The alternate non-OEM pair fit like a glove and clicked into place easily.

BHPian dkaile recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Passenger Side Wiper Change - 22-03-2024

The Driver Side Wiper was last changed on 04-08-2023 and was working perfectly fine but the Passenger Side Wiper was last changed on 04-06-2015 and was nearly 9 years and still working but though a little long in the tooth... lolz. So it was time to get the Passenger side one replaced. Now it comes as a set from Skoda and they were asking around 5000 bucks for a set, whereas I had just changed my Baleno wipers to Hella ones for just 300 bucks and they were working perfectly!! So why the propensity to ask 5k for these??

Searched in the local market, not immediately available in Meerut a spare parts dealer assured to procure for around 900 bucks for the pair. Searched online and I hit one which was just for 489 bucks for a pair!! with a nearly 4-star rating and with Amazon, I could always return/replace it if it was not worthwhile. So I bit the bullet and ordered and received these ones from Valeo from the seller, which I have heard good things about:

They were the exact size needed for Superb 2012 MK2 - 24" and 18"

Now there was a difference in the attaching latch, as is visible in the photo, and I was disappointed at first glance. But when I fitted it to the car, it fit like a glove and clicked and locked into place. Relieved!!

The quality is 'superb' and both my wipers are now giving a crystal clear wipe of the windshield without any streaks.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

The process is largely the same even on a 2020 Baleno Zeta but failed on a friend's XL6 Zeta.

BHPian Leoshashi recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

DIY Upgrade - Adding Variable Speed Intermittent Wiper function on my XL6

Ever since the Grand Vitara/2022 Brezza came out, I noticed the stalk which matched the shape/profile of the stalks I have on my XL6. Curiously, checked their PIN diagrams and it was identical. Placed an order with MASS locally around July but the part hasn't arrived till now. Thankfully, the stalk came in stock on Boodmo and I ordered it immediately.

PN: 37310M68P21

Link: Link to stalk

Installation was a simple affair:

1. Remove one screw and pull the lower part of the dashboard trim, comes out cleanly.

2. There will be one screw holding the lower part of the steering column cover, unscrew it and remove the lower part.

3. Turn the steering wheel to the left and right and unscrew the two screws visible and remove the top part of the column cover.

4. Undo the tab to release the stalk and also the coupler.

5. Installation is simply a reverse process and you are done.

Video of Variable speed INT wiper in action: Link

Cons: The only single demerit is that the new stalk has a REAR INT function, but the wiring of XL6 or other models on Heartect doesn't support it. Anyways we didn't have this function earlier, so no harm was done.

Installation success in Baleno 2020 Zeta MT: The process was largely the same, except the lower part of the dash had two screws instead of 1 in my XL6

Video and pics of this mod working in Baleno:

Supported and Verified Models: All the models and variants are listed here. Be sure to go through the list carefully, as this mod FAILED in a friend's XL6 Zeta MT. Notice the different shape of the stalk end:

Hence, request you all to go through the list mentioned above carefully before attempting this mod.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

The company claims that these wiper blades also use less washer fluid compared to when sprayed directly.

Jeep has introduced new "high-performance windshield wiper blades", supposedly meant for vehicles which frequently go off-roading.

This new windshield wiper blade is made by Jeep Performance Parts and is said to cost US$140 (approx. Rs 11,145, current exchange). Jeep claims that its windshield wiper can clean the windshield in just a single swipe. It is available for MY2018 and higher Wrangler & Gladiator models.

According to Jeep, the new high-tech wiper blades come with 12 laser-cut holes that expel washer fluid during the swiping motion. The company claims that these wiper blades also use less washer fluid compared to when sprayed directly.

Installing these wiper blades on the Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator will require the standard washer nozzles to be disabled.

I had always wanted to just change the blade rubber instead of replacing the entire assembly including the metal frame.

BHPian CylinderHead recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

The wipers started making some nasty sounds in my almost two-year-old 5th Gen City V (MT). It was time for a (much needed) wiper blade change! Dealership is some 30 kilometres away and being the lazy guy that I am, didn't feel like driving all that way for such a trivial job. Tried sourcing wiper blades from nearby auto parts stores but couldn't find any for the 5th Gen City. So fell back to buying a set from Boodmo and while searching, I noticed a category 'Wiper Blade Rubber'. I had always wanted to just change the blade rubber instead of replacing the entire assembly including the metal frame. So went ahead and ordered OEM rubbers. The one on the driver side is 65 centimetres long and the other one is 35 centimetres. Cost me Rs.598 including shipping from Rajasthan to Keralam. Installation was a 10-minute job at home requiring a screwdriver and a cutting plier as tools.

• Removed the wiper blades from the car by pressing a lock on them and tilting and sliding the blades towards the windscreen.
• Pried open the locking leg that holds the rubber in place using the screwdriver. This released the old rubber.
• Slid the old rubber with its metal backbone (2 metal strips on both sides) out.
• Removed the metal strips from the old rubber and placed them in the new one.
• Slid the new rubber back into its frame and locked it by applying pressure on the locking leg using the cutting plier.
• Installed the blades back on the car.

Purchase Links: 1, 2

OEM rubber:

Wiper blade with the rubber blade removed:

Old and new blades along with the metal strip:

My red beauty with her shiny new set of wipers:

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Quality wise it's comparable to Bosch. Advantage is that it doesn't have end caps, so it looks more solid in construction.

BHPian Osteon206 recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

With the monsoon beginning, and the stock wipers showing signs of early wear and tear, I decided to replace all 3 wiper blades. Went for frameless wiper blades from this company called Hamaan. I've used this brand earlier in the Grand i10 Nios and liked it. Quality wise it's comparable to Bosch. Advantage is that it doesn't have end caps, so it looks more solid in construction.

I was apprehensive that the rear wiper wouldn't fit well, but it turned out fine (except it looks a little more cross than the stock wiper). Functionally of both, the front and rear wipers are great.

I bought them at the friendly neighborhood car accessory store - Car Cosmetics, Mysore.

• Front wiper : 24" & 18"
• Rear wiper : 12"
• Brand : Hamaan
• Price : Rs. 1000 for all 3 wiper blades put together.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

The factory-fitted wipers gave a life of 68K kms, but these Bosch ones could withstand only 20K kms.

BHPian arun_josie recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Wiper replacement (Size 18/24):

As mentioned earlier, the wipers had started leaving lines and also was not smooth in action. So, I decided to replace these Bosch wipers with another set of the same kind. These wipers are cheaper (900/-) and naturally, their life is less too. The factory-fitted wipers gave a life of 68K Kms (5000/-) but these Bosch ones could withstand only 20K kms. Planning to try Valeo wipers next time.

After the previous drive, the car was super dirty. So, I got it washed at the nearby car wash center:

A random click:

ODO at 90,000 kms:

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In models like the XM variant of the Tata Nexon, there is a rear spoiler, however, the car does not come with a rear wiper.

BHPian NovemberKing_91 recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Problem Statement: Water accumulation on the rear windshield of CSUV like Tata Nexon during rain.

In the CSUV Tata Nexon and similar vehicles, in the absence of a rear windshield wiper, during rains, water accumulates on the rear windshield. While it is not critical to driving successfully, having a clear rear windshield is an advantage.

Explanation of the problem and possible solution

An example of a CSUV from Skoda, shows that the rear windshield has very little airflow to take away the water that may have accumulated there due to rain. The spoiler, while making the airflow smoother and providing downforce, also ensures a near-vacuum is created in the wake of the car.

Another image of a similar shaped car from Ford, shows the air velocity in different parts of the car. Our focus is on the blue area, immediately behind the car. Since there is minimum airflow over the car’s rear surface, water accumulation on the rear windshield is possible. For this reason, most of the hatchbacks come with a rear wiper.

In models such as the XM variant of Tata Nexon, the rear spoiler exists, but not the rear wiper. This ensures that there is neither airflow over the rear windshield, nor is there a means of effective removal of water accumulation during rains. This problem must be addressed.

The solution can be simple, to make the rear wiper standard across all models, or, to remove the spoiler, so that some air flows over the rear windshield. In the market, which is all but saturated with compact SUVs and visual appearance plays an important role in customer’s choice, removal of spoiler is not an option; while the addition of a rear wiper assembly, drives up the cost, which is not desirable too. So, a third option must be considered.

A spoiler, which is built in such a manner that, while maintaining the utility in terms of providing the necessary downforce, also allows for a stream of air to be pushed down the surface of the rear windshield. This should allow the water to be removed from the rear glass while ensuring that the cosmetics are maintained. An example may be as seen below in the case of the Porsche Cayenne.

In the absence of a wind tunnel or the skills to model the aerodynamic flow on my own, I request the learned designers to possibly give the idea a thought. The problem exists and the solution should be made available. Modification to the spoiler would not be a costly proposition but it will help the common man solve an inconvenience.

I hope the above article finds its way to the right people and this issue is solved. If someone explains to me why this cannot be done, guess that would satisfy the curiosity too, but then, there has to be a solution for sure.

Here's what BHPian VW2010 had to say about the matter:

Rear spoiler is not meant for deflecting wind back to the car and doing so can only cause poor efficiency and performance. Is it possible? Let me say yes for the sake of a non zero probability. Will it help with removing water at those speeds, I will take a calculated bet that it won't.

Nothing beats the rear wiper.

On such a rainy drive I have never once used the rear windshield, as my eyes are fixated on what is in front of me. The visibility at the front is already low in a moving car against the rain that side mirrors are the next best-used part of the car.

Here's what BHPian shancz had to say about the matter:

Just get the model with the wiper which sadly is nearing the top models since most of the car buyers don't use it or even know how to use it.

Don't think the Porsche example was using the spoiler to generate anything but downforce but I could be wrong.

As for your problem getting a rain repellant like Glaco before monsoons will help a bit but it cannot replace the utility of the wiper.

If it's just a matter of cost, get the wiper fitted. I would be more concerned about how much of the factory stuff will be opened to run the wiring, piping and attachments.

Here's what BHPian sushantk had to say about the matter:

I consider the rear wiper as a safety feature and totally endorse the view of making it mandatory on all cars. I use it regularly and find it very helpful especially in traffic.

I have seen people keeping banners and pillows and what not blocking the view of IRVM. I feel so much discomfort by looking at such cars being driven. A car without a rear wiper in rain is somewhat the same.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

It was only upon reaching back home and checking specs online, I realized he had given me the wrong size.

BHPian ankurj recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

I was in the middle of rain, on a long drive and my existing wipers had gone bad. In a hurry, I purchased a new pair of wipers, but the shopkeeper gave the wrong size.

For the Hyundai Verna Fluidic, it should be 24-inch & 16-inch, but he installed 22-inch & 17-inch (Minda). He also mentioned, I was using the wrong size earlier.

It was only upon reaching back home and checking specs online, I realized he had given me the wrong size.

Just wondering, what wrong can these wipers do to the car glass (other than the fact of course that the 22" wiper would wipe a lesser area than the 24-inch blades and 17" ones would wipe a greater area than the 16" wiper)?

Here's what BHPian self_driven had to say on the matter:

Nothing much. 24" to 22" won't cause any issue as the latter is obviously shorter. It could've been a problem if it was the other way around. The difference between 16" and 17" is again too small to create any issues.

If the wipers are working smoothly without brushing with each other, there's no need to change.

Here's what BHPian abhishek46 had to say on the matter:

Nothing will happen to the glass.

Just check the area that is now being cleaned by the Wipers.

If it substantially less than earlier, and it is affecting your field of vision, then go back to the previous setup.

Here's what BHPian Dr.AD had to say on the matter:

Nothing wrong will happen by using 22" instead of 24". All you will get is lesser wiping area. But no damage to be worried about.

Regarding the other 17" instead of 16" wiper, only possibility is that the increases 1" length could interfere with the other wiper or the edges of the windshield. You will know that by audible sounds and a jagged movement of the wiper, if that is happening. But if that interference is not happening, then you are fine and nothing to worry.

In short, wrong wiper sizes are not a great idea, but it will not cause any immediate or serious damage that you need to worry about.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

When we upsize, we are reducing the pressure with which the edge sits against the windshield. Which should result in decreased performance BUT, longer life.

BHPian Tgo recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Some elementary physics applied to the windshield wiper blade does not show promising results for the wiper blade upsizing trend that many of us ponder about.

Take the wiper assembly of any vehicle. The wiper arm has has a spring which pulls the arm against the windshield. The spring is component providing the constant force to the wiper arm.

Lets focus on the pressure. This is a cross section of the edge which equates to a point on the edge. Source

The wiper blade assembly (one which has the rubber edge) is always under this force which is a constant. Lets call it F. The length of the blade is L. Each point on the edge in contact with the windshield has a component of this force which would be the pressure = F / L ( Considering line contact for simplicity).

Elementary Physics applied to a wiper blade. From common understanding, more pressure helps the edge push more firmly against the windshield, which should equate to better wiping performance.

When we upsize, we are reducing the pressure with which the edge sits against the windshield. Which should result in decreased performance BUT, longer life.

Keeping apples to apples comparison (same style of blade), the only reasons I could come up with for upsizing was the increased sweep coverage. Is it that important than getting a clean sweep? So, why do we & why should we, still upsize the wipers?

Here's what GTO had to say on the matter:

I've always stuck to OEM sizes. This seems like a solution to a problem no one had!

Here's what BHPian Dr.AD had to say on the matter:

I think your analysis is correct. Increasing the wiper blade size will decrease the pressure (Force per unit length in this case of linear contact) and that will reduce the wiping performance, but gain increased sweep area. However, increased sweep area is very tricky, because modern cars have complex windshield shapes, and trying to increase the sweep area may result into interference between the two blades (I have seen this happening on a few cars), and/or the blades touching the outer edge of the windshield and making hitting sounds (I have seen this happening on a few cars too).

There is often not enough room all around the windshield to simply increase the sweep area by using a larger blade and not cause any interference. If that was indeed possible, most car manufacturers would have used a bigger blade in the first place.

Wiper designs are quite complex, and most OEMs do a tight fit based on windshield shapes, sizes, and maximum coverage area possible without any interference. Trying to mess up with that often results into unnecessary problems which did not exist in the first place.

Here's what BHPian dhanushs had to say on the matter:

There is a certain amount of pressure which clears off water off the windshield. Once that point is achieved, any more pressure means really nothing.

There is a certain amount of tolerance in the manufacturing of every component in a car, and that is what we take advantage of, while upgrading. Just like we take advantage of the Torque rating tolerances of the gearboxes and driveshafts while remapping, in this case we are taking advantage of the spring stiffness to increase the wiping area.

So, if you can get more wiping area with a larger blade, without interfering with the other blades or windsheild beadings, go for it.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Are the traditional wipers ok or are the frameless ones worth the upgrade?

BHPian Takumi-san recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

I drive a much beloved 2012 Holden (GM / Chevrolet) Cruze. My wipers are of the same type that originally came with the vehicle (traditional) and have been replaced a few times as can be expected over the years.

Recently I have been targetted by online ads of frameless wipers (also known as bracketless or spineless wipers which are usually used by OEMs with premium vehicles). I don't wish to give publicity to any firm so I don't want to post the link but the price difference is almost 2-3x for these compared to the usual. You can find these for almost any vehicle on Amazon / eBay. I have never been unhappy with the normal framed wipers but I guess I dont know what I am missing?

What do fellow members think? Are the traditional wipers ok or are the frameless ones worth the upgrade?

Here's what BHPian gkveda had to say on the matter:

Call me fundamentalist or old traditionalist. All I need is a clean glass to see the external world and the road clearly through the windshield. If that can be achieved by a clean cloth (cheapest solution) with the help of button inside the car, I will be the happiest person.

We have simple wipers doing that job with frame and available at a few 100s of rupees. I am extremely satisfied with this solution.

I really don't see any value in frameless wipers and per my opinion, it is a waste of money to spend additional 2x or 3x the amount. In my view, these are all market gimmicks to create and increase spending culture in the end user (our culture is saving culture and US culture is spending culture. I am proud to be a man with saving culture).

Here's what BHPian TrackDay had to say on the matter:

I will be honest, I would vote for frameless wipers purely based on the exterior appearance. I have had satisfactory usage from both types, so at the end of the day, it is just for a neat and clean look, that I went with the frameless ones. The standard (frame one) also loses paint here and there after a while. Besides all premium cars come with frameless.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.