Beware of the UV ray damage to wiper blades

While wiper blades are reserved for rain, it’s not a known fact that the sun can damage wiper blades while they’re not in use.

• Damage UV rays cause to blades

• What to do

• Simply Brands wiper blade range

What damage does UV rays do to wiper blades?

The UV rays from the sun unfortunately damage the rubber of the blade. This makes them crack and split and once they’re needed for when it rains, the damage to the blade is already done. This damage will result in the blades insufficiently clearing the windscreen. In fact, the most common reason a wiper blade disintegrates is not due to the amount of water it’s clearing from the windscreen, it’s the UV rays.

 However, while UV rays can damage wiper blades, this leaves professionals in the automotive aftermarket with a fantastic opportunity. Because blades do not have to be restricted to winter, it is in fact a year round product, especially in the summer.

 While there will be sun in the coming months, there’s also a guarantee of rain. This means drivers will have to use their blades. Once they do, they could potentially see the damage the UV rays have done to their blades and need to buy new ones.

So, what should you do?

During the summer, factors and workshops should keep a stock of wiper blades handy and even explain the damage UV rays can do to the rubber of the blade to increase their selling opportunities.

The Simply Brands wiper blade range

Simply Brands released our own wiper blade range earlier in the year that was developed and tested in the UK over a nine month period. The range is competitively priced and consists of both multi-fit flat blades and traditional conventional blades.

 The multi-fit flat blade offering will cover 98% of the car park and consists of 15 SKUs with eight original equipment (OE) fit adaptors that cover the 10 most popular OE arm types. This will include a retro fit hook adaptor to upgrade older vehicles to the latest flat blade technology.

 The flat blade technology delivers perfect wiping pressure across the entire blade length thanks to two precision cut steel rails, with a symmetrical spoiler reducing wind lift at high speeds. The rubber wiping element is made of synthetic and natural rubber compound for an optimum blend of performance and durability.

 The conventional blade range has 11 SKUs in lengths 280mm – 700mm, and all are an metal vented frame design with a universal pre-attached adaptor to fit all hook wiper arms, as well as legacy side pin and 7mm bayonet wiper arms.

 All blades come in environmentally friendly carton packaging that, to assist with fitment, feature QR codes on all packaging that will direct users to a wiper blade finder as well as installation instructions.

 For those who prefer written step by step instructions, Simply Brands also includes printed installation instructions inside every pack.