A windshield wiper is a device used to remove rain, snow, ice, washer fluid, water, or other debris from a vehicle’s front window to maintain clear visibility. It typically consists of a metal arm pivoted at one end with a long rubber blade at the other end, driven by an electric or pneumatic motor to sweep across the glass. The speed of the wiper is usually adjustable, and many vehicles also feature a windscreen washer system that sprays fluid to help clean the windshield.

Windshield wipers come in various types including radial arms commonly used on personal automobiles and pantograph arms on commercial vehicles. There are also different types of wiper blades such as beam blades and conventional blades, some with specialized coatings for better water repellency and performance in ice or snow conditions.

Popular recommended wiper blades include the Rain-X Latitude Water Repellency for its hydrophobic coating and performance, Bosch Icon for excellent water removal and ease of installation, Aero Voyager for value and performance, and Trico Flex as a budget-friendly option without additional features like a locking clasp.

Special features on some vehicles include additional heaters aimed at the windows or embedded heating wires in the glass or the wiper blades themselves to prevent ice buildup and improve winter performance.

Overall, windshield wipers are a crucial safety feature required on almost all motor vehicles to ensure clear visibility under various weather conditions.