Car Wiper Components and Tips for Dealing with Its Damage
In a car, there are very important electrical components that support the car's performance, namely the Wiper. Car wipers have interconnected components, including the battery, fuse, relay, connecting cables, and combination switch. All these components form a single unit of the Wiper that supports the car's function as a means of transportation.
What is a Wiper?
The wiper or Windshield system is a mechanism in a car that functions to wipe the front glass and clean it from water or dew. This component is very important, especially when the car is driving in the rain. Or in the morning when it is still dewy and foggy.
With the presence of wipers, drivers can see the road clearly. Thus providing comfort while driving. At the same time, it increases the car's safety from hazardous road and surrounding conditions. Wipers are also beneficial for keeping the car looking clean, attractive, and ready to use.
Car Wiper Components and Their Functions
Car wipers have five components, each with its own function, namely:
1. Wiper Blade
The wiper blade, also known as the wiper arm, is shaped like a sword and functions to sweep away water that sticks to the car's front glass. This way, the driver's view can be clearer and safer.
The wiper blade consists of two very important parts, namely the rubber and the frame. The rubber functions to clean dew and water that sticks to the glass. Meanwhile, the frame serves as a place for the rubber or wiper structure to attach. When wiping water on the glass surface, the wiper will move back and forth regularly with the elastic rubber on the frame.
2. Wiper Arm
The best car wipers must have a wiper arm, which is the part located under the wiper blade. This wiper functions as an arm that connects the wiper drive part with the wiper blade. Thus, the rubber frame can move dynamically while cleaning water or dew.
The wiper arm also ensures that the wiper blade adheres well to the glass. This component contains a spring used to apply pressure to the wiper blade. Thus, the water cleaning process is more even and thorough.
3. Wiper Link Mechanism
Wipers also need a wiper drive mechanism to convert the back-and-forth motion. With this component, the wiper can work more optimally and support the components above it, namely the wiper blade and arm. This component consists of several parts, namely:
a. Connecting rod
This part functions to connect the movement to the wiper arm that comes from the crank rod.
b. Crank rod
The crank rod is a part of the wiper that functions to convert rotational motion into back-and-forth motion.
c. Wiper short arm
The short arm is the short wiper arm part in the wiper mechanism. At the end of this arm, there is a bolt, and at the other end, there is a hinge.
d. Pivot arm
The pivot arm is part of the wiper mechanism that serves as the wiper arm's axis. Thus, other components can move back and forth in an orderly manner.
e. Wiper link
Next, there is a rod that connects the right and left short arms so that the wiper can move together.
4. Wiper Motor
The wiper motor is a component that functions to convert electrical energy into rotational energy. Thus, from this component, the power source for the wiper emerges and works optimally. The wiper uses a DC electric motor with a slightly different motor speed reduction mechanism.
On the wiper shaft, there is a worm gear that functions to reduce the motor's rotation to be slower. With this component, the wiper continues to move smoothly even at high speeds. The speed reduction moves the wiper arm in an orderly manner and is not affected by the car's speed.
5. Wiper Electricity Control
The last component in the wiper is the electricity control or its electrical part. Without an electrical circuit, the wiper cannot work properly or may even stop. Because the energy used converts electrical energy into motion. This electrical circuit is quite complicated as it has one switch with different speeds.
Tips for Dealing with Wiper Damage
As the car is used, the wiper will also experience damage or problems, including:
1. Worn Rubber
When the rubber wears out and hardens, immediately replace the wiper rubber. Because tight rubber can make the water surface not clean evenly and can even cause scratches.
2. Slow Wiper Movement
The cause of a slow wiper is a dirty drive system. Therefore, clean the coil resistance to restore its cleanliness. A slow wiper can also be caused by rust on the wiper elements. If so, clean the rusty parts with anti-rust fluid.
3. Stuck Car Wiper
When the wiper does not move, it could be due to a worn electric motor. To fix this, you can replace the electric motor with a new one. It could also be caused by a blown fuse that interrupts the electrical current.
4. Damaged Wiper Dynamo
If the dynamo in the wiper is damaged, it can cause the coil to burn. This is caused by a dead electrical connection. Therefore, it must be replaced with a new one to function properly again.
5. Insufficient Water Spray
Another common problem with wipers is insufficient or low water spray. This is caused by a clogged hole in the washer head. To fix this, you can remove the tank, mix it with gravel, and shake it continuously. Once the dirt in the tank is gone, clean it again and close it properly.
Car wipers are very important for maintaining the cleanliness and appearance of the vehicle. Especially when the front glass surface is dusty, dewy, and wet due to natural factors. With the presence of wipers and their components, drivers can be more comfortable, safe, and clear when viewing the road conditions and direction.
Read also: Guide to Learning Manual Cars for Beginners
