I’ve had my Mitsubishi FTO MIVEC for 3 years and have had nothing but happiness and enjoyment out of it. The only problem is with getting the parts needed to keep it maintained. I have used 3 sets of Wiper Blades and I am still not happy with the current version that I have on. I purchased the high performance Silicone Wiper Blades from a local garage but they do not curve to the correct angle of the windscreen.

The concerns that I have with ordering parts for the FTO is that everything has to be imported from Japan to get the correct fit and style. I did recognise this when I bought the car but I didn’t realise the cost of importing such things as Wiper Blades direct from the factory in Japan. This is because they do not make the current version of the car anymore and therefore everything is by order and demand.

There are a couple of specialist companies that can help with high performance parts, such as Wiper Blades, and I have used them in the past when the car failed it’s MOT and I needed a new seatbelt, mirror and locking catch. These specialist dealers are comprehensively cheaper and you actually get to talk someone who will give you exact prices and delivery times. I used SMC who are a specialist FTO parts dealer, I purchased the above parts and ordered the new high performance Wiper Blades which were a perfect fit, unfortunately they were too high performance and a local kid decided to treat himself to them the following week!

I have resigned myself to using local garage or store for Wiper Blades in case of the same occurring again. I went down to a local store and purchased a set of regular Wiper Blades which I thought would fit the windscreen, they were sizes 20” and 21”, they didn’t fit although the FTO name was on the packaging. I took the pair of Wiper Blades back and exchanged them for the rigid 19” version. The Wiper Blades fit the actual windscreen but did not curve around to fit the passenger side. I left these Wiper Blades on for at least six months but I noticed that during the winter months the rubber was wearing and I decided to go back to the Silicone Wiper Blades. As I have already commented on, I am still not happy with the look of my Wiper Blades but they are the best that I can find without paying for an import from Japan and paying a huge amount.

During the course of its life, your standard set of Wiper Blades will clean the windscreen over 1 million times, and travel over 800 miles. Wiper Blades are commonly made from natural rubber, as this gives the most durable edge for wiping over the glass. However, being subject to such wear and tear, and also constant exposure to the elements, can cause even the Best Wiper Blades to wear down quite fast. Repeated exposure to sunlight, ozone and precipitation will have damaging effects on your Wiper Blades.

How regularly people replace their Wiper Blades is affected by numerous factors. One of these factors being where a person resides. A person living in Northern Europe may replace their wipers in time with the changing seasons; once in summer, once in winter. As you move further South into Southern Europe, the Wiper Blades are changed less, due to the drier climate. Another factor is the type of wiper blade in use. The Best Wiper Blades are silicone wiper blades, and people with these blades equipped will notice they have to change their Wiper Blades less frequently compared to typical rubber Wiper Blades.

One thing that is evident is that in most cases, drivers aren’t changing their Wiper Blades as regularly as they should be. Some drivers are even endangering the lives of themselves and their passengers by using Wiper Blades that aren’t up to scratch. Research indicates that 60% of car owners who do not adjust their own Wiper Blades blame the confusing amount of adapters that come with many replacement blades. Also some drivers are discouraged by the various types of Wiper Blades available, such as Silicone Windscreen Wipers, as they are uninformed of the suitability for their own car. Some drivers will endeavour toadjust the Wiper Blades themselves, and can end up damaging the hardware by using too much force to prise off the blade. The resultantaggravation is enough to put some off for good. However, Wiper Blades are much easier to change now than previously. Often drivers would be required to use a screwdriver to try and pry the Wiper Blades off, now it’s much easier to do and causes less frustration.

However, making the blades easier to change isn’t sufficient enough for some drivers, and they still aren’t changing them enough. Some companies are attempting to raise awareness of the need to keep your Wiper Blades in tip-top condition, and that even the Best Wiper Blades need to be checked to make sure they work fully. A company named Valeo are doing just that, by developing a set of Wiper Blades that have a ‘wear indicator,’ which allows drivers to see when their Wiper Blades need replacing. The blade simply replicates the ageing process by changing from black to yellow, giving an unmistakeable sign it needs replacing.

Hopefully, with companies continuing to promote ideas like this, and increasing awareness of road safety, will encourage drivers to replace their blades on a regular basis, ensuring the continued safety of driver and passengers.

It is very important that you choose a good driving instructor when you learn to drive. It is important you get the best advice and are as well prepared as possible before you hit the open road.Endeavour to find a good, professional instructor. Choosing a good instructor is essential to learning to become a good driver. In the UK any instructor should be registered with the Driving Standards Agency. The instructors that are not registered with the Driving Standards Agency, can not charge you for their services. These DSA registered instructors are usually referred to as ADI’s (Approved Driving Instructors).

A good instructor will get you to pass the test quickly and easily. You will then be ready to hit the open road. However you must make sure you are properly insured and this can be costly. Pay as you drive is often good place to look for cheap car insurance for young drivers. This insurance works by charging you a mileage rate with costs being much higher for the most dangerous times such as the middle of the night.

A professional will teach you and ends and outs of driving. This includes motorway driving, parallel parking, emergency stopping, hill starts and much more. Another reason to choose an approved instructor Any ADI will have a green certificate on their windscreen. A trainee instructor will have a provisional pink certificate. The DSA has rigorous standards and tests to pass before approving any prospective instructor. Before being allowed to instruct you any trainee must pass a comprehensive driving test and have a clean license for 4 years before being approved.