Wiper blades – replacement know-how

With wet, autumnal weather conditions just around the corner, the need for fully functioning wiper blades is more crucial than ever. DENSO Aftermarket Sales UK & Ireland’s guide to wiper blade inspection and replacement offers mechanics a golden opportunity to be armed with the best advice for drivers to ensure safer, clearer driving vision.

DENSO Aftermarket UK & Ireland Product Manager, Nick Thomas explained: “Motorists demand reliable, efficient blades that guarantee visibility and safety even in critical weather conditions. DENSO’s Wiper Blades deliver this outstanding performance. Every blade features durable, non-corrosive materials, with a natural, high compression rubber wiper, for long service life. Evenly cut edges produce an effective wiping edge and low profile inserts provide the perfect wiping angle. In short, our blades ensure outstanding performance in windscreen cleaning and motoring safety.”

Replacement advice
How often should a wiper blade be replaced?
As a rule windscreen wiper blades should be replaced at least once per year.

Why replace?
Wiper blades eventually deteriorate with use, producing a streaky or uneven finish on the windscreen. To ensure a clear, safe field of vision even in bad weather, it is important to ensure the wiper blades are regularly checked and replaced as soon as deterioration is seen.

Replacement Signs
These are the four main signs of wiper blade deterioration that are visible on the windscreen glass. These symptoms will help you determine when a wiper blade needs changing.

Streaking
Symptom: Narrow streaks are left on the windshield.
Cause: Foreign matter has attached itself to the rubber blade, or the edge of the blade is worn.
Remedy: First, clean the edge of the blade. If streaks still appear, replace the wiper blade.

Jumping
Symptom: Wiper blade jumps and makes a lot of noise.
Cause: The wiper blade does not move smoothly across the windshield, but vibrates noisily and bounces.
Remedy: First, clean the windshield; then check the angle. If jumping persists, replace the wiper blade.

Unwiped Spots
Symptom: Wiper blade leaves one or more unwiped spots.
Cause: Rubber deformation
Remedy: Replace wiper blade

Uneven blade pressure
Symptom: Wiper blade does not contact the windshield surface evenly, leaving a large unwiped surface.
Cause: Out of shape wiper blade arm
Remedy: Replace wiper blade