MONTH 2017 AFTERMARKET 3 Right: Wiper blades from Borg & Beck www.aftermarketonline.net solution that both motorists and aftermarket professionals can rely on. “DENSO wiper blades are designed to provide the best possible visibility in all weather conditions, whether that's in heavy rain or if it’s snowing. This is because they are engineered to wipe the windscreen surface efficiently and effectively, sweeping away not just water, but even the toughest debris and dirt, providing a clear view of the road ahead. They are made using high-quality materials that are durable and long-lasting, which means they are robust, as well as effective, but can also withstand extreme weather conditions, such as harsh sunlight and sub-zero temperatures.” Fatiha continued: “DENSO wiper blades are easy to install, with most models taking just a few minutes to fit. This makes wiper blade replacement a straightforward process that doesn’t take a lot of time and effort, so making it an easy annual safety check. As well as their wiping efficiency, DENSO wiper blades are designed to provide a comfortable driving experience, so their advanced engineering reduces noise and vibration, ensuring their almost silent operation.” She added: “DENSO wiper blades are available in a range of sizes and designs, so regardless of the make and model or the size and shape of the windscreen, there’s a wiper blade that will be the perfect fit for the vehicle and provide optimal performance and maximum visibility for the driver. They are the perfect fit for a comprehensive range of car models, catering for OE flat, bayonet, hook and twin-screw installation systems, with the aftermarket programme consisting of conventional, flat, hybrid and rear wiper blade designs.” For more information, visit: www.denso-am.eu/catalog/pv/wiper-blades/all Fitment Some wipers are easier to install or remove than others. Valentin Neagu, Product & Technical Support Manager - Wipers AM for TRICO, observed: “While wiper blades are perceived as a relatively easy product to fit, many drivers still struggle, which creates an obvious revenue stream for workshops to capitalise on. However, even some technicians find wiper blades tricky, which is why TRICO has created simple fitting guides for two of the most commonly queried wiper connections: the pinch tab wiper arm and Mercedes slide button connection. “Depending on the connection, different removal and installation techniques should be used. As a general rule, to provide better accessibility, technicians should lift the wiper arm off the windscreen as far up as it will go, which is usually to a 90-degree angle, where it will stay until it’s returned to its normal position. However, TRICO recommends placing something soft, like a sponge or thick cloth on the windscreen to protect it in case the wiper arm drops back down.” Commenting on the pinch tab wiper arm, Valentin said: “The pinch tab wiper arm is extremely popular and fits a number of vehicles, including Vauxhall Corsa and Meriva, Fiat Punto, Nissan Qashqai, Ford Mondeo and many more. There is a patent on the OE method of installation and so to comply with all international patent regulations, TRICO wipers install with a reverse method. “The wiper arm itself has a small nub on the very end of the wiper, with two metal downward wings approximately 75mm down the wiper arm. On the OE design, the small nub fits into a hole on the end of the wiper blade adaptor, with the blade and arm at a 45-degree angle to each other. The wiper blade then rotates around towards the wiper arm, and two plastic sprung clips on the wiper adaptor lock into the metal wings of the wiper arm. With the TRICO design, the metal wings must be placed into the plastic sprung clips on the adaptor first. Then, rotate the wiper blade around towards the arm, and the end of the wiper adaptor will snap into place over the metal nub of the wiper arm.” Moving onto the Mercedes slide button connection, Valentin said: “This slide button connection is a new wiper arm design introduced for recent Mercedes models, including A Class, B Class and C Class, which TRICO has recently brought into its extremely popular FLEX wiper blade range. TRICO has found that many technicians struggle with removing the original wiper blade from the vehicle. “The wiper arm itself has a small plastic cap on its end. This cap slides forward, which releases the wiper blade from the arm. However, this cap will not slide forward while the arm is in the parc position on the windscreen. Do not force this cap forward when in this position, as there is potential to completely break it, requiring a main dealer replacement. “The wiper arm needs to be lifted slightly from the windscreen. This is much easier if the wiper blades are placed into the service position first. To do this, turn the engine on then off again, and then press down the wiper stalk once. After the arm is lifted from the windscreen, gently rotate the wiper blade away from the wiper arm as far as it will go. Once the wiper has been rotated away from the arm, the sliding cap will be released and can be pushed forward. Once this is done, the wiper will simply fall away from the wiper arm. The new blade can be installed in the reverse order.” TRICO has uploaded a number of wiper fitting videos to its YouTube channel. To view them, visit: www.youtube.com/user/tricowipers/videos OCTOBER 2023 AFTERMARKET 43 www.aftermarketonline.net While wiper blades are perceived as a relatively easy product to fit, many drivers still struggle, which creates an obvious revenue stream for workshops ”
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