Single wiper

"Whips with 1 wiper"

You will have noticed that many rally cars and motor sport cars have just one single wiper blade.

This is becoming a popular modification with car styling enthusiasts. In motor sport the aim is to reduce the drag caused by having 2 blades.

What are the drawbacks? A single wiper covers less of the screen leaving the top edges unswept.

Leaving it parked in the upright position will become an obstacle to vision. You need to comply with local legislation where most countries will insist that the wiper is parked horizontally instead of vertically.

The passenger side wipers mounting is usually centrally mounted thereby removing the need for drilling. A single wiper conversion kit will include everything you need which will mean.

1) A new wiper motor (sometimes your stock motor will suffice)

2) New wiper blades and arms, these will be longer than your standard ones.

3) New wiper mechanism with levers and rods connecting the arms to the motor providing a 180 degree sweep operation.

A good kit will alter the sweep of the wiper so it is slightly lower in the middle and this will actually help to cover more of the screen enabling you to have a longer blade.

If you cannot find a suitable kit you may be able to cannibalise the rear wiper mechanism from a larger car to fit and work your single front wiper.

Observe the sweep carefully - the last thing you want is for the wipers to try and cut through your bodywork.

Never connect the blades and wipers for the first time with them resting on the windows, instead fit them at 90 degrees so they will rotate in the air rather than cause damage to your bodywork should you get the sweep wrong. If you are happy with your 180 degree sweep rest the wipers on the windscreen and check they are seated properly.

Removal and fitting is usually straightforward enough with most cars giving access to the wiper mechanism via the engine bay.

You will be left with an empty hole where the original drivers side wiper was. This can be filled and sprayed to match the bodywork. You could get a plastic blanking disc to slot in (this is the best option as it means the car can be easily returned to standard wiper operation.) Alternatively you can just remove the arm leaving the drivers side bolt in place (this will look messy though but is probably the eaisest option.)