Wiper Blades

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(F/W 2004)
“ Most of the choices people make when they are driving are based on what they can see, and worn out wiper blades cannot effectively clear the windshield of rain, snow, or debris, resulting in blurred vision for the driver,” said Matt Hallis, Product Technical Support Manager with Robert Bosch Corporation.

Windshield wipers in top condition ensure maximum vision on the highway, essential for safe driving in rain, snow, or icy conditions.

“ A great many vehicles have windshield wiper blades and/or washer systems that are barely functional, and many, many drivers never change their wiper blades,” Hallis continued. “So, the choices of many drivers will be impaired, resulting in untold mishaps -- unless the simple solution for safety is exercised with good quality, effective wiper blades.

“At Bosch, we’ve been making premium wiper blades for more than 75 years, and they are installed as original equipment on many domestic and import cars and light trucks,” Hallis remarked. “Cheaper blades do not clean as effectively -- especially on older windshields that have suffered from abrasion -- leaving you with the anxiety and uncertainty of poor visibility, along with the potential for an accident.

“We recommend replacing wiper blades every six months,” Hallis suggested. “They can go longer, but with the way road grime kicks up, abrasion takes its toll on even the best blades -- as well as the windshield -- and visibility will begin to suffer.” For best results, Hallis recommends replacing the blade assembly, rather than just the insert. Older frames may loosen, and fail to keep inserts in proper alignment for optimum cleaning action.

With winter coming on, now is the time to take a good look at your wiper blades. “Streaking under rainy conditions, inserts that are beginning to tear or separate at the ends, and loose frames are all signs that wiper blades need to be replaced. Any of these conditions will be aggravated with the onset of winter,” Hallis advised.

Most auto parts stores offer a wide range of wiper blades on the showroom floor, with handy reference guides to identify the correct match for your vehicle. Installing the fresh blades does not require the skill of a mechanic.

“The most difficult part of installing a Bosch wiper blade is removing the old blade, which might have been on there quite a while,” said Hallis. Bosch’s exclusive DirectConnectTM installation system makes wiper blade attachment a snap, with no adapters on most vehicle applications. It’s an easy project for do-it-yourselfers.

For best wiper-blade performance, Hallis recommends keeping windshields clean, and wiper reservoirs full of washer fluid -- not straight water, which can freeze in colder weather and damage the washer system.

For a Dependable Motor Vehicle
visit us in the Redwood Auto Care Center
Across the street from the Skyview Drive-In

2335 Soquel Drive
Santa Cruz CA 95065
831-462-4436
Monday-Friday/8:00 am-5:00 pm