September 2008

As we edge closer to winter, now is the time to check and replace your wipers. One in five accidents is caused by poor visibility – and making sure your wipers are up to the job is the simplest way to improve your safety.

Just about all cars can benefit from the latest flat blade technology, which does away with the ugly multi-piece frame. Instead, a metal spring along the blade’s length keeps the rubber on screen and the entire wiper becomes a spoiler.

So is it worth making the switch? We took 10 sets, six in standard style and four blades, to discover which are best.

The Test

There was no shortage of rain to evaluate wiper performance in this test, and all of our sets were tried on the same car. First, we rated the instructions and ease of fitting.

All the wipers had to provide a clean, quiet wipe, so we used all the blades on a dry screen to check for squeaking. Then we did the same with a wet windscreen, this time seeing if the wipers left smears or lines. We then headed out to the motorway to check for lifting or juddering. The prices we have quoted are for a pair of blades.

Verdict

When it comes to wipe quality and low noise, there is little to choose between the Bosch pair, but a £7 price advantage seals the win for the conventional Super Plus blades. If you want the flat blade look, the Aerotwin is a top performer. And if you’re after flat blades for the price of a conventional pair of wipers, it has to be the TruPart Flat Blade, which completes our podium finishers.

Contacts

Bosch, 01299 251130, www.wiperblades.co.uk
TruPart, 01299 251130, www.wiperblades.co.uk
Campion, 01299 251130, www.wiperblades.co.uk
Valeo, 01299 251130, www.wiprblades.co.uk
Halfords, 0845 762 6625, www.halfords.co.uk
Michelin, 01299 251130, www.wiperblades.co.uk

Top 3

1. Bosch Super Plus
2. Bosch Aerotwin
3. TruPart Flat Blade

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