0
0
When you think of wiper blade installation what comes to mind? A few phrases in my head are, this is annoying, time wasting, not my favorite thing to do. Although at times wiper blades can be easy to install, often times there’s some added aspect that takes it to the annoyance level. We’ve all been there. If you own multiple different makes or models of vehicles, you’ll understand this even more. It’s odd that something so simple has become so complex. By that we mean, depending on your vehicle you could have a wiper arm that has a post sticking up that requires a certain wiper blade to be installed. If you have another make, if could be one of those J Hooks that also will need a different type of wiper blade. This can go on and on simply based on what you own or drive.
Bosch has aimed to simply this crazy conundrum with the XpressFIT Pro model wiper blades. And at first glance I think they’ve done it. These blades were announced in November of 2024.
The XpressFIT Pro wiper blades have a very unique design. It has a connecter and attachment setup on it that enables it to be attached to 95% of all makes and models of vehicles out there. Yes that includes, J Hooks, Posts, Side lock, Pinch tab and literally all the other possible connections types. Thank you, It’s about time. Maybe you didn’t realize how complex the wiper blade connection world is. I didn’t till I started researching all the possible connection types are out there for something that seems so simple as wiper blades.
I can tell you, Bosch realized this and said, there has to be a better way. And they made that better way available to you and I. For someone who has installed a good amount of wiper blades in my time. These were the easiest installation of wiper blades I’ve ever done. Both of our test vehicles have the hook connection. Included with the blades is a very well thought out and easy to understand instruction guide on how to install these on all of the possible connections they cover. And yes this includes pictures in the instructions. Something, I as a simple minded human at times can really appreciate. We’re talking maybe 30 seconds from package to installed on our vehicle per blade.
Another key aspect to making these blades the absolute best, is Bosch’s HydroDefense technology. This is an application of liquid graphite to the wiping element. Bosch states this keeps the blade more durable for longer lasting all weather use. It is also stated it makes the blade quieter. We most definitely put this claim to the test.
We had a forecasted snow and ice storm in our region in February. We left our two test vehicles out all day and night in the storm. Sure enough come morning, we had a thick layer of ice on the vehicles covered with 2 inches of snow. I mean you couldn’t draw up a better wiper blade torture test if you tried. We installed all four blades on the vehicles and let them rip. Now living in Utah most of my life, I know a thing or two about snow and ice and how especially ice and heavy snow can destroy brand new wiper blades in seconds. It was now or never. How would the Bosch blades with the liquid graphite application stack up?
Prepare yourself… They handled exactly as advertised. They moved the snow without any issue or chunks being left behind. Then they started to work on the ice. We let them run for an easy 30 plus seconds just getting drug across that ice. Lesser blades would have pled for mercy. We didn’t spray on any deicer for a good amount of time.
I was confident that dragging those blades across that ice with out the aid of any washer fluid would destroy them. I was wrong. Once we applied some washer fluid these blades made quick work of the ice and miraculously left behind no streaks. I remember saying, “fine no streaks but they’ll be crazy loud now.” But they weren’t, they were as quiet as a sleeping baby. We did this to both vehicles and same results on both vehicles. No one off here.
Bosch has added what they call patented dual tension springs to these blades. I can definitely say coming out of the box they have a good curve to them, more than any blade I’ve ever used. But that’s the point. They give a ton of even tension on the windshield with this design. Thus, no streaks. Something all of us can be thankful for.
We tested the holy you know what out of these blades in some of the craziest Utah weather. One day ice storm, the next almost 80 degrees, then onto heavy snow and mud. And these wiper blades said, “is that all you got?”
When you have a wiper blade that survives ice, makes no streaks or loud noises, fits 95% of all makes and models, and is super easy to install. What do you have? You have the wiper blade we’ve begged for our entire lives. Wiper blade of the year? More like wiper blade of the decade.
Bosch, we salute you.
