Automotive aftermarket supplier First Line Ltd. has reminded drivers and technicians to inspect and replace where necessary vehicle windscreen wiper blades, as changeable weather conditions become more frequent. 

Wiper blades are constantly being exposed to changing weather conditions and temperatures, and over time the rubber on the blade deteriorates, which if left unchecked, will affect visibility and potentially become dangerous, not just for the driver, but other road users. 

Jon Roughley, Global Marketing Director at First Line, said, “Heading towards winter, it's more important than ever to inspect wiper blades for wear and tear as they are the driver's main defence against rain and adverse weather. It is best practice to regularly clean the rubber strips and to change the blades annually as a matter of course, and not leave them to deteriorate to the point where smearing or juddering impacts the driver's visibility.”

The key signs wiper blades need replacing are smears and streaks on the glass, which are usually caused by cracked edges in the wiper blades’ rubber structure.  A more obvious and frustrating feature of wiper blades that are due for replacement, are squeaking and skipping blades as the wiper moves across the windscreen. This is caused by hardened rubber as the blade ages and is a clear sign that the wiper blade needs to be replaced.

Jon points out that all Borg & Beck Wiper Blades are manufactured from 100 percent natural rubber, with a liquid graphite coating that not only delivers a smooth, streak-free and silent operation, but has the additional benefit of providing excellent longevity.

To promote the importance of annual wiper blade replacement, First Line has produced an informative poster. A free copy can be requested via First Line website here.