How Frequently Should I Replace My Lincoln's Wiper Blades?

In this age of multiple airbags, collision prevention sensors, and radar blind-spot monitors, it's easy to forget one of the very first safety devices fitted to early automobiles: the windshield wiper. Without the windshield wiper, you wouldn't be able to even see the road in a heavy rain or snow storm. And if a truck splashes through a puddle and soaks your windshield, you'd be driving blind until the water ran off. Yet many of us don't pay enough attention to this simple device that's so important to the safety of the driver and passengers.

When is the Right Time to Change Your Wiper Blades?

Most drivers believe that it's time to change their windshield wipers when the windows remain streaky while the wiper's in use. While the Lincoln Motor Company recommends the replacement of your windshield wipers when streaks appear there are automotive experts and other premium manufacturers that recommend replacing windshield wiper blades at six-month intervals, regardless of whether they are streaking or not.

This is a preventive measure as you may find that your wipers appear to be clearing your windshield adequately. However, sunlight, ozone, and other airborne containments are constantly attacking your wiper blades, and those wipers that worked perfectly one week could produce an ineffective streaking of your windshield one or more weeks later.

The Young Visitor Who Invented the Windshield Wiper

Interestingly enough the windshield wiper was invented by a woman from Alabama who was visiting New York City in the winter of 1902.  Traveling through the city by streetcar Miss Anderson noted that the driver had to stop frequently to clear the snow from the windshield.  As it caused system delays, Miss Anderson pondered the problem and when she returned to Birmingham she designed an apparatus that used a blade to clear the windshield. She submitted a drawing and description of her Window Cleaning Device to the US Patent Office, which granted her patent number 743,801.

While Mary Anderson's device was operated by a hand crank, the windshield wipers of today are a great deal more sophisticated.

Modern Windshield Wiper Systems

The basic windshield wiper system consists of a fast-spinning DC motor connected to a gear-reduction unit. This unit both slows the speed of the wiper as well as increases its torque. From the gear-reduction unit, a series of links transfers the motion to the wiper arms and blades. Today there are a variety of variations and improvements to the system.  These run the gamut from wipers that can be set to operate intermittently, wipers on the rear of certain vehicles, even wiper systems that sense rain and activate themselves. However all share in common Mary Anderson's rubber wiper blade.

Today over 800 different models of new vehicle have been fitted with Beam Blades over the last 17 years.  Beam Blades provide constant pressure against the windshield for better clearing as well as a more aerodynamic shape to help improve fuel economy. Lincoln of Troy only replaces worn blades with official Motorcraft Beam Blades rather than the older-style multi-segment wiper blades you might find on display at an auto parts store.

While at your next service at Lincoln of Troy, remember it's not about whether they're operating streak free today but whether they'll still be able to clear your windshield in a rainstorm or snowstorm in two months, and you'll make the right choice. And recall the young inventor Mary Anderson the first time you switch on your new wiper blades.

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