Rear Window Wiper = Short Blade Life?

I do notice that the inner edge of the wipers wears away faster than the outer edges, probably because the wiper arm puts more pressure on the inner edges. The center of gravity of the wiper blades is further forward from the wiper arm connecting point. Creates an asymmetrical load from inner to outer, and therefore the inner parts wear away and start tearing quicker.

Yousuf Khan

Mine seems to be just the opposite in that the outer end goes first but it might be similar physics in action. Real PITA no matter what is causing it since the front wipers are used far more frequently and cover larger arcs.

----------------------------------- "John McGaw" skrev i nyhetsmeldingen: _Nzox.74275$K% snipped-for-privacy@fx22.iad ...

Is it normal for the rubber blades on a rear wiper to break down much faster than the windshield wipers? It seems that I go through two rears for every on in the front on my 2008 Outback. I use top-quality rubber on both but am beginning to suspect that the rears are exposed to more UV and heat because of their more-exposed location -- the front blades are at least a bit shielded by the lip of the hood and may actually get a bit more cooling air over them. Ideas?

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Keeping it simple ... Could'nt it just be that the rear window gathers more dirt than the front, and probably the dirt is allowed to dry and becomes even more abrasive ?

- asbjorn

I don't think that would be likely with my car which is always garaged and washed at least bi-weekly. I keep the windows quite clean and if any window is going to be dirty it would be the side windows in the rear seat and cargo area. I guess if someone was driving in a dusty desert environment it might different. When I lived in Las Vegas I certainly had my share of caked-on material build up on the glass.

I don't think that would be likely with my car which is always garaged and washed at least bi-weekly. I keep the windows quite clean and if any window is going to be dirty it would be the side windows in the rear seat and cargo area. I guess if someone was driving in a dusty desert environment it might different. When I lived in Las Vegas I certainly had my share of caked-on material build up on the glass.

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Sorry for keeping it too simple. My experience is that all cars gather more dirt on the rear than on the front, WHILE DRIVING. Wagons more than sedans, all due to aerodynamics. But naturally, the amount of dirt will wary with location, road condition, weather etc.

- asbjorn

I don't think that would be likely with my car which is always garaged and washed at least bi-weekly. I keep the windows quite clean and if any window is going to be dirty it would be the side windows in the rear seat and cargo area. I guess if someone was driving in a dusty desert environment it might different. When I lived in Las Vegas I certainly had my share of caked-on material build up on the glass.

Nothing like asking a question to the group and then disagreeing with answers.

Four things John directly affect wiper blade life, dirt, sun, blade pressure and the amount of use.

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I hardly use my rear wipers so it really does not get worn out.

I also use the front wipers far more than the rear ones. But one thing that might be relevant: Air flow over the car tends to dump a lot more dirt on the rear of the car. (Vacuum as the fast moving air clears the roof, I suspect, so the air can't hold as much.) So more dust and grime collects on the back window: I know I see a lot more grime there when I clean the windows all around. That might contribute to the wipers wearing faster...? Bob Wilson