A wiper blade has the best possible wiping quality for approx. 1/2 years. This corresponds to approx. 125.000 wiping cycles or a wiped area of 13 football fields. After this the wiping quality decreases continuously.
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When the windshield is fully moistened the wiper blade floats on a 20...200 nm (Nanometer)
(1 nm=1/1 000 000 mm) thin water film, here the friction is essentially lower than on a dry windshield. If the windshield is only partially moistened, noise development can occur in the transition for the wet to the dry zone.
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Negative influencing quantities of the wiper blade on the result of wiping
The following complaint patterns occur in practice:
a) Aging due to environmental influences (heat, cold, ice, snow, ozone, UV radiation).
b) Stowage deformation of the wiper profile due to long-lasting stowage of the rubber profile.
c) Damaged microedge.
d) Dirt particles striking the windshield deposit themselves on the rubber profile which is in the rest position.
e) Use of unsuitable cleaning agents und methods.
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Repair and supporting information:
Lift the wiper blades up off the windshield surface regularly so that the dirt particles can full down. Clean the windshield surface and rubber profile regularly.
Clean the rubber profile with a clean cleaning cloth. In the process carefully wipe over the rubber profile once, as otherwise the graphite coating will be removed. The graphite coating is a sliding/protective coating, it reduces the noise development and the premature aging of the rubber profile.
As recommended in the operator's manual, the wiper blade should be replaced twice a year (in spring and autumn) as the rubber profile is subject to wear, irrespective of the frequency of use.
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f) Incorrect angle of incidence of wiper arm.
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Repair and supporting information:
In each wiping direction the wiper blade is drawn over the windshield so that only the microedge of the rubber profile makes contact. If the rubber profile is not repositioned immediately in the reversal points, this can lead to rattling and fluttering of the wiper blade. Checking the angle of incidence is required with the special tool W 211 589 02 21 00.
See Testing and repair work in WIS: FG 82.30.
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g) Damage due to external force
Frozen up wiper blade are torn off through the operation of the windshield wiper and the microedge is damaged . In isolated cases the rubber profile can be disconnected from the spring rail
Do not loosen frozen up wiper blades with an ice scraper resulting in damage
Do not use wiper blades on an iced up windshield (wiper blades are no backup for an ice scraper)
Continuing to bend the spring rail in the wiper blade to correct a fault is not permissible as the spring rail will be permanently damaged
Destruction of end caps by uncontrolled striking of the wiper blades on the windshield out of the folded up position
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Repair and supporting information:
Loosen frozen up wiper blades with deicer.
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Noise complaints in the low temperature temperature range are attributable to changing material properties of the rubber profile. The critical temperature is in the range of approx.. 0 °C to +4 °C.
Due to the movement of the wiper blade rubber piece on the windshield and the resultant natural abrasion characteristics the sharp cut microedge of the rubber profile is rounded off. This leads to lines and streaks on the windshield.
Damage due to external force is chargeable to the customer.
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Transport wiper blade
A transport wiper blade is assembled at the factory to protect the wiper blade in various model series as per national requirements. This simple design of plastic wiper blade is only suitable for use during the transport/storage phase of the new vehicle to protect the original wiper blade.
Removal of the transport wiper blade and installation of the original wiper blade only shortly before vehicle handover to the customer.
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