Updated: 27 August 2025
As the UK heads into another season of unpredictable, often severe weather, First Line Ltd. is urging drivers and workshops to make windscreen wiper blade checks a key part of their winter preparations.
Wiper blades face year-round punishment from rain, frost, sunlight, and temperature swings. Over time, this exposure hardens or cracks the rubber, causing streaking, smearing, squeaking, or juddering – all of which reduce visibility and increase risk for both drivers and other road users.
Kelvin Olds, Product Director at First Line Ltd., said: “Wiper blades are the driver’s first line of defence against rain and road spray. Cleaning the rubber strips regularly can help maintain performance, but the safest option is to replace them annually, before signs of wear start to impair vision.”
To support this best practice, Borg & Beck wiper blades, available exclusively from First Line Ltd, are manufactured from 100% natural rubber with a liquid graphite coating for smooth, silent, streak-free operation. The range covers both conventional and flat-blade styles, offering broad coverage of the UK car parc. Conventional blades feature an all-metal vented frame for strength and quiet performance, while flat blades are designed with a symmetrical spoiler to resist wind lift at motorway speeds.
Each blade is supplied with a universal pre-attached adaptor, making fitting straightforward for standard hook-style arms as well as side-pin and 7 mm bayonet designs. For all other vehicles adaptors are included and can be easily selected by visiting First Line’s WebCat (www.webcat.firstline.co.uk/Home), to see the fitting instructions, simply scan the QR code on your wiper blade packaging.
The key signs a wiper blade needs replacing include visible cracks in the rubber, persistent smears or streaks, and noisy, skipping movement across the glass. First Line Ltd. advises replacing blades well before these symptoms occur to ensure optimum performance in wet, snowy, or icy conditions.
To help promote the importance of seasonal wiper checks, First Line Ltd. has produced a free ‘Winter Ready’ poster, available to request via the company’s website.
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