Different Types of Windscreen Wipers and their Movements

As discussed in last month’s blog post, vehicle owners need to closely inspect their windscreen wipers for any tears and holes in the rubber as this can cause the vehicle to fail its MOT. Keeping your windscreen wipers in top working condition will ensure safety on the roads during treacherous conditions which can otherwise impair the driver’s line of vision.

Here’s 8 Windscreen Wiper Movements

Different types, makes and models of vehicles have different windscreen wiper configurations which means that there are a number of ways they can move. Take a look at the guide below to view the variety of ways windscreen wipers operate.

1. Pivot/radial – left hand drive

001 Wiper Motion - LHD

The blade for this windscreen wiper is secured to a single arm which is attached to the motor. It moves in a parallel motion and is most commonly found on left handed cars.

2. Pivot/radial – right hand drive

002 Wiper Motion - RHD

This is the mirror reverse of the first windscreen wiper and is mainly found on right handed cars.

3. Sequential sweep

003 Wiper Motion - Sequential Sweep

The mechanism behind this type of windscreen wiper is far more complicated than other designs as the wipers move in opposite directions at the same time. This allows the blades to cover as much of the windscreen as possible, minimising the risk of a large unwiped corner on the front passenger side of the windscreen.

4. Single blade arm

004 Wiper Motion- Single Blade Arm

Most commonly used on rear windscreens, this single windscreen wiper glides back and forth with a centre pivot to ensure as much coverage as possible.

5. Monoblade

005 Wiper Motion - Motoblade

Using cantilevers, this type of windscreen wiper is attached to a single arm which extends upwards to reach the top corners of the windscreen and glides in at each end and the middle of the windscreen to create an ‘M’ shape. Rather than using two wipers, the single blade allows for wider coverage, moving any excess streaks away from the centre of the windscreen and out of the driver’s line of vision.

6. Pantograph system

006 Wiper Motion - Pantograph sysyem

Used on commercial vehicles with larger windscreens, such as buses and coaches, pantograph systems feature two arms for each wiper blade. Supported by a vertical bar, one arm is attached to a motor and the other is on a pivot. This mechanism allows the blade to cover more of the windscreen with each and every gliding movement which is ideal for larger windscreens. It’s worth noting that when stationary, the wipers stay positioned in the middle of the windscreen which may cause the driver’s line of vision to become partially obstructed when not in use.

7. Dual windscreen wiper arms for two windscreens – pivoted at the top of the windscreen

007 Wiper Motion Dual Top Pivot

Vehicles which feature two windscreens, such as US military wheeled vehicles, jeeps and utility vehicles, use dual wiper arms. These operate on a pivot from the top of the vehicle rather than the conventional way, allowing for better coverage towards the bottom of the windscreen.

8. Dual windscreen wiper arms for two windscreens – pivoted at the bottom of the windscreen

008 Wiper Motion - Dual Bottom Pivot

Most commonly found on older models of car with two front windscreens, such as the iconic Volkswagen ‘split screen’ camper van, this system uses a simple radial design. However, rather than operating on a pivot from the top of the vehicle like the windscreen wipers featured seventh in this list, they work in the conventional way; this allows for better coverage towards the top of the windscreen.

Keeping your windscreen in top working order will ensure safety on the roads and can contribute towards your vehicle passing its MOT. If your windscreen needs to be repaired or replaced, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the highly experienced, fully qualified technicians here at Motorway Windscreens. From vehicle leasing companies and fleet managers to private vehicle owners and car dealerships, we have built up a wide client base due to our fast and efficient services.

Operating throughout Leeds, Grimsby, Sheffield, Doncaster, Chesterfield, Barnsley and the UK, we promise a windscreen repair and replacement service that is second-to-none. To find out more, simply get in touch with us today!