Wiper blades are one of the most important maintenance parts for safety on the road. Here, Valeo explains why fleet managers should focus on wiper quality and compliance and how they can detect wiper defects.
Founded in 1922, German wipers specialist SWF (Spezial Werkzeugfabrik Feuerbach) designs and manufactures quality wiper blades, wiper motors and other wiping components for heavy duty vehicles, buses and passenger cars. The company’s stated aim is to innovate in order to improve driver visibility and safety. In 1998, SWF joined the Valeo Group and in 2000, launched its first Flat Blade on OE applications.
Range overview
The range of conventional wipers consists of 19 references – 16 blades and three adapter kits and covers all vehicle classes on the European Commercial Vehicles market (trucks, buses and vans). The 100% metal structure, in conjunction with high-quality connection joints, allows for a long service life in all weather conditions.
SWF CV wiper blades are built with a 100% metal structure and high quality pin assembly, which enables excellent long lasting performance. Rubber blades ensure an optimal, efficient and long-lasting wipe – whatever the weather conditions. SWF gives a guarantee of durability, silent wiping and smooth glide, with Duotec +, a specific combination of natural and synthetic rubbers with exclusive coating on the lip.
The specific rubber profile designed for commercial vehicles allows up to 1 million cycles. All SWF CV references are fitted with OE adaptors to ensure easy and quick installation.
Quality control
100% of SWF blades are tested and approved by experts in various laboratory and on-track tests. The blades undergo the following testing procedures:
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- Cold tearing tests;
- Pressure distribution management;
- Measurement of the blade profile;
- Dry mud tests;
- Snow wiping tests;
- Endurance tests;
- Laboratory tests and track tests for aerodynamic performance.
Engineers study all weather conditions faced on the road and develop equipment and systems allowing them to face all climatic circumstances with maximum visibility – which is key for safety.
Valeo Service distributes SWF and provides customers with innovative services to animate sales (displays, videos, fitting instructions and technical services). To see installation instructions and video tips, visit the SWF YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/user/swfperformance
Aquablade technology
Introduced in 2012, the AquaBlade is a flat wiper blade that incorporates an integrated cleaning function along the entire length of the wiper blade. AquaBlade was designed specifically for the improvement of driving safety and is especially suited to the high demands set by road professionals – e.g. under extreme driving conditions.
The integrated nozzles of the AquaBlade wiper system distribute the cleaning fluid evenly along the entire length of the wiper blade and in time with the wiper arm. Regardless of vehicle speed and the angle of the windshield, the fluid is wiped away directly after being deposited onto the windshield. The driver therefore has only minimal restrictions to visibility, meaning that AquaBlade can make a major contribution to driver safety and ease eye strain, particularly during nighttime driving and in strong sunlight.
