Technical Thoughts - wiper blade lifespan?

[jamesbrownontheroad]

Morning everyone, and happy new year year.

Pookieface the Panda (not my name, honest...) ticked over 20,000 miles yesterday. Amongst other routine winter maintenance I've been thinking of replacing the wiper blades.

These drag noisily for a while when it starts to rain and the screen is still dry, and there's a patch on the bottom of the driver's side which is never cleared by the washer fluid (it seems to be wiped away before it has a chance to drain that far down).

I just wanted to see how long other Panda drivers had gone with the original blades. Many thanks in advance.

 

[alamar]

Originals are actually Bosch Aerotwin flat blade wipers. From my experience they are not good for Panda 2012. Especially if you live in harsh environment with cold winters or hot summers. They loose smoothness very quickly.
I would recommend hybrid flat wipers from Mtec or Denso. Or if you can`t live without totally flat design just buy generic cheap ones every six months and they will do the job just fine.

Bosch Aerotwins are not worth the money for this car.

 

[jamesbrownontheroad]

Thanks for the tip off. I've just found a pair for £12 through Euro Car Parts here in Norwich, so I will slide them on and see how we fare.

Cheers

 

[alamar]

Denso Hybrid
http://www.denso-am.eu/products/automotive-aftermarket/wiper-blades/denso-wiper-blades/

Mtec Hybrid
http://www.hids-direct.co.uk/2-x-mtec-hybrid-flat-aero-wiper-blades-select-sizes/

 

[jrkitching]

I just wanted to see how long other Panda drivers had gone with the original blades. Many thanks in advance.

My OEM blades are still fine after 4 1/2yrs/55k .

 

[ExBluebird]

I normally change them when they annoy me. Poppy the panda (yes yes We gave it a name) is only 2 months old so not annoying me yet.

 

[panda panda]

I've found the michelin stealth blades to be excellent, now fitted to all three pandas and do a much better job than the bosch ones they replaced,

 

[ExBluebird]

All three Pandas. - Take that experience !!!
!!

 

[AusPanda]

I found that if you get rid of the degraded rubber on the wiper (by rubbing them clean with a chamois or clean cloth) and provided that the windscreen does not have the remainder of wash wax on it, the existing rubbers will last a bit longer. Not trying to be tight with splashing out on new ones; when they're stuffed, they need to be replaced...