Windscreen wipers

Post by **Geraldine** » Tue Dec 29, 2009 9:40 pm

My windscreen wipers don't seem to be very efficient, there is still quite a lot of water left on the screen, so visibility not good.
Is there any way of adjusting them so that they are closer to the windscreen? It just seem sthat they don't "grip" the windscreen closely enough to clear the water at the moment.
Hope everyone got through the recent snow and ice safely, must admit that Geraldine was safely tucked up in her garage the whole time as I have never driven in Arctic conditions before!

Post by **mike.perry** » Tue Dec 29, 2009 10:24 pm

There are at least two different designs of wiper blade mounts, some are a better design than others. Also check the condition of the rubber blades and the tension of the springs at the base of the arms.
I would suggest that at the next snowfall you untuck Geraldine and find an empty car park and practice throwing Geraldine around in the snow and find out how to react to drifts and skids, just in case you have to do it for real.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Tue Dec 29, 2009 10:36 pm

And - if there is any salt about - you will be able to HEAR it rusting!

Post by **Sidney'61** » Tue Dec 29, 2009 11:43 pm

A quote from uncyclopedia:
'Sir Issigonis anticipated global warming in the design of the windscreen wipers, having optimised them for desert conditions.'

Though personally I've never actually had a problem with my 'clap-hands' wipers, but for some reason they always make the passengers laugh when they come on!

sorry this isn't actually relevent to your question

Post by **MarkyB** » Wed Dec 30, 2009 8:30 am

As Mike says, the blades and springs.
You can compensate for weak springs a bit by bending the arm towards the screen.
Any kind of oily residue on the screen will tend to defeat the blades.
Also don't put anti-freeze in the screen wash. That smears across the screen too.

Post by **mike.perry** » Wed Dec 30, 2009 10:11 am

That smears across the screen too.

And is not good for the paintwork

Post by **bmcecosse** » Wed Dec 30, 2009 10:26 am

But the correct winter screen wash is ideal for - well - washing the screen! Amazed no-one has mentioned Rain X so far !!

Post by **aupickup** » Wed Dec 30, 2009 10:33 am

i have tried the normal wipers and arms from moggie shops and find the arms have weak springs and the wiper has to much curve and will not seat properly

i have old arms on mine and the springs are good, try and get them so the arms stay up at 90 degrees when you lift them ,

i have a repro wiper on the passenger side and its just ok, on my drivers side i have a flat arm that is brilliant, could not find anymore

try ebay for diferent makes

Post by **andrew.searston** » Wed Dec 30, 2009 3:39 pm

dont mension rain x lets just say its not brilliant in my opinion

Post by **aupickup** » Wed Dec 30, 2009 3:53 pm

and mine

Post by **MarkyB** » Wed Dec 30, 2009 5:23 pm

I would have mentioned Rainex as I use it on all my cars, but the response is all too predicable.
It seems to work for some people and not others.

But the suggestion works every time.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Wed Dec 30, 2009 5:44 pm

Must be a matter of 'Faith'!

Post by **rayofleamington** » Wed Dec 30, 2009 5:44 pm

I try and get wiper arms from stalls at rallies - this way you can check if the springs 'feel' ok.
Bending the arms isn't a great solution if the springs are weak - it will add a bit more load but doesn't really fix the root cause.

Post by **mike.perry** » Wed Dec 30, 2009 9:55 pm

I have found this design to be the most effective<br>

<br>

Post by **Geraldine** » Thu Dec 31, 2009 8:54 am

Thanks everyone, will have a look and see if can adjust the arms as suggested.
They're OK in heavy rain, but the light stuff just gets smeared around the screen - can almost see better through the raindrops!
Love the expression " clap hands wipers".
Yes, I must try driving in snow the next time we get any. In this last lot we nearly ended up in a ditch in work van, then nearly got stuck halfway up an icy hill in the middle of nowhere. till a kind farmhand told my colleague how to reach the top in 2nd gear!(I wasn't driving either time)
Happy New Year to you all!

Post by **bmcecosse** » Thu Dec 31, 2009 10:28 am

If the problem is just 'smearing' - then a good wash of the screen with vinegar - using a scrunched up newspaper as the scrubber - may well clean it all off. Wipe the blades with vinegar too!

Post by **aupickup** » Thu Dec 31, 2009 10:33 am

i use white vinegar and very good it is too

Post by **bmcecosse** » Thu Dec 31, 2009 2:23 pm

Only best Malt vinegar for me . Sniff!