The winter months bring darker days and evenings, heavy rain and thick road-spray, all of which obscure the driver’s view of the road ahead, increasing the risk of an accident. Poor visibility, UK government reports suggest, is the cause of one in 10 of the UK’s road accidents. With that in mind, Champion highlights the importance of checking and replacing wiper blades.
A clear view of the road ahead is a fundamental part of safe driving. Anything that compromises the driver’s ability to see also limits their ability to react to potential hazards. In difficult driving conditions, a properly maintained wiper system is essential.
While it is easy to notice a faulty headlight, the gradual deterioration of a wiper blade’s performance is much harder to recognise. Regular changing of a vehicle’s wiper blades remains one of the simplest and most effective ways of reducing the risk of an accident. Changing them should be at the top of the winter servicing job list, particularly following the heat and UV exposure of summer.
“Wiper blade replacement is a basic service task, yet it is often overlooked,” says Jonathan Allen, Regional Marketing Manager, Federal-Mogul Motorparts EMEA. “Regular maintenance of the vehicle’s wiper system is one of the best ways to maintain visibility during the winter months.”
Functioning wiper blades are an MOT requirement. However, as their efficiency can diminish throughout the year, it is important to conduct regular checks. Manufacturers recommend that wiper blades are checked frequently and if they are to be replaced, all blades should be done simultaneously.
It remains important to use an OE-quality replacement as this ensures effective, long- lasting screen clearance and a secure connection between blade and wiper arm. These are the key considerations of the vehicle manufacturers when they design and test their windscreen wiper systems.
“As an OE supplier, Federal-Mogul Motorparts works closely with vehicle manufacturers to meet their requirements and we transfer this same technology to our aftermarket ranges,” says Allen. “Our Champion wiper range provides almost complete coverage of the European vehicle parc.” There are several things that should be done to ensure the vehicle’s wiper blades are maintained properly throughout the winter:
■ Replace worn and damaged wipers before weather conditions worsen and visibility has deteriorated to the point where safety is compromised. Eyestrain from poor visibility accelerates driver fatigue.
■ A regular inspection schedule will help avoid potentially dangerous situations. Cleaning the rubber element of the wiper blade when washing the vehicle removes any loose dirt and most road grime, which would otherwise lead to streaking, smearing and hazing.
■ In icy conditions, ensure that ice scrapers are used when de-icing vehicles. Make sure vehicles are given plenty of time to warm up with the defroster on ‘high’ to loosen as much ice and snow as possible. Ensure all the ice has melted before using the wiper blades, as contact with the ice may damage them.
