roverman Posted November 1, 2007 Share Posted November 1, 2007 A few years ago when we were in Spain I noticed that the Spanish used corks from wine bottles to keep the wiper blades off the screen to save them from getting set in one angle. Having tried this during the winter when the van was off the road I found it worked for me and eliminated the squeal when they were in use. If you drive away and forget to take the cork out as soon as you use the wiper they drop with out effecting the operation. :-D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Tracker Posted November 1, 2007 Share Posted November 1, 2007 Brilliant idea William, I wonder where I could get an abundant supply of corks from? Any ideas? Would also work in the winter to stop wipers freezing to windscreen if you are unfortunate enough to live where you get frosts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul M Posted November 1, 2007 Share Posted November 1, 2007 :-D :-D :-D :-D WHY LAY YOUR VAN UP FOR THE WINTER? You have spent a lot of money on your van get the most out of it and using it all the winter it will save you on corks! Paul Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Tracker Posted November 2, 2007 Share Posted November 2, 2007 I don't lay my van up for the winter as we use it all year, but it matters not whether the van is in or out of use as the corking idea is a real corker and so cost effective too! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
piote25mx Posted November 2, 2007 Share Posted November 2, 2007 any homebrew shop ,remember to put a lenth of cord on each and tie it to the wiper arm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Tracker Posted November 2, 2007 Share Posted November 2, 2007 piote25mx - 2007-11-02 4:24 PM any homebrew shop ,remember to put a lenth of cord on each and tie it to the wiper arm You surely don't mean go out and BUY some corks I hope David? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twooks Posted November 2, 2007 Share Posted November 2, 2007 Tracker - 2007-11-02 4:27 PM piote25mx - 2007-11-02 4:24 PM any homebrew shop ,remember to put a lenth of cord on each and tie it to the wiper arm You surely don't mean go out and BUY some corks I hope David? can you buy just the cork then :-> B-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michele Posted November 2, 2007 Share Posted November 2, 2007 You can buy them in tesco's in packs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Tracker Posted November 2, 2007 Share Posted November 2, 2007 Unless you know anyone who drinks wine? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian Kirby Posted November 2, 2007 Share Posted November 2, 2007 Tracker - 2007-11-01 3:55 PM Brilliant idea William, I wonder where I could get an abundant supply of corks from? Any ideas? ............. Er, bottles, preferably full! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ralph Posted November 2, 2007 Share Posted November 2, 2007 Have to be Brian. Empty ones usually have the cork missing :-D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek Uzzell Posted November 2, 2007 Share Posted November 2, 2007 This is a time-honoured wheeze and I'm pretty sure it was mentioned fairly recently in MMM's "Interchange" columns in an inquiry about extending the longevity of wiper-blades. From what I recall GC advised that the best ploy was to remove the blades during extended periods of vehicle non-use and store them out of the light. I've used the 'cork trick' for years using synthetic corks rather than natural ones (though there's no shortage of either type Chez Uzzell!) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ralph Posted November 6, 2007 Share Posted November 6, 2007 Derek Uzzell - 2007-11-02 7:11 PM This is a time-honoured wheeze and I'm pretty sure it was mentioned fairly recently in MMM's "Interchange" columns in an inquiry about extending the longevity of wiper-blades. True and I remember reading it ages ago but I guess this proved that it's still worth while repeating things that "everybody knows" I had forgotten all about it and this thread prompted me to hang onto a couple of corks and try it out. Yes it works perfectly so I'm glad it was posted again. Thanks William. At present only one post so come back and "talk" to us again. :-D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
roverman Posted November 9, 2007 Author Share Posted November 9, 2007 I have no troubles with the wipers sticking as the are kept clear of the screen, I have to take the van off the road due to my wife being unable to camp in the cold because of illnes. I used to camp 12 monthe a year but now have to make do with memories. :-( Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twooks Posted November 9, 2007 Share Posted November 9, 2007 Hi William - welcome to the madhouse - to you and your wife B-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wingpete Posted November 10, 2007 Share Posted November 10, 2007 The Spanish use the corks to prevent the wiper rubbers sticking when they get so hot the rubber almost melts. Found that out many years ago with cars driven into that hot area. Even had the door capping leather lift when parked up. It does get very hot in their summer *-) For a supply of corks, I have a half filled 5 gallon glass acid bottle of corks. Empty it every year (lol) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
roverman Posted November 24, 2007 Author Share Posted November 24, 2007 If wipers are left unused the rubbers tend to set in one direction, that leads to juddering and poor clearing, the corks pervent this. I even use it between trips when ever the van is sitting even a couple of days in the hot weather. :-D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BGD Posted November 25, 2007 Share Posted November 25, 2007 Don't 'spose you'll need to use this tip in Britain though - your wipers are in use for about 360 days a year there. He hehehehe........ B-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigal55 Posted November 26, 2007 Share Posted November 26, 2007 BGD - 2007-11-25 12:49 AM Don't 'spose you'll need to use this tip in Britain though - your wipers are in use for about 360 days a year there. He hehehehe........ B-) >:-( >:-( >:-( >:-( >:-( :-( :-( :-( Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
djchapple Posted November 28, 2007 Share Posted November 28, 2007 Go to Ireland it seems that are used 500 days per year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
piote25mx Posted February 26, 2008 Share Posted February 26, 2008 i am sure someone will come up with a high tec devise, how about a spring loaded devise to counter balance the wiper blade in the parked position, fixed to the motorhome so it springs out the way when the blades start to move. costing about £100.ha ha ha ha .dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ranger Posted March 7, 2008 Share Posted March 7, 2008 When I park I switch the wipers on and turn the key to OFF when the wipers are half way up the screen, then the rubber is turned over to the oposite way to where it was when parked, so no juddering noises from hardened rubber blades. Simple like me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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