DENSO Aftermarket’s winter wiper tips

As winter fast approaches, DENSO Aftermarket provides drivers with some useful tips to reduce the anxiety of winter driving, prolong the life of their wiper blades and, most importantly, stay safe when the weather is cold and icy

Most drivers pay little or no attention to the wiper blades on their vehicle, but these underappreciated components are vital to their health and wellbeing, as being able to have a good view of the road ahead is vital whatever the time of year and whatever the weather conditions.

Although there are best practice tips that are relevant to the drier summer months, such as checking their general condition to make sure they are smooth and flexible with no cracks or notches, and cleaning any dust and deposits off the rubber wiping edge of the blades with water and a little detergent, as well as removing tree sap or insect residue from the windscreen with a purpose made cleaning solution, it’s when the weather is colder that the greatest attention should be given.

Despite the fact that drivers might be tempted to simply turn on the wipers when they are faced with ice on the windscreen after an overnight frost, this is really the worst thing to do because the rubber edge of the blade could actually be frozen to the screen, which can cause it to tear, but even if that doesn’t happen there are few things worse for this rubber edge than scraping across an icy windscreen, because frost is surprisingly abrasive! In addition, the strain on the wiper arms, joints and motor could result in even bigger problems and an unwelcome repair bill.

So, a really useful tip when the weather turns chilly is to lift the blades away from the glass when the car is parked. Most wiper arms are designed to be moved and stay in this position because it aides the removal and installation process, when worn blades are replaced, but where this is not the case, sliding a plastic bag over the blade before resting it back on the screen, will also prevent them from freezing to the glass.

While using hot water from a kettle may appear to be the quick and easy way to de-ice the screen, it can cause real damage, as the extreme and sudden change in temperature can cause the glass to crack or even shatter.

So, if using the wipers and pouring on hot water are the wrong way to de-ice that windscreen, what’s the right way? Well, there are plenty of specific accessories, like scrapers and snow brushes, and de-icing products such as liquids/sprays that are readily available and will do the job quickly and effectively, but don’t wait until the weather has closed in and the icy mornings have begun before stocking them!

While these are good ways to de-ice your vehicle, there are actually some simple tricks to stop your windscreen from freezing to begin with, such as using a windscreen cover that will stick to the corners of the windscreen or be held in place by clamping in the doorframes. Failing that, an old blanket or even cardboard will work, just as long as it’s tightly fitted. Finally, if one is available, another is to use a garage, as this will also prevent snow building up on the vehicle should there be a fall.

Despite these best practice tips, as a wiper blade naturally wears with use, the time will inevitably come when the vehicle’s wiper blades will need replacing. However, as a safety crucial component, DENSO wiper blades are meticulously manufactured and tested to ensure they meet precise standards of fit and performance.

The DENSO Hybrid range is a great choice whatever the weather, but, in addition to its modern and stylish appearance, and excellent high speed wiping performance, it provides winter benefits too. Designed to perform in extreme weather conditions, the stiff, integrated structure means these hybrid blades can perform better for longer. As well as holding to the surface of the windscreen more effectively, the advanced design makes them highly resistant to the elements, particularly frost and snow, as the plastic body helps prevent icing, while the hinge mechanism maintains the blade’s flexibility, even when the frost is severe.

With a proven original equipment heritage and a history of pioneering new designs, DENSO wiper blades should be the first choice replacement option, as they are thoroughly tried and tested, so their quality and performance make them a solution that both motorists and aftermarket professionals can rely on.

Further details of the DENSO Aftermarket wiper blades are available in DENSO E-catalogue.