A window to the world
Wiper blades are an essential safety feature for any vehicle. In bad weather, they help improve visibility by clearing away rain, snow, dust and ice. In fact, it is said that 20% of accidents might involve inclement weather conditions.
Whether doing the morning work run, enjoying a family trip or trucking across a continent, all drivers require the same levels of safety. And this is where Valeo’s brand new Silicone wiper blade Everguard™ comes into play.
Where others can’t, Silicone can
Powered by Silicone Technology, Valeo Everguard™ is part of the next-generation of innovative wiper blades. While natural or synthetic rubbers have been used for cleaning windshields in the past, there are some key differences compared to these two materials that means Silicone is the choice for the future.
Silicone rubber is a synthetic polymer primarily made of silicon chemical elements, and also oxygen, hydrogen and carbon. It has a wide range of properties, which include resistance to extreme temperatures and weather elements (UV, ozone), material inertness, great elasticity and hydrophobia. Due to these unique qualities, Silicon is employed in a variety of industries, including aerospace, construction, and of course, the automotive industry.
In Japan, around 40% of vehicles now use water-repellent windshields, thanks to Silicone wiper blades (and/or specific treatments). In the US, the first Silicone wiper blade was launched only a few years ago and most market players now propose a Silicone option in addition to the classic flat blade. Time has come for Silicone wipers to start spreading in Europe and Valeo is the perfect partner to accompany this evolution thanks to a long and proven expertise in Asia and in the US.
Valeo EverguardTM goes the extra mile
Valeo EverguardTM Silicone wiper blades aim to innovate and gain ground on three important fronts where other standard wipers can fail: VISIBILITY, DURABILITY, MOTION.
As everyone knows, a better vision is a safer drive. That’s why we chose advanced Silicone Technology rubber which applies a hydrophobic rain-protection film to the windshield. After five minutes of operation without water (at low speed), the hydrophobic film comes into effect. This results in the windshield no longer being covered with a river of distracting raindrops, but instead with spherical bead-like water drops that are easily cleared by the air - when driving above 50km/h - or the wipers.
The best things never last for long? Not necessarily. The second breakthrough is that Silicone material is extremely resistant to heat, cold, ozone and UV rays, which are the main causes of rubber deterioration. As a result, Valeo EverguardTM wiper blades last twice as long as standard blades and don’t crack or end up deformed when under extreme conditions.
Last, Silicone wiper blades operate far more smoothly and pleasingly than classic wiper blades. Due to the material’s great elasticity and a special coating engineered by Valeo, EverguardTM blades glide easily and silently across the windshield. You get the comfort you need to stay focused and enjoy the road.
Wiping away the past
Valeo brand new EverguardTM Silicone wiper blades were launched in September 2022 in Europe, and are now available on most e-commerce platforms. Priced around 70,00€ for a set of two wipers, EverguardTM Silicone blades are made to last twice as long as standard rubber blades and are entitled to benefit drivers with the safety they desire when out on the road…!
