Audi Windscreen Wiper Maintenance
Did you know that the windscreen wipers on your Audi are important for your safety? The wipers keep your windscreen clean, giving you better visibility on the road, which in turn allows you to drive safely. It is therefore important to replace them often if you want to remain safe on the road.
But how often should you replace your Audi’s windscreen wipers?
We answer that question in this blog post, along with signs that mean you need new blades, how to find the correct wipers for your Audi, and how to keep your wiper blades in top condition
So let’s get started!
Why Should I Replace the Windscreen Wipers on My Audi?
To drive safely it is necessary to have a clear, unobstructed view of the road. When driving in challenging weather conditions like rain, snow, or sleet, windscreen wipers play a crucial role in maintaining clear vision.
Over time, the wiper blades on your Audi will eventually become worn out and not function as effectively, resulting in smears or streaks on the windscreen that can obscure your vision while driving.
Worn wiper blades can also cause damage to your windscreen – the metal wiper arms could touch against the glass and scratch it. This could lead to the windscreen needing to be replaced completely.
Therefore, replacing your windscreen wipers regularly will ensure optimum visibility and prevent costly repairs.
Our skilled technicians at Gents Garage can repair or replace your windscreen wipers. Contact our reception team today to schedule an appointment.
Signs That Your Windscreen Wipers Need to Be Replaced
The following signs indicate worn-out wipers:
- Streaking: When streaking happens, you may see hazy patterns on the windscreen that are caused by worn or damaged wiper blades.
- Skipping: The wiper blades on your Audi may have hardened or warped if they don’t make steady contact with the windscreen. Avoid ignoring this issue as it could end in costly repairs down the road.
- Smearing: If your wipers smear water instead of clearing your windscreen, you may lose visibility on the road.
If you spot these warning signs early, you can act to maintain the effectiveness of your wipers which will improve your safety on the road.
Which Windscreen Wipers Are Right for My Audi?
The following windscreen wipers are available for your Audi:
- Traditional Rubber Blades: Out of the three options, these are the most common windscreen blades. In addition to being cost-effective, they also perform well regardless of the weather. They can, however, wear out relatively quickly, especially at extreme temperatures, so they need to be replaced more frequently.
- Silicone Blades: Due to their durability and efficiency, silicone blades are ideal for harsh weather conditions. Furthermore, they are quiet and have a smooth operation. However, their superior performance and durability make them more expensive.
- Beam Blades: With beam blades, you’re getting the latest windscreen wiper technology. They have an all-in-one design without any external framing. Modern vehicles have curved windscreens, which fit perfectly with this design. However, they are more expensive despite their excellent performance.
Your budget, local weather conditions, and the frequency of replacement all play a role in choosing the best windscreen wipers for your Audi.
Choosing the Right Wiper Blade Size for Your Audi
Your owner’s manual will tell you what size wiper blade you need for your specific Audi model.
However, you can take a more hands-on approach and measure the blades yourself if you don’t have access to your owner’s manual.
You can use a tape measure to measure the length of the blade from one end to the other. Do this for both front and rear wipers since their sizes will likely differ.
In addition, you can also shop online. You can find databases at some online stores that will tell you the correct wiper blade size for your Audi based on the year and model.
Our Audi specialists at Gents Garage can assist you if neither of these options is suitable for you or if you would prefer professional assistance. In addition to decades of experience working on all Audi models, we also possess the skills necessary to solve any problems you may be experiencing with your Audi.
Tools and Materials for Replacing Audi Wiper Blades
In order to replace your Audi wiper blades, you will need the following to hand:
- New wiper blades – New wiper blades that are specifically designed for your Audi model should be purchased from an automotive retailer or local Audi parts store.
- A screwdriver – You will require a flathead or a Phillips head screwdriver depending on your model of Audi.
- A pair of needle-nose pliers – You may need pliers if your Audi wiper arm is stiff or difficult to adjust.
- A soft cloth or towel – Protect your windscreen with a soft cloth or towel during the replacement process.
- A pair of robust gloves – You can protect your hands from the metal components of your window wiper blades by wearing gloves.
Need help? We are happy to hear from you. Our Audi experts can install new wiper blades. Get in touch with Gents Garage as soon as possible for a quality fix.
How to Replace Audi Wiper Blades
Looking to replace your Audi wiper blades? You can ask our Audi expert technicians for assistance, or follow our step-by-step guide to do it yourself:
- Turn off the engine to ensure that the wiper blades do not accidentally move.
- Make sure your wiper arm is upright so you can easily access the blade assembly.
- You can find the release mechanism near the joint where the wiper blade meets the arm (it will either be a small tab or button). This will vary depending on your Audi model.
- While holding the tab or button down, carefully pull the wiper blade toward the windscreen.
- Your wiper blade should be able to be removed from the wiper arm of your vehicle. In case the first pull does not work, press the tab again and repeat the pulling action.
- In order to avoid damaging your windscreen, you should let the wiper arm go down gently once the wiper blade has been disconnected.
- Consult your owner’s manual or contact your local Audi parts dealer to make sure you have the right wiper blades for your model.
- Taking care not to damage the windscreen, lift the wiper arm away from it.
- Make sure the blade is aligned with the wiper arm of your vehicle.
- Attach the new blade, ensuring that it is firmly seated in the clip until you hear a click. Your new Audi wiper blade should now fit securely.
- Gently reposition the wiper arm against the windscreen.
- Repeat the process for the other wiper blade.
- Perform a test run by switching on the windscreen wipers to ensure that all new blades align correctly and function as expected.
Refer to your Audi owner’s manual if you are unsure of the exact specifications of the wiper blades you need.
Have you had trouble changing the wiper blades on your Audi? That’s understandable. Get new blades installed by our Audi experts by calling Gents Garage today and booking an appointment.
Tips for Maintaining Audi Windscreen Wipers
The best way to ensure your Audi wipers are in good working order is to maintain them regularly. Keeping your wipers in good shape can be achieved by following these tips:
- Regular cleaning: Cleaning your blades regularly will prevent dust, grime, and other road debris from accumulating on them. Wipe the blades gently with a damp cloth once a week or so to keep them clean.
- Use approved Audi windscreen washer fluid: It’s recommended that you use Audi-approved windscreen washer fluid instead of plain water. This is because the effect of plain water on a dirty windscreen may be less effective, and can freeze during cold weather.
- Park in a sheltered area: When you’re not using your car, park it in a sheltered area. As a result, your Audi wipers will be protected from extreme weather conditions. Additionally, freezing conditions can stiffen and crack your Audi blades, while UV rays from sunlight can dry out and crack the rubber.
- Lift your wipers off of the windscreen during harsh weather: Despite its simplicity, this is one of the most overlooked tips for keeping blades in good condition. During frosty weather, you can prevent your Audi wipers from sticking to your windscreen by simply lifting them up.
Follow these simple maintenance steps to extend the life and performance of your Audi windscreen wipers.
Is There a Recommended Replacement Interval for Windscreen Wipers?
For your Audi to remain road safe, you must maintain your windscreen wipers.
At Gents Garage, we recommend replacing your windscreen wipers every 12 months.
However, this may change depending on the following factors:
- Usage
- Environmental conditions
- The quality of the wiper blades used
In order to maintain windscreen wipers, we recommend inspecting them every six months.
Are there streaks on your windscreen or squeaking sounds during the operation of your wipers? You may need to replace your wipers if you notice these signs. Get in touch with Gents Garage today if you need assistance.
Summary
Regularly replacing the windscreen wipers is essential for maintaining your Audi’s performance. Additionally, your safety can be ensured if you have clear visibility on the road.
With the right tools and step-by-step instructions within this guide, you’ll be able to handle this maintenance task yourself at home.
However, don’t worry if you don’t feel confident doing it yourself, we’re here to assist.
Our Audi experts at Gents Garage can assist you with any aspect of Audi maintenance. With decades of experience, we keep your Audi running at its best, whether it needs a windscreen wiper replacement or something more complex. Whenever you need us, we are here to help.
Get your Audi maintenance handled by Gents Garage. Call us today to schedule a windscreen wiper service.
