With colder and wetter weather on the horizon, original equipment manufacturer and supplier of wiper blades and systems, TRICO, is urging workshops to offer free wiper blade checks to improve customer satisfaction and safety and also boost their business.  

TRICO Product and Brand Manager, Sam Robinson, says, “We estimate that the general life of a wiper blade is between six and 12 months, so, for workshops, they know this will be, at worst, an annual sell, but why not offer a free check, demonstrating good customer service, which will, most likely, ensure they keep the business now and in the future?”

Sam points out that with its OE quality, technicians can help restore vehicles to their factory pedigree by fitting TRICO Exact Fit blades. The programme boasts a range of direct fit blades, with almost 150 references providing 99% front and rear wiper coverage.

TRICO has provided a helpful six-point list that technicians should stick to when inspecting wiper blades. This allows them to show customers, face-to-face, whether their blades need replacing immediately or in the near-future.

1. Using the washer spray or a spray bottle to sprinkle the windscreen, switch the wiper blades on and check for any missed areas, water smears or streaks that might impede the visibility for drivers. Light misting should evaporate in a couple of seconds; however, if misting or any other symptoms remain, the wiper blade should be changed immediately.

2. Take extra care when lifting wiper arms, as, on many vehicles, arms will hit against the bonnet and not lift. In these cases, turning the ignition on and off and then pressing the wiper stalk down will often move the blades up into their service position, where they can be lifted up. If not technicians should consult the vehicle’s manual.

3. Gently, clean the rubber blade edge with a damp cloth or sponge to remove any dirt or residue, before checking along its length for any imperfections in the rubber or end splitting. Technicians should ensure that the rubber element returns to a central position and is not ‘laid over’ or set in one direction.

4. Check that the wiper blade is securely fixed to the arm. The blade should rotate freely, parallel with the wiper arm, to allow it to flex over the screen; there should, however, be no wobbling or movement perpendicular to the arm, as the movement can be a sign of wear from the blades flipping over and could, eventually, cause the blades to come apart during use. If the blade shows excessive moment, technicians should replace it immediately.

5. Ensure the windscreen is thoroughly cleaned using warm water or specialist glass cleaning fluid, in particular, pay attention to the areas at the top and bottom of the wipe area, as dirt and debris can gather here. Technicians should also check the windscreen for any cracks or chips, as these are safety hazards in their own right, but they can also damage the wiper blade rubber.

6. Carefully, lower the wiper arms back onto the screen. If the wipers have failed any of the checks, technicians should fit new blades as a matter of urgency.