October 2020

W ith the seasons shifting into the cold and wetter period, it’s more important than ever to appraise and potentially replace wiper blades. While wiper blades are part of the MOT test, Winter triggers a surge in checks, advice and replacements. Fatiha Laauich, Pan European Strategic Marketing Manager at DENSO commented: “The main instigator of a wiper blade check is the deteriorating weather. However, it is not only the rain, ice and debris that can have a detrimental effect on low- quality wiper blades, as prolonged levels of sunshine during the summer months can also cause them to degrade, posing a very real danger to motorists. “In terms of warning signs, technicians need to be aware of a number of signs. Should a wiper blade ‘streak’, narrow marks will be left on the windscreen, which are caused by foreign matter that has attached itself to the rubber blade or the edge of the blade, if it is worn. The solution is to clean the edge before re-testing; if streaks still appear, it will need replacing. “If wiper blades ‘jump’ – not run smoothly across the windscreen – and make a vibration noise, it will need cleaning and the angle checked; however, if the jumping persists, the blade will need changing. Fatiha added: “Wiper blades at the end of their service life can leave one or more unwiped spots, causing rubber deformation. These symptoms will mean an immediate replacement. If a wiper blade does not contact the windscreen surface evenly, leaving a large unwiped surface, it is usually because the arm is out of shape. That will require the arm to be reset and the blade be changed.” Performance HELLA’s Senior Head of Marketing and Communications Helen Goldingay commented: “HELLA advises checking the performance, functionality and operation of wipers on a regular basis, as this will help to extend their life. Damaged wiper blades can result in poor visibility and potential damage to the vehicle’s windscreen. “In order to ensure the wiper blades are working correctly, check the wiper arm linkages, as the whole system needs to work in unison. In light rain for example, worn blades can result in increased resistance and drag across the windscreen, putting excess strain on the arms and linkages. Likewise, damaged linkages can cause blades to wear unevenly or more quickly. So naturally, both elements should be replaced with any sign of wear or reduction in wiper performance.” She continued: “Although identifying the precise wiper blade may sometimes be difficult, HELLA’s online configurator easily identifies the correct replacements for a range of passenger car, commercial vehicle and agricultural applications. Simply visit www.hella.com/wiperblades and select the vehicle and model, to find out which blades are compatible with the application. The information includes the size and product number, as well as an image, to make the process quick and easy, saving both time and money.” It’s not just about the blades however, and Borg & Beck has found that, due to vehicle defects, some wiper motors are more prone to failure than others. “For instance,” explained Global Marketing Director for First Line, Jon Roughley, “the Renault Clio wiper motor (FWM1004/BWM1004) fails as a result of being submerged in water due to a blocked drain channel, it is therefore recommended that technicians check this when vehicles come into the workshop, especially during Winter. “To resolve the situation, technicians obviously need to replace the wiper motor, but during the procedure, must also remember to clear the blockage. In addition, proactive workshops would do well to advise the customer to keep an eye on the situation to ensure it is kept 36 AFTERMARKET OCTOBER 2020 WIPERS www.aftermarketonline.net Summer’s gone and it’s time to think about windscreen wipers WIPER TIME Below: Wipers from DENSO