HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1991-10-16, Page 14PAGE 14. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1991.
Evolution of wiper design: something for everyone
Ever since the first motorized
windshield wiper appeared in the
U.S. in 1916, motorists have been
searching for the ultimate wipe.
The most notable advances in the
evolution of the windshield wiper
have been in relation to manufac
ture of the squeegee, the part of the
wiper that actually touches the
windshield.
“Until very recently, drivers were
limited to buying ordinary black
rubber wiper blades providing lim
ited performance and endurance,”
says Jennifer Runyeon, president of
Lifetime Automotive Products in
Dallas, Texas. “Now, motorists can
choose from a variety of high per
formance, premium wipers.
Options include single and multi
edged squeegees, aerodynamic
frames as well as frames and
squeegees in colours from tradi
tional black to blue and even neon
pink. Furthermore, synthetic,
extruded wipers have been devel
oped that offer greatly-improved
visibility and don't have to be
replaced like the old-fashioned rub
ber blades.”
The first rumblings of change in
the wiper industry began in 1988,
when synthetic, multi-edge designs
were first introduced. Whereas con
ventional rubber wiper blades wear
out and must be replaced every six
months, synthetic wipers can last
almost indefinitely.
THE EFFECT OF
HIGHER SPEED
The re-introduction of increased
speed limits on some highways has
also affected wiper design. At high
speeds wipers are prone to “chat
ter,” which interferes with a clear
wiping action and results in streaks
and smears on the glass. Wiper
designers have responded with an
aerodynamic, Euro-styled wiper
with “air harnessing” features to
allow smooth air flow.
Winter blades, sometimes
referred to as snow blades, are
designed with heavy steel frames
encased in a rubber boot to prevent
moisture from collecting and freez
ing at the joints or flexors on the
blade, thereby preventing streaks
and other impairments to vision for
the driver. The weight of winter
blades, as is the case with twin
blades, can add tremendous strain
to the wiper motors and thus quick
ly wear them out.
For car owners who see wipers as
another way to match or accent the
colour of their car, double wiper
blades with neon colour frames
were introduced several years ago.
A NEW GENERATION
According to Runyeon, “Silicone
wipers are the next generation in
wipers. Some industry experts
believe windshield wipers on most
new cars will be made of silicone
by model year 1997.”
Just like other synthetics, silicone
wipers are virtually impervious to
sunlight, oxidation, ozone, oil, salt,
water, and chemicals. Silicone can
actually withstand temperature
variations from -90 degrees to well
over 250 degrees Fahrenheit.
With such a variety of wipers
from which to choose, why do mil
lions of motorists still suffer from
poor wipe quality? Perhaps they are
still using wipers made of rubber.
Over time, even the most expensive
wipers lose their effectiveness if
the squeegee or refill element is
made of rubber. Streaking, smear
ing and poor cleaning are condi
tions generally associated with
worn-out rubber blades.
ADVANTAGES OF
SYNTHETICS
Today's wiper blades must be
able to withstand long periods of
exposure to sunlight, rain, snow;
extreme temperatures, washer sol
vent, pollution, salt and tar as well
as the abuse of ice scrapers and car
wash equipment. Only wipers made
of synthetic materials can hold up
under such extreme conditions,
eliminating the bi-yearly wiper
replacement chore and expense.
THE CAR
THAT’S TOUGHER
THAN THE TIMES
IS NOW
EASIER TO BUY.
Right now, your Volvo dealer is
offering extraordinary deals on all
240 and 700 series sedans and
wagons — the cars that have built a
reputation for exceptional safety
and durability.
Call it an opportunity for cer
tain value in the midst of our
uncertain times.
And, especially considering the
240 DL and 740 GL have both
been rated as having the best over
all value of any car in their classes?
a new Volvo is an intelligent shelter
for your investment as well as
your family.
See your Volvo dealer now for
prices so extraordinary they'll help
you survive more VOLVO
than JUSt the times. A car you can believe in.
You can purchase a
1991 Volvo 240 automatic a $20,599.00
• Plus freight, preserve®, m«Wic pant • Appbcabie faxes
"Canada's Oldest Volvo Dealer"
M-W MOTORS LTD.
Sales • Service • Parts • Leasing
300 SUNCOAST DRIVE EAST, GODERICH
(TO ..WERVICE
dutopor
£FALU
SPECIALS
JJJ
OIL AND FILTER CHANGE
Unstall up to 4 litres of Autopar Engine Oil and an Autopar
Oil Filter • Inspect C-V joint boots (where applicable).
Good until Oct. 31
MOST CARS
M9.95
MOST UGHT
DUTY TRUCKS
$19.95
4 CYL
’34.95
6 CYL
’43.95
8 CYL
ENGINE TUNE-UP
•Install new Autopar spark plugs «Check plug wires, distributor
cap, rotor, coil, PCV valve, belts, hoses, compression, air filter V6 CYL
and battery «AdJust timing and idle - (N/A fuel injected vehicles). ’44.95 ’54.95
OUR SERVICE IS AS GOOD AS GOLD
MOTORS
INC.
Huron
County’s
Foremost
Car
Dealer
Brussels
887-6173
Complete f.
Muffler Warranty
As Long As You Own The Car
10% Discount on all
Exhaust Systems.
Repairs to all Makes & Models
$6.95*
OWLV
10 Point check includes:
1 - Check Antifreeze
2 - Check Washer Fluid
3 - Check Fan Belts
4 • Check Rad Hoses
5 - Check Heater Controls
6 * Check Heater Blowers
7 - Check Tires
8 * Check Lights
9 - Check Wipers
10- Check Washers
8
E
1990
PONTIAC
y TRANSPORT
7 Passenger Van, Loaded
-y’15000. J
IF YOUR OLD CAR WON’T MAKE IT THROUGH THE
WINTER... CHECK THESE SPECIALS
YR.MAKE EQUIPMENT KM'S WAS NOW
1987 Pontiac 6000 Wagon air conditioning 98000 7700.6700.
1986 Olds 98 Regency 4 Door Brougham 101000 9250.7500.
1986 Olds 88 Royale 4 Door, AC, cruise 132000 9300.6900.
1985 Olds Supreme 4 Door, V6, Air 136000 6200.5500.
1985 Olds 88 Royale 4 Door, V8, AC,
Power seat 86000 6450.5900.
1985 Olds 98 Regency 4 Door Brougham 133000 8300.6500.
1985 Chevrolet Celebrity 4 Door, V6 127000 4900.3950.
1985 Chevrolet Celebrity 4 Door, V6, Air 125000 5800.4950.
1985 Chevrolet Caprice Estate Wagon,
9 Pass.180000 5800.4900
1984 Ford Tempo 2 Door G LX, AC 160000 3100.2750.
1985 Chevrolet 1 Ton V8,4 Speed 113000 5995.5200.
1985 Chevrolet 1/2 Ton V8, 4 Speed 160000 4500.4000
1990
PONTIAC
6000 LE
4 Door, V6 Engine,
Loaded
’13,900
j. l. McCutcheon
MOTORS LTD.
CALL 887-6856
YOUR FRIENDLY CHEV-OLDS
DEALER IN BRUSSELS