A ‘retro clip’ system incorporated into two flat-blade models of windscreen wipers ensures both models are compatible on 95% of South African light and commerical vehicles, reports powertrain and vehicle safety technology company Federal-Mogul.

Champion Easyvision is the rebranded consolidation of two tried and trusted – flat and conventional – wiper blade ranges manufactured by the company.

Federal-Mogul marketing director Heath Stow says that a retro-clip system allows flat blades to replace conventional blades, thereby ensuring that the Champion range covers the vast percenatge of vehicles.

“Flat blades provide a more uniform contact with windscreens, with evenly distributed pressure along the length of the wiper, owing to variable geometry spoiler (VGS) techno- logy, which responds to changing wind force to maintain a constant wiping performance,” he explains.

An added benefit of this rebranded range is that two new flat-blade designs have been introduced to allow for the replacement of con- ventional blades through a patented Multi Clip system, which connects seven popular wiper arms. “The Champion Easyvision flat-blade wipers only use 15 references to ensure that the range covers 95% of vehicles on the road,” says Stow.

“The Champion conventional low mass metal wiper blades feature an upright claw design that allows for smooth rubber movement throughout the sweep of the blade. This range caters for high-speed applications where wind-lift is a concern,” he continues.

Champion Easyvision product manager Philip de Meyer stresses that worn blades are a major safety hazard to drivers. “The purpose of a wiper blade is not just to clear water from the windscreen, but to create friction to remove any obstacles. Worn blades achieve neither of these fundamental aims and run the serious risk of causing an accident in inclement weather,” he states.

De Meyer highlights the fact that Federal-Mogul undertakes extensive testing during research and development to ensure the Champion Easyvision blades are durable and effective, even in the most challenging weather conditions. “Development takes between a year and 18 months, and involves the design and testing of several prototypes,” he says.

Wiper blade noise is another major safety concern, states De Meyer. “Noisy wiper blades can distract, and even agitate, drivers in challenging conditions. Bearing this in mind, the Champion Easyvision range boasts improved aerodynamics, with more flexible and durable rubber that is covered in a special coating to ensure that noise is kept to an absolute minimum,” he says.

De Meyer notes that the rebranded packaging for the Champion Easyvision range provides customers with a clear and simple choice of conventional blades or flat blades. “A quick response code enables the custo- mer to scan the packaging with a smartphone, before being redirected to an app that enables them to enter in all of their vehicle details. From there, the app will inform the customer of the most suitable Champion Easyvision product for the customer’s specific vehicle. This adds substantial value to the wiper blade pur- chasing process, which is often confusing for the customer,” he concludes.