debris on the wiper arm may damage the wiper linkage through friction. If there is a lot of debris such as mud, leaves or ice and snow on the windshield, the wiper system will need to exert greater force to remove these substances during operation, which will increase the burden on the wiper linkage and cause accelerated wear. Therefore, keeping the wiper arm and windshield clean is an important measure to reduce wear.

2) Check and clean the wipers regularly:
The wiper blades and wiper arms need to be cleaned regularly, especially before use in winter, to prevent snow or frost from affecting the normal operation of the wiper system. When cleaning the wipers, be sure to check the wiper effect. If the wiper is uneven or jumps, it may indicate that there is a problem with the wiper arm or wiper linkage. Timely cleaning and maintenance of the wipers to ensure their normal operation can reduce unnecessary wear on the wiper linkage.

3. Avoid using the wiper system in dry conditions for a long time
In dry weather or warm seasons, if there is not enough moisture on the windshield, the wipers may work without lubrication, which will increase the friction between the wipers and the glass, thereby accelerating the wear of the wiper linkage. Therefore, avoiding long-term use of the wiper system in dry weather is an effective preventive measure. If there is no moisture on the glass, it is best to avoid using the wipers or use wiper fluid instead.

4. Avoid over-reliance on the wiper system
1) Do not turn on the wipers frequently:
In some extreme weather conditions, the wiper system may be overused, especially in heavy rain or snowstorms. Frequent starting and stopping may cause excessive wear on the wiper linkage. Try to avoid unnecessary operations, such as using the wiper system for a long time to clear snow or frost. For situations with heavy snow, you can use an ice scraper to clear most of the snow before starting the wipers to clean.

2) Use the right wiper speed:
Most modern vehicles have different speed settings for their wiper systems. The driver should choose the appropriate wiper speed based on the actual weather conditions. In extreme weather such as heavy rain or snowstorms, using a higher speed can ensure a good view; while in light rain or cloudy days, using a lower speed can avoid frequent wiper switching and reduce the pressure on the wiper linkage.

5. Replace damaged parts in a timely manner
The wiper linkage consists of multiple small parts. If one of them is damaged, it may cause the overall failure of the system and accelerate the wear of other parts. For example, a failure in the wiper motor or a deformation of the connecting rod and hinge may cause the wiper linkage to not work properly, thus affecting the performance of the entire wiper system. Therefore, regular inspection and timely replacement of damaged parts are key to keeping the wiper linkage working properly.

6. Avoid excessive load
1) Remove leaves and debris in a timely manner:
In the fall and winter seasons, leaves and debris are often blown onto the car windows by the wind. If these debris get stuck between the wiper and the glass, it will not only affect the wiping effect of the wiper, but may also increase the burden on the wiper linkage. Ensuring that the wiper system is not disturbed by external obstacles when working can effectively avoid excessive load and damage.

2) Avoid using non-standard wiper blades:
When replacing wiper blades, using unsuitable wiper blades (such as oversized or undersized) may prevent the wiper system from working properly, thereby exerting additional pressure on the wiper linkage and causing damage. Make sure to choose wiper blades that match the vehicle model to avoid adding unnecessary load.

7. Regular professional inspections
Although car owners can perform some basic inspections and maintenance, it is also necessary to send the vehicle to a professional repair shop for regular inspections to ensure the best performance of the wiper linkage. Professional technicians can check the various components of the wiper linkage with more precise equipment, detect potential problems in time and repair them, and prevent small problems from turning into serious failures.