Battling the Elements: Why Windscreen Wiper Maintenance is Crucial for Bus and Coach Safety
We all know the frustration of driving with streaky wipers in a downpour. But for bus and coach drivers, the stakes are much higher. Navigating a busy motorway in torrential rain with a bus full of passengers, and vision is obscured by a smeared windscreen is a recipe for disaster. That’s why maintaining windscreen wipers on these large vehicles isn’t just about clear vision; it’s about ensuring the safety of everyone on board and those sharing the road.
While all vehicles benefit from wiper maintenance, wind, snow, and rain create a perfect storm of challenges for buses and coach windscreens. Their large surface area acts like a sail, catching more wind and debris. Imagine the force of a gale-force wind propelling tiny stones or sharp branches towards the windscreen. This constant bombardment can quickly damage wiper blades, leading to those dreaded streaks and smears.
The sheer mileage these vehicles cover exposes them to a wider range of road conditions. Think about the grime and grit accumulated on a cross-country journey, or the corrosive salt sprayed on roads during winter. These contaminants build up on the windscreen and wiper blades, turning them into virtual sandpaper that gradually degrades the wiper rubber and even scratches the glass.
But the consequences of neglecting wiper maintenance go beyond just annoying streaks. Poor visibility significantly increases driver fatigue as they strain to see through the murk. This can lead to slower reaction times and impaired judgment, increasing the risk of accidents. In extreme cases, severely worn wipers can fail completely, leaving the driver momentarily blinded.
Salt and Road Grime.
In most parts of the country, salt used during winter months and the constant accumulation of road grime compound the problem. Salt crystals are particularly insidious, causing rapid degradation of wiper blade rubber and creating micro-abrasions that compromise the wipers’ ability to clear the windscreen effectively. This is especially critical for buses and coaches that cover long distances and encounter diverse environmental conditions.
Safety Implications
Poorly maintained windscreen wipers can lead to:
- Reduced visibility during critical moments
- Increased risk of accidents during adverse weather conditions
- Potential windscreen damage from worn or damaged wiper blades
- Compromised driver safety and passenger confidence.
Maintenance Recommendations
To combat these challenges, bus and coach operators should:
- Regularly inspect wiper blades for signs of wear
- Replace wiper blades at least twice a year or more frequently in harsh environments.
- Clean windscreens thoroughly to remove salt, debris, and grime.
- Use OEM quality wiper blades designed for heavy-duty use.
- Check wiper blade tension and windscreen washer fluid levels regularly.
While some may view wiper maintenance as an additional expense, it is far more cost-effective than dealing with the consequences of poor visibility. Accidents, and vehicle downtime far outweigh the minimal cost of regular wiper blade replacement and maintenance.
As buses and coaches continue to be the lifeline of public transportation, ensuring clear visibility becomes a critical responsibility. Wind, storms, salt, and road debris are constant threats that demand proactive maintenance. By prioritising windscreen wiper care, operators can ensure the safety of their drivers, passengers, and other road users.
At the Matador Company quality is at the heart of our business. As manufacturers of windscreen wiper and washer systems specified by some of the leading vehicle manufacturers, we embrace the challenge of keeping pace with the advances in material and manufacturing demanded by our clients. This has made us a highly respected, quality OEM source for bus and coach manufacturers as well as in other equally critical sectors like rail and construction. With over 50 years’ experience in the wiper industry, Matador® can understand our client requirements and bring our expertise to provide tailored solutions to their questions.
Visit our website, and get in touch with us to find the answer to your wiper and washer problems