Overdrive Magazine | Trucking Business News & Owner Operator Info
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/818577
May 2017 | Overdrive | 39 Southwest. "Drivers that run in the desert tend to find that blades get destroyed by heat and sunlight and almost melt to the windshield," DeGrouchy says. Another option for severe winter driving is heated blades, allowing you to melt snow and ice from wipers while still in the driver's seat. Josh Jenson, operations manager for heated blade manufacturer Everblades, says many trucks have extra auxiliary dashboard switches where a heated wiper system can be connected via plug. Installation requires hooking four wires – a ground wire and a power wire for each blade – into the engine com- partment. "If the blades are fully encrusted in ice, it takes between two and five min- utes to melt them," Jenson says. "The electronics in the system are sealed, so there's no worry of anything getting wet and shorting out." Jenson says the blades typically last as long as nor- mal blades, so they need to be changed once or twice a year. Thermalblade uses built-in thermostats with its blades that begin heat- ing at 38 degrees. Like Everblades, Thermalblade wipers install normally on the windshield but have a wiring harness that goes into the engine compart- ment and connects to the fuse box for power. An Everblades kit of two wipers costs about $140, while Thermalblade wipers retail for $74.99 each. Once the Thermalblade system is installed, the company sells blade replacements for $10 to $20. Everblades replace- ments are $55. WHEN IS IT TIME TO CHANGE BLADES? Wiper blades are worn out if you notice streaking or skipping, the blades missing spots on the windshield, or the rubber separating from the bracket. However, for good preventive maintenance, wipers should be replaced between six and nine months, depending on usage and environment. "A lot of people wait to change them out until they can't see anymore, but it's best to be proactive to avoid that," says Scrubblade's Paul DeGrouchy. "Keep extra sets of blades in the truck, especially between October and March in the winter climates." A good rule of thumb for preventive maintenance, he says, is to change blades when daylight-saving time changes. That ensures you'll start each hot and cold season with a fresh set. Untitled-56 1 4/18/17 1:37 PM