The Friction In Motion
Ever wondered how our rubber erasers turn from a rubber brick to a little ball over time? That’s friction in play. Friction is the bane of all wear and tear, especially on rubber surfaces. Friction also generates heat due to the rubber molecules dragging on the surface. This friction turns into energy, and energy turns into heat during this process. That’s how rubber materials, such as the ones on windshield wipers, get worn out after prolonged usage.
The Damages of Sunlight
The process of rubber hardening and crumbling after a prolonged exposure to heat is called Rubber Degradation. This phenomenon is caused by a chain hardening of rubber molecules from sunlight and UV rays. The heat from sunlight dries up any moisture in the rubber squeegee.
Minerals Inside Rainwater
Outdoor elements would really further accelerate the wear and tear of your windshield wipers. If you live near an industrial area, the smog and air pollution accumulated in the region eventually will come back down as acid rain. Cars that are frequently parked outside near industrial areas will eventually have many parts corroded. The acidic chemicals in the rainwater will burn and deteriorate the rubber materials in the squeegee.