Wiper Arms & Blades

Wiper arms and wiper blade parts?

Maintaining clear vision while driving is hugely important and an often overlooked feature of a vehicles well being. Wiper blades and the condition of the wiper arms can be neglected as these items are not used every day but only when the weather conditions dictate.

Wiper blades in good working order clean the rain and debris from the windscreen which can provide the clarity we need to ensure safe driving in challenging weather conditions.

There are different styles of wiper blades for many different vehicles. These are:

• Standard frame wiper blades

• Standard frame wiper blades with spoiler (the spoiler helps to keep the blade pressed against the windscreen at motorway speeds)

• Flat wiper blades

• Hybrid wiper blades

How do I choose the correct wiper blade?

Wiper blades are one of the car parts that fit many different vehicles. The main different is the length of the blade and the type of connector that it has. You do have a choice when it comes to the style of the wiper blade.

Here are some factors to consider when choosing replacements:

• Length of the blade

• Design of the connector on the wiper arm

• Listed for a left or right hand drive vehicle

• Requirement for a blade with internal washer jets or heating function

• Vehicle manufacture date (this is not the date the vehicle was registered but the date it was made

• VIN (chassis number) sequence (up to or after as specific number/letter

What brand of wiper blades should I choose?

There are many aftermarket makers of wiper blades. Bosch are regarded as premium and they have an extensive range that cover almost all vehicles. Other brands such as Champion, Blue Print, Borg & Beck and Napa offer a high quality alternative at a lower price point. When it comes to choice of brand it is normally down to the correct parts availability and your budget.

How can I tell my wiper blades need replacing?

The need to replace wiper blades is often self evident as the effects can be seen while the wipers are in use. It is good to change them at the first sign of poor performance.

Here are some symptoms of a bad wiper blade:

• Streaking of water over the windscreen

• The rubber blade is split or has become detached

• Very noisy while in use

• Bad contact with the windscreen

• Blades jumping / juddering while in use (this may also be because of a bent wiper arm)