With the onset of the autumn-winter season, the owners Skoda Rapid Often faced with the need to replace worn-out wipers. The 2020 car has a specific mounting design and dimensions that cannot be ignored when choosing components. Poor or improperly selected brushes not only poorly wash water, but can also damage expensive windshield.
In this article, we will analyze all the nuances of the choice, select the exact dimensions for your model and describe in detail the replacement process. You will learn how to avoid common mistakes that lead to scratches on the coating or malfunctioning of the mechanism. Proper care of the glass cleaning system is the key to your safety on the road in any weather.
Dimensions and specifics of mounting wipers on Skoda Rapid 2020
Car Skoda Rapid The 2020 model year uses a classic, but exacting, windshield wiper fastening system. The manufacturer uses a universal type of mount, known as a hook or "hook", which is found on most European cars, but the length of the levers and the angle of their installation have their own characteristics. It is important to choose exactly those dimensions that will provide the maximum cleaning zone without overlapping on the body racks.
The main mistake of beginners is to buy standard brushes without considering the length of the levers. The 2020 model has a set where the driverโs brush is much longer than the passenger one. If you confuse them in places or put universal analogues of the wrong length, you will get โdead zonesโ in the field of view, which is critical when driving in rain or snowfall.
To ensure perfect glass cleaning, the following dimensions are recommended:
- ๐ Driver's side: 600 mm (24 in)
- ๐ Passenger side: 400 mm (16 in)
- ๐ Rear windshield wiper: 330 mm (13 inches)
Note that the dimensions may vary slightly depending on the year of release of a particular instance if it was produced in late 2019 or early 2021, so always check the marking on the old item.
Fixing mechanism on Rapid It allows you to change brushes without special keys or tools, but requires care when removing. The mechanism is snapped with a characteristic click, and if removed incorrectly, you can damage the plastic fixator, which is an consumable.
Types of windshield wipers: what to choose for a Czech car
There is a huge range of wipers on the market, but not all of them are suitable for operating conditions in Russia and CIS countries. For Skoda Rapid For 2020, frameless models are best because they provide a tighter seal between the rubber and the curved surface of the glass, even at low temperatures.
Frame brushes, despite their cheapness, often freeze to the glass in winter due to the presence of metal hinges in which snow and ice accumulate. Frameless analogs do not have this drawback, since they have a flexible metal plate inside a rubber band, which allows them to adapt to the shape of the windshield.
Among the most popular brands that have proven themselves to be reliable for Skoda, we can highlight:
- ๐ก๏ธ Bosch Aerotwin - the standard for frameless brushes with high quality rubber
- ๐ก๏ธ Valeo Silent - excellent performance in snowfall and minimal noise
- ๐ก๏ธ Denso - premium quality, but high cost
Use of original spare parts Skoda also acceptable, but often they are the same products from Bosch or Valeo, but in branded packaging and with a higher price. Choosing high-quality analogues allows you to save money without losing cleaning efficiency.
โ ๏ธ Warning: Never use brushes with a metal frame in areas with harsh winters. Ice frozen in the hinges will cause the wipers to stop pressing against the glass, and you will be left without visibility.
When choosing, be sure to pay attention to the presence of adapters. Some brands supply brushes with a set of adapters, which makes it easy to install on different types of mounts, including a specific hook on Rapid.
- Frameless
- Frame
- Hybrid
- I don't know
Step-by-step instructions for replacing front windshield wipers
The process of replacing wipers Skoda Rapid 2020 seems simple, but requires care to avoid scratching the glass with the lever. The windshield wiper arms on this model are quite stiff and can hit the glass hard if released without control. Getting ready for work will only take a few minutes.
Before starting work, it is necessary to move the wipers to the service position. To do this, turn on the ignition, then turn it off and press the windshield wiper control lever down within 30 seconds. The wipers will rise to the vertical position and stop. Now you can turn off the ignition completely.
No tools are required for replacement, just clean gloves and perhaps a flathead screwdriver to pry up the retainer if it has become sour. Perform actions strictly according to the following algorithm:
- ๐ง Carefully lift the wiper arm perpendicular to the glass while holding the base
- ๐ง Rotate the brush at an angle of 90 degrees relative to the lever
- ๐ง Press the plastic release tab and slide the brush down to release the hook
- ๐ง Install a new brush, wait for the characteristic click of fixation
โ๏ธ Preparation and replacement
When removing the old brush, be sure to hold the metal lever with your hand. If it hits the glass sharply, the crack may extend from the edge to the center, requiring expensive repairs or replacement of the entire windshield.
After installing the new elements, transfer them back to the glass by turning on the ignition and using the control lever. Make sure that they do not hit each other and completely clean the entire glass area without leaving dry areas.
What to do if the latch is broken?
If the plastic retainer on the arm is broken, installing a new brush will become impossible. In this case, you will need to replace the entire wiper arm or use universal adapters that are attached to the arm instead of the standard hook.
Rear wiper and features of its maintenance
Many owners Skoda Rapid They forget about the rear windshield wiper, considering it a secondary element. However, in snowy or muddy conditions, it plays a critical role in providing visibility through the rear mirror. On the 2020 model, the rear brush has a specific shape and mount, which differs from the front ones.
Rear wiper on Rapid often has an integrated holder that is attached to the mechanism stem. The brush size is usually 330 mm. When replacing, it is necessary to take into account that the rear brush operates in a more aggressive environment: it is often exposed to reagent dirt from under the wheels.
To replace the rear brush you must:
- Open the trunk and find the drive mechanism
- Gently press the lock and remove the old brush
- Insert the new brush as far as it will go
- Check operation in โsprayโ and โcleaningโ modes
If the rear wiper begins to make noise or leave streaks, simply replacing the rubber bands or wiping the mechanism stem often helps, but it is better to immediately install a new blade to guarantee quality.
Frequent errors during installation and operation
Even when using high-quality brushes, improper use can reduce their effectiveness to zero. One of the most common mistakes is trying to turn on the wipers on dry or icy glass. This leads to instant wear of the rubber edge and overheating of the wiper motor.
In winter, before turning on the wipers, be sure to manually clear the windshield of ice. Skoda Rapid 2020 has powerful motors, but they are not designed to work under load when the brushes are frozen. If the brushes are frozen, do not try to โbeat them offโ or force them on.
Another mistake is using low quality windshield washer fluid. Cheap fluids often leave streaks that impair visibility, and in cold weather they can freeze in the tank and pipes. Use only proven antifreeze compounds that correspond to the current temperature outside.
โ ๏ธ Attention: It is forbidden to turn on the wipers if there is a layer of ice more than 2-3 mm on the glass. The motor will burn out and the arms may become bent, requiring replacement of the entire assembly.
It is also not recommended to use windshield wipers to clear snow from glass. Snow can get stuck in the brush mechanism, causing misalignment and damage to the rubber. Snow should be swept away with a brush or by hand, and the wipers should only be turned on after the glass has been cleaned.
Comparison table of popular wiper brands
To help you choose the best option, we have compiled a table with the characteristics of the most popular models suitable for Skoda Rapid 2020. Comparison will help you understand the difference in price and quality.
| Brand | Type | Service life (months) | Price (conditionally) | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch Aerotwin | Frameless | 12-18 | High | Perfect cleaning, quiet operation |
| Valeo Silent | Frameless | 10-14 | Average | Works well in snow, durable tires |
| Denso | Frameless | 14-20 | Very high | Premium quality, durability |
| Champion | Frame | 6-8 | Low | Budget option, noisy in winter |
| Skoda Original | Various | 12-15 | High | Original packaging, reliability |
The brand you choose depends on your budget and climate conditions. If you live in a region with frequent temperature changes and heavy rainfall, it is better not to save and choose Bosch or Denso. More affordable options are also suitable for temperate climates.
Critical points when choosing winter wipers
Winter is the hardest test for windshield wipers. Ordinary frameless brushes can harden in the cold, losing their elasticity. For harsh conditions, there are special winter models that have a protective casing or are made of frost-resistant rubber.
However, on Skoda Rapid In 2020, simply high-quality all-season frameless brushes from trusted brands are often enough. The main thing is to monitor their condition and change them at the first signs of deterioration in cleaning. Wiper wipers should be replaced before the onset of severe frosts to avoid freezing and damage to the mechanism.
It is also worth paying attention to the presence of โsnowโ brushes, which have slots in the rubber band to remove snow. They are effective in snowstorms, but can become noisy on clean, dry glass. The choice depends on what weather conditions prevail in your area.
Can winter wipers be used in summer?
Technically possible, but not recommended. Winter blades have thicker rubber and a protective casing, which can worsen the fit to the glass in hot weather and lead to water leaks.
The use of hydrophobic coatings on glass also reduces the load on the wipers, allowing them to work more efficiently even when the rubber wears out. This is an additional measure that increases safety.
โ ๏ธ Attention: Do not try to save money by buying winter wipers for spring and summer. In the summer, they will work worse than usual, leaving streaks and stains on the glass due to the design features.
The correct choice and timely replacement of wipers is a matter of not only comfort, but also safety. On Skoda Rapid The 2020 cleaning system works perfectly if you use high-quality consumables and follow the operating rules.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
What is the size of the rear wiper on Skoda Rapid 2020?
The size of the rear wiper on the Skoda Rapid 2020 is 330 mm (13 inches). The fastener is usually a specific fastener that requires careful removal.
Is it possible to install larger wipers for better cleaning?
Not recommended. Increasing the size may cause the wipers to hit each other or hit the body pillars, which will damage the mechanism and glass. Use only the recommended sizes: 600 mm and 400 mm.
How to move the wipers to the service position?
Turn the ignition on, then turn off the ignition and push the windshield wiper control lever down within 30 seconds. The wipers will rise vertically and remain in this position until the next time they are turned on.
Why do wipers squeak after replacement?
Creaking can occur due to dirty rubber, incorrect installation angle, or poor quality glass. Try wiping the rubber with alcohol and check if the brush on the lever is skewed.
How often should wipers be changed?
It is recommended to change brushes at least once a year, preferably before the start of the winter season. If you notice streaking, squeaking or poor cleaning, replacement is required immediately.