Windscreen wipers are easy to overlook, especially when they seem to be working just fine. But when Thailand’s rainy season arrives, a clear view of the road can make a real difference behind the wheel. Wipers may be a small part of your car, but keeping them in good condition helps maintain visibility when you need it most.
Here are three simple things worth knowing about your windscreen wipers.
1. Wiper Blades Don’t Last Forever
Like most car components, windscreen wipers naturally deteriorate over time. Heat, sunlight, rain and regular use can gradually cause the rubber to harden, crack or lose its flexibility. This can be particularly noticeable in Thailand, where cars are often exposed to strong sunlight and high temperatures.
Common signs that your wipers may need replacing include streaks or patches of water left on the windscreen, skipping or juddering across the glass, unusual noises, or visible cracks and damage to the rubber. Rather than waiting until visibility becomes noticeably poor, it is a good idea to inspect your wipers regularly and replace them once they are no longer clearing the windscreen effectively.
Cars that spend a lot of time parked outdoors may also experience faster deterioration, so checking your wipers before the rainy season is a simple habit that can save you trouble later.
2. Lifting Your Wipers Isn’t Necessarily Better for Them
You may have seen cars parked with their windscreen wipers lifted away from the glass, particularly on very hot days. While it might seem like a good way to protect the rubber from a hot windscreen, regularly leaving the wiper arms raised is not necessarily the best way to extend their life.
The wiper arm uses spring tension to keep the blade pressed firmly against the windscreen. Leaving the arms raised for long periods can place unnecessary strain on the mechanism, while there is also a risk of the arm snapping back and damaging the windscreen.
Instead, focus on keeping both the windscreen and wiper blades clean and checking the rubber periodically for signs of wear. If your car is regularly parked in direct sunlight, covered or shaded parking can also help protect not only your wipers but other exterior and interior components from prolonged heat and UV exposure.
3. Know When to Replace the Blade or the Refill
When a wiper starts performing poorly, you may not always need to replace the entire assembly. Depending on the type and condition of your wipers, it may be possible to replace only the rubber refill.
For relatively new wipers where the frame and arm are still in good condition, replacing the rubber can be a practical option. However, if the blade assembly is worn, bent, loose or showing signs of corrosion, replacing the complete wiper blade is usually the better choice. A new rubber refill cannot compensate for a frame that no longer holds the blade evenly against the windscreen.
Whichever option you choose, make sure the replacement is the correct size and fitting for your vehicle. A properly fitted wiper should move smoothly across the windscreen and clear water evenly without leaving streaks behind.
A Small Check That Makes a Big Difference
Your windscreen wipers may not be something you think about every day, but you will certainly notice them when they stop working properly in heavy rain. Taking a few minutes to check their condition, particularly before the rainy season, can help keep your view of the road clear and make every journey a little more comfortable and confident.
FIL windscreen wipers and automotive products are available through our official online channels.
Lazada : https://www.lazada.co.th/shop/fil/
Shopee : https://shopee.co.th/fil.shop
