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FAQs
Click
on any question below to find the answer.
NOTE:
Please ensure your vehicle's wiper blade has the proper plastic
adapter piece installed prior to installing the SHAKER™.
It is very easy when you buy a replacement wiper blade every six
months, to install the wrong adapter piece as many adapters are
included with most replacement blades (even mechanics can install
the incorrect piece). If the wrong adapter piece is installed, the
blade may be allowed to move laterally to much, which is not only
bad for normal wiper blade operation, but also, will cause the SHAKER™
to
be less effective.
Q1)
Will the SHAKER™ fit the wiper arm of
my car?
Q2)
I have a "pin & side" type wiper arm on my old mini van. Will the
SHAKER™ fit on it?
Q3)
Will the SHAKER™ cause my wiper blade
to travel any further across my windshield screen?
Q4) Will attaching the SHAKER™
to my vehicle wiper arm, cause any noticeable wear to the life of
my wiper blade, wiper arm or wiper motor?
Q5)
Will the SHAKER™ cause any additional
"wind lift" effect when mounted to the wiper arm?
Q6)
Will the SHAKER™
damage the flexible joints on my wiper blade?
Q7)
Will people be staring at my wiper blade once I have a SHAKER™
?
Q8)
Will having the SHAKER™ mounted on my
wiper arm obscure my vision while driving?
Q9)
My spouse would also like to ensure clear vision out of the passenger
side of the windshield. Can a SHAKER™
also be mounted to the passenger wiper arm?
Q10)
I presently have winter wiper blades and/or Teflon or Silicon or
new "Flat" blades on my vehicle. Why would I still need
a SHAKER™ ?
Q11)
Can I use the SHAKER™ all year round?
Q12)
Will the SHAKER™ make any noise when
activated?
Q13)
How often should I use the SHAKER™ while
driving in a snow storm?
Q14)
My wiper blades are old and already cause streaking all the time
while any type of precipitation is falling. Will the SHAKER™
fix this problem?
Q15)
Will the SHAKER™ remove ice sheets away
from my windshield?
Q16)
I drive a heavy rig truck which has "tubular" wiper arms instead
of the traditional flat edge arms found on most cars etc.. Will
the SHAKER™ mount to a tubular wiper
arm?
Q17)
Can I install the SHAKER™ by myself,
or do I need a mechanic?
Q18)
Why should I buy a SHAKER™ instead of
other products such as: "The Heated Wiper Blade"; "A Winter Wiper
Blade"; "Teflon Coatings"; "Rumble Pads" (a plastic strip glued
to the bottom of your windshield); "Windshield Liquid Treatments";
"Hot Wash Systems"; "Wiper Arm Coil Springs" etc.?
Q19)
What type of wiper blade works best with the SHAKER™?
Q20)
Does the SHAKER™
work on extra
long wiper arm & / wiper blade combinations?
Q1)
Will the SHAKER™ fit the wiper arm of
my car?
A1) As long as the wiper arm/blade on your vehicle uses a "hook"
wiper arm; does not have a spoiler mounted to it (as found on some
driver's side blades and thus must be removed or contact Wiper Shaker
Technology for an appropriate spoiler adapter); uses either a 9x3mm
or 9x4mm wiper arm configuration (typical of vehicles after 1991)
and; has the minimum clearances required, the SHAKER™
should be compatible.
Specifically, you will
need at least 2" from the hood side of the wiper arm (at the wiper
blade pivot point), to the leading edge of the car hood. Also, you
will need at least 1" from the topside of the wiper arm (at the
wiper blade pivot point) down to the windshield. NOTE: A small percentage
of vehicles use a "recessed" or "hidden" wiper arm system. As such,
the SHAKER™ is not compatible with such
vehicles (see Compatibility
database).
Q2)
I have a "pin & side" type wiper arm on my older mini van. Will
the SHAKER™ fit on it?
A2) Most "pin & side" wiper arm/blade systems do not have the required
clearance of 1" from the topside of the wiper arm (at the wiper
blade pivot point) down to the windshield. Fortunately, you can
try a couple of things to fix the clearance problem. Start by trying
a new "hook" style wiper blade (which comes with a pin & side adapter).
Alternatively, you should be able to purchase a hook" style wiper
arm (try a junk yard for an inexpensive replacement). Hopefully
these alternatives should provide the minimum clearance for the
SHAKER™ .
Q3)
Will the SHAKER™ cause my wiper blade
to travel any further across my windshield screen?
A3) Over seven years of field testing, have not shown any measurable
difference in the sweep pattern (i.e., area of travel). See Inertia
Analysis summary report by "clicking
here."
Q4) Will attaching the SHAKER™
to my vehicle wiper arm, cause any noticeable wear to the life of
my wiper blade, wiper arm or wiper motor?
A4) Over seven years of field testing, have not shown any measurable
wear differences in any of these items. See Engineering Analysis
by "clicking
here".
In addition to the analysis
noted above, a third party
automotive parts manufacturer ran the following durability test
in 2004:
(
SHAKER™ on for 5 seconds each minute)
Using a traditional metal
blade and beam (flat) blade 500,000 cycles were run with no
noticeable degradation of the element, wiper quality, blade
assembly or the linkage. Pattern growth was less than 15mm and considered
not significant in comparison to tests without the SHAKER™
Q5)
Will the SHAKER™ cause any additional
"wind lift" effect when mounted to the wiper arm?
A5) The SHAKER™ has not shown any additional
"wind lift" tendencies. In fact, the angle of the SHAKER™
offers some downward spoiler benefit and the minor additional weight
of the SHAKER™ tends to counteract "wind
lift" in certain positions. Replacing any existing "winter"
blade would also assist in reducing "wind lift".
Q6)
Will the SHAKER™ damage the flexible
joints on my wiper blade?
A6) Over seven years of field testing, have not shown any noticeable
wear differences in wiper blade joints. In fact, standard design
of wiper blades takes into account that a wiper blade might experience
many "slam downs" during its life. Such "slam downs" of the wiper
blade are done solely for the purpose of cleaning off frozen debris
problems. Thus, having a SHAKER™ installed,
all but eliminates the need for doing "slam downs".
Q7)
Will people be staring at my wiper blade once I have a SHAKER™
?
A7) In over seven years of field testing, not once, has anyone every
paid attention or made notice of the original SHAKER™
(which was slightly larger than the new commercial version you will
purchase). In fact, if one thinks about this, people have had wiper
arm spoilers mounted on their vehicles for years - do you ever take
notice of them? The answer is not unless you are looking for it.
Q8)
Will having the SHAKER™ mounted on my
wiper arm obscure my vision while driving?
A8) No more than common wiper blade spoilers do. While in the parked
position, you will not notice any negative "down vision" effect
from the SHAKER™ . While the wiper is
moving across your vision area, the SHAKER™
is visible on the under side of the wiper arm. The human eye learns
to focus past the windshield to view the road. Whereas, if your
windshield is obscured by streaking from trapped frozen debris under
your wiper blade, you will notice the streaking because you can't
see clearly through it.
Q9)
My spouse would also like to have clear vision out of the passenger
side of the windshield. Can a SHAKER™
also be mounted to the passenger wiper arm?
A9) Certainly ! You will simply require a "Y" connector
cable from Wiper Shaker Technology Inc., that will allow two SHAKER™'s
to connect together and thus only one 12volt cigarette lighter adapter
to run both SHAKER™'s. In addition,
because the wiper assembly linkage is common to both driver and
passenger side wipers, a 2nd SHAKER™
actually improves the overall vibrational benefits. Simply contact
us with your request.
Q10)
I presently have winter wiper
blades and/or Teflon or Silicon or new "Flat" blades on
my vehicle. Why would I still need a SHAKER™
? SEE
WHY IN PHOTOS.
A10) Winter wiper blades only solve one winter vision related problem
- that being "Conformance". This is where the super structure of
the wiper blade becomes frozen at its joints. As the joints slowly
begin to free, they cause a contraction effect on the wiper blade.
The end result being that the wiper blade tends to pull away from
the windshield - causing a streaking effect as the blade is not
able to make contact with that portion of the windshield. UNFORTUNATELY,
the winter blade works as poorly as summer blades do when trying
to combat trapped frozen debris from under the wiper blade.
The Winter wiper blade
(sometimes referred to as a "booted" blade) has a rubber sheathing
covering the wiper blade super structure and thus prevents conformance
problems from occurring - this of course assumes that the rubber
sheathing is not ripped or torn in anyway. NOTE: You can tell most
cars that have winter blades on their vehicles - they are the ones
that are rarely changed because people tend to thing they are heavy
duty blades and should last longer than normal summer blades (they
do not). NOTE: As soon as a winter blade has any
rips or tears in the rubber sheath, it no longer works against conformance
problems (i.e., moisture gets inside). Such tears occur from the
sun's UV effects.
The new "Flat"
blades, also known under various names trade names, reduce the amount
of conformance problems , but not all (see
why in photos). They also suffer as do ALL blades when
it comes to material being trapped under the wiper blade edge against
the windshield.
With Teflon
blades, the same problem of trapped frozen debris can exist. Although
the Teflon coating is more resistant to snow accumulation, the blade
can still pick up frozen debris as it travels across the windshield
and once under the blade, will typically stay trapped there from
the weight of the blade.
FORTUNATELY, the SHAKER™
solves both conformance (if addressed at the early stage) and trapped
snow problems - it can even assist to keep "A-pillar" snow build-up
(if addressed at the early stage). Of course, the
SHAKER™ will make any of above mentioned blades better, by
allowing them to effectively deal with trapped material (in addition
to other benefits the SHAKER™ offers).
Q11)
Can I use the SHAKER™ all year round?
A11) Yes -just be sure to maintain regular inspections of the mounting
clamp to ensure it has not loosened over time and also replace your
blades every 6 months. Don't forget, the SHAKER™
makes your existing wiper blade more dynamic.
So, use the SHAKER™
to rid the wiper blade of trapped debris such as leaves,
twigs, pine needles etc. Not to mention, bird droppings
on your windshield in conjunction with fluid. You can even use the
SHAKER™ to help reduce large bug deposits
such as Mayflies (also called June bugs, shad flies, and salmon
flies). It is not meant to reduce small insect deposits, e.g., mosquitoes
etc., although the SHAKER™ can only
help.
This is all possible because
of what the SHAKER™ does to a moving
wiper blade. The vibrating action causes the moving blade to literally
skip across the windshield in ~1/2" to 1" increments (only
1/16" off the windshield), thus making the blade work more
effectively against such deposits. Because of this skipping action,
the blade also makes much better use of washer fluid dispensed on
the windshield, i.e., more fluid stays on the windshield, thus allowing
better penetration into such deposits.
Offroaders
& Rally drivers
will appreciate that the SHAKER™ will
also assist the wiper blade in removing mud deposits, when used
in conjunction with fluid.
Q12)
Will the SHAKER™ make any noise when
activated?
A12) Yes, the SHAKER™ will cause a vibrating
noise as the wiper blade is tapped against the windshield - this
is how the SHAKER™ shatters or displaces
the frozen debris. The sound is short lived, because you only need
to have the unit activated for a few seconds at a time to clear
up the problem - after that, the SHAKER™
is as quiet as a mouse (unlike Rumble Pads, that make noise every
time the wiper blades travels over it).
Q13)
How often should I use the SHAKER™ while
driving in a snow storm?
A13) Firstly, it is important to throw as much defroster heat on
the windshield as possible while driving in inclement winter weather.
As for how often you should activate the SHAKER™
that's dependent on the severity of the snow storm & the
temperature outside. It is best to use the SHAKER™
at the first signs of any wiper blade streaking on the windshield
caused by frozen debris problems. Regular use of the SHAKER™
(e.g., every 5 - 10 minutes) during a long journey will typically
minimize problems from occurring.NOTE:After leaving
a car wash, immediately turn on your wipers and the SHAKER™
for several seconds and then again about 30 seconds later (this
should will reduce the chance of the wiper blade joints freezing).
Q14)
My wiper blades are old and already cause streaking all the time
while any type of precipitation is falling. Will the SHAKER™
fix this problem?
A14) No the SHAKER™ will not return
a worn out or greasy wiper blade to a good condition. Wiper blades
should be replaced every six months as recommended by most manufactures.
NOTE: Use of wiper fluid on a cloth to wipe the rubber wiper blade
edge, will help remove such grease build-up. Also, use a non-abrasive
cleanser such as Bon Ami™ to remove grease from your windshield,
other wise, your clean wiper blades will slowly pick up the embedded
grease from the windshield. Ultimately, the sun's UV along with
wear & tear, will reduce a wiper blades performance characteristics.
Q15)
Will the SHAKER™ remove ice sheets away
from my windshield?
A15) The SHAKER™ is a "wiper
blade de-icer" not a "windshield de-icer".
As with all products in existence, there are limitations. The SHAKER™
is no exception to this rule. As such, the SHAKER™
will only assist in breaking up such ice sheets quicker than if
you didn't have it installed. Regardless, you must always use a
good functioning windshield defroster system, which the SHAKER™
will work in conjunction with. Most important, is to remember good
common sense, i.e., don't start off on your vehicle journey unless
you have wiper blades in good condition (i.e., joints that move
freely & are free of ice), have appropriately cleaned the windshield
& wiper blades of any any frozen debris.
Q16)
I drive a heavy rig truck which has "tubular" wiper arms instead
of the traditional flat edge arms found on most cars etc.. Will
the SHAKER™ mount to a tubular wiper
arm?
A16) The original SHAKER™ was tested
on heavy rigs using tubular wiper arms during the winter of 2000/2001.
Contact Wiper Shaker Technology regarding such special adapter clamps.
By the way, those same tests produced excellent reviews - the SHAKER™
was given two thumbs up by all testers! You can also contact us
should your rig use 12mm wiper arms.
Q17)
Can I install the SHAKER™ by myself,
or do I need a mechanic?
A17) Although basic installation of the SHAKER™
unit itself can be done by most people that could for example change
a wiper blade, installation of the wire harness should be done through
the "fire wall", and thus similar experience would be beneficial.
Alternatively, you can also view the "Lazy Mechanic" method from
our " Installation " section.
Q18)
Why should I buy a SHAKER™ instead of
other products such as: "The Heated Wiper Blade"; "A Winter Wiper
Blade"; "Teflon Coatings"; "Rumble Pads" (a plastic strip glued
to the bottom of your windshield); "Hot Wash Systems";
"Windshield Liquid Treatments"; "Wiper Arm Coil Springs" etc.?
A18) The answer is simple: the SHAKER™
is the only Patented Technology that works to solve all the major
problems associated with freeze-up & frozen debris negatively effecting
the performance of a wiper blade.
- it works in conjunction
with other systems such as the traditional Heater Fan Defroster
and the newer Hot Wash systems, by simply making your existing wiper
blade better and thus such systems better. The SHAKER™
is of course a Wiper Blade De-icer, not a windshield de-icer, but
it will help windshield de-icers work more efficiently.
- Its also very quick
(i.e., a few seconds); no warm up required (i.e., the "Heated Wiper
Blade" needs to);
- It draws less than
1 amp only when turned on (i.e., the Heated Wiper Blade draws more
& is always on to use it);
- It is a sealed system,
thus it still works if covered by snow itself (e.g., a "Rumble Pad"
won't work well when covered by frozen debris);
- It can be portable
to other vehicles (e.g., unlike the "Rumble Pad");
- When you're wiper blade
is replaced as part of a normal maintenance program, you don't have
to replace the SHAKER™ (e.g., unlike
the "Heated Wiper Blade");
- Teflon coated wiper
blades (conceived in the 90's) do offer some additional benefit
over traditional silicon wiper blades. Unfortunately, they have
limitations related to how frozen debris builds up. Specifically,
frozen debris will affix itself to any surface (glass included due
to microscopic pores and scratches etc.). Frozen debris can adhere
to microscopic pores on non coated or scraped / damaged sections,
as occurs through normal wear of the Teflon coated blade & as such,
can slowly accumulate until the buildup is substantial enough to
cause problems. In addition, any frozen debris that becomes trapped
under the pressure of the wiper arm / blade (such as when picked
up when the blades moves to the far side of the windshield against
the A-Pillar) will stay under the blade until something can dislodge
it (i.e., normal friction or other frozen debris etc.) or a SHAKER™!!!
- It is obvious, that
despite any existing innovations related to wiper blade problems
in winter conditions, Automotive Manufacturers are still devoting
large sums of money to solving these problems more efficiently -
the most recent attempt being the embedded front windshield heated
defroster elements.
- The SHAKER™
will last much much longer than many of the washer additives;
- The SHAKER™
won't cause any noticeable extra wear or drag on the wiper blade.
An external coiled spring for example, applies extra downward pressure
to the wiper arm, which by the way will reduce the resultant vibration
effect the SHAKER™ can put out;
- Last, but not least,
the SHAKER™ is very cool to watch operate.
Q19)
What type of wiper blade works best with the SHAKER?
A19) It is best to use
a basic (cost effective) metal blade, as opposed to a plastic blade.
Use a metal blade with as many flexible joints as possible, e.g.,
4 joints and thus 8 "claws". The more joints, the greater
the resultant vibration to occur. NOTE: Although
you can use the SHAKER™ with a winter
blade, its rubber sheathing somewhat prohibits the amount of resultant
SHAKER™ vibration, although "conformance"
problems are virtually eliminated by a winter blade, thus allowing
the SHAKER™ to still work on any
trapped frozen debris. The Dept of Transportation highway snow plow
trucks typically use winter blades, with the SHAKER™
and are very impressed with the results in their harsh winter environment.
Granted, such trucks also use relatively short wiper arm / blade
combinations.
Q20)
Does the SHAKER™
work on extra long wiper arm & / wiper blade combinations?
A20) Yes, although as
with all automotive products, results may vary between vehicles.
As the overall combination length of the wiper arm and wiper blade
increase, the resultant vibration output will decrease. One would
notice a vibration decrease once the overall wiper arm / blade assembly
length starts to exceeds 36" (e.g., from wiper arm spindle
to the end tip of the wiper blade). As the overall length
exceeds this 36" dimension, vibration output would
no longer cause the wiper blade tip ends to lift off the windshield
in the parked position (e.g., the drivers side wiper of a Dodge
Caravan uses a 28" wiper arm & 28" wiper blade, thus
combining for an overall length of 42", while the Mazda 5 has
a 25" wiper arm and a 26" drivers side blade, combining
for an overall length of 38"). IMPORTANTLY,
as results will also vary depending on wiper arm / blade hinge flexibility
etc., the reference point of useful operation by the SHAKER™
is best determined if when activated while the wipers are moving,
the blade will begin should begin to skip ~1/16th" off the
windshield in 1/2" to 1" jumps across the windshield
- this is when the
SHAKER™ most effectively deals with wiper blade
problems.
There is, no question
that the SHAKER™ adds important benefits
to any passenger based car , truck or van . Oddly enough, from an
industrial perspective, most large truck rigs have relatively small
wiper arm & blade length combinations, which is why heavy rig
operators love the SHAKER™
!.
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