Battling the Elements: Why Windscreen Wiper Maintenance is Crucial for Bus and Coach Safety

We all know the frustration of driving with streaky wipers in a downpour. But for bus and coach drivers, the stakes are much higher. Navigating a busy motorway in torrential rain with a bus full of passengers, and vision is obscured by a smeared windscreen is a recipe for disaster. That’s why maintaining windscreen wipers on these large vehicles isn’t just about clear vision; it’s about ensuring the safety of everyone on board and those sharing the road.

While all vehicles benefit from wiper maintenance, wind, snow, and rain create a perfect storm of challenges for buses and coach windscreens. Their large surface area acts like a sail, catching more wind and debris. Imagine the force of a gale-force wind propelling tiny stones or sharp branches towards the windscreen. This constant bombardment can quickly damage wiper blades, leading to those dreaded streaks and smears.

The sheer mileage these vehicles cover exposes them to a wider range of road conditions. Think about the grime and grit accumulated on a cross-country journey, or the corrosive salt sprayed on roads during winter. These contaminants build up on the windscreen and wiper blades, turning them into virtual sandpaper that gradually degrades the wiper rubber and even scratches the glass.

But the consequences of neglecting wiper maintenance go beyond just annoying streaks. Poor visibility significantly increases driver fatigue as they strain to see through the murk. This can lead to slower reaction times and impaired judgment, increasing the risk of accidents. In extreme cases, severely worn wipers can fail completely, leaving the driver momentarily blinded.

Salt and Road Grime.

In most parts of the country, salt used during winter months and the constant accumulation of road grime compound the problem. Salt crystals are particularly insidious, causing rapid degradation of wiper blade rubber and creating micro-abrasions that compromise the wipers’ ability to clear the windscreen effectively. This is especially critical for buses and coaches that cover long distances and encounter diverse environmental conditions.

Safety Implications

Poorly maintained windscreen wipers can lead to:

• Reduced visibility during critical moments
• Increased risk of accidents during adverse weather conditions
• Potential windscreen damage from worn or damaged wiper blades
• Compromised driver safety and passenger confidence.

Maintenance Recommendations

To combat these challenges, bus and coach operators should:

1. Regularly inspect wiper blades for signs of wear
2. Replace wiper blades at least twice a year or more frequently in harsh environments.
3. Clean windscreens thoroughly to remove salt, debris, and grime.
4. Use OEM quality wiper blades designed for heavy-duty use.
5. Check wiper blade tension and windscreen washer fluid levels regularly.

While some may view wiper maintenance as an additional expense, it is far more cost-effective than dealing with the consequences of poor visibility. Accidents, and vehicle downtime far outweigh the minimal cost of regular wiper blade replacement and maintenance.

As buses and coaches continue to be the lifeline of public transportation, ensuring clear visibility becomes a critical responsibility. Wind, storms, salt, and road debris are constant threats that demand proactive maintenance. By prioritising windscreen wiper care, operators can ensure the safety of their drivers, passengers, and other road users.

At the Matador Company quality is at the heart of our business. As manufacturers of windscreen wiper and washer systems specified by some of the leading vehicle manufacturers, we embrace the challenge of keeping pace with the advances in material and manufacturing demanded by our clients. This has made us a highly respected, quality OEM source for bus and coach manufacturers as well as in other equally critical sectors like rail and construction. With over 50 years’ experience in the wiper industry, Matador® can understand our client requirements and bring our expertise to provide tailored solutions to their questions.

Visit our website, and get in touch with us to find the answer to your wiper and washer problems

Connecting Globally: Our reflections on Euro Bus Expo 2024

In November we decided to exhibit at Euro Bus Expo 2024 which can only be described as a significant event in our industry. What started as an opportunity to exhibit turned into a remarkable networking and lead-generation experience that exceeded all our expectations. If you doubt the marketing benefits of an industry leading trade show here is our experience.

The show was bustling with energy, drawing attendees from around the world. We were thrilled to connect with professionals from places like Ghana, Iceland, and Turkey – countries we might never have interacted with otherwise. This international representation truly highlighted the event’s global significance and our ability to engage with businesses worldwide.

Wednesday: The Standout Day

While the entire event was impressive, Wednesday emerged as a particularly dynamic day. The exhibition hall was packed, with high-traffic areas and engaged attendees showing genuine interest in our offerings.

Our Show-Stealing Stress Ball

One unexpected highlight was our stress bull mascot, affectionately nicknamed ‘Rocky’. To our surprise and delight, attendees were actively seeking us out to get their hands on this popular giveaway. It became a conversation starter and a memorable brand touchpoint that generated significant buzz. While we had pens and other regular items, it was Rocky who stole the show. Never underestimate the power of something interesting on your stand to give away. It is always a good investment as it will stay on a potential customer’s desk reminding them about Matador® Wipers long after the pens are used up.

Networking Beyond the Exhibition Floor

The Route One awards dinner was a spectacular networking opportunity. Seated next to the ‘rising star’ award winner Tom Berry from Mobico we had a ringside seat for an evening acknowledging hard work and innovation. It was great to see recognition of environmental excellence, from Transdev Blazefield and a special award to the Accessibility and Communities Manager of Brighton and Hove Buses, Victoria Garcia. We made more valuable connections that promise exciting future collaborations.

Venue and Organisation: Seamless Excellence

Both the NEC and The Vox at Resorts World demonstrated exceptional professionalism. The venue’s efficiency was remarkable – particularly impressive was The Vox’s ability to seamlessly serve nine hundred people during the awards dinner, a testament to their exceptional event management.

Key Takeaways for Matador® Wipers

• Global reach is more accessible than ever.
• Creative marketing tools like our ‘Rocky’ stress bull can create memorable brand interactions.
• Industry events remain a powerful platform for networking and lead generation.

We returned from the show not just with a long list of new contacts, but with genuine, promising connections and a renewed excitement about our industry’s potential. There were some great vehicles on show there, and people looking to do business. Well done to the organising team for a great show and congratulations to the winners and nominees in the Route One Awards

With over 40 years’ experience in the wiper industry, Matador® understand our client requirements and bring our expertise to provide tailored solutions to their questions. Visit our website, and get in touch with us to find the answer to your wiper and washer problems.

Wipe Away Your Supply Chain Worries: The Matador® Advantage

Building a resilient and efficient supply chain is critical. To maintain the best return on investment in your passenger service vehicle fleet you can’t afford to have them off the road for lack of a critical component. Choosing the right partners can make all the difference, and Matador® Wipers offers a clear case for why UK manufacturing should be at the heart of your procurement strategy.

More Than Just ‘Made in the UK’

While the “Made in the UK” label certainly carries weight, Matador® Wipers goes beyond simple provenance. We offer a comprehensive package of benefits that directly address the challenges faced by businesses in today’s volatile market.

1. Stability in an Uncertain World: Recent years have thrown the spotlight on the vulnerabilities of global supply chains. Brexit, the pandemic, and geopolitical events have caused disruptions, delays, and unpredictable price fluctuations. By choosing Matador®, you’re choosing stability. Our UK-based manufacturing operation provides a buffer against these uncertainties, ensuring a consistent and reliable supply of high-quality wipers.
2. Quality that Speaks for Itself: We believe that quality is not a destination, but a journey. At Matador, that journey begins with sourcing the finest raw materials and continues through every stage of our meticulously controlled, ISO 9001 accredited manufacturing process. We invest in cutting-edge technology and rigorous quality control procedures to guarantee that every wiper bearing the Matador® name meets the highest standards of performance and durability.
3. Agility and Responsiveness Redefined: In a fast-paced business environment, the ability to adapt quickly is paramount. Matador’s® UK location allows us to be incredibly responsive to your needs. Need to adjust order quantities or delivery schedules? Require a bespoke solution for a unique application? We can react swiftly and efficiently, ensuring you have the right wipers at the right time.
4. Sustainability at Our Core: Reducing your environmental footprint is no longer just a good idea; it’s a business imperative. Sourcing locally significantly minimises transportation distances, leading to lower fuel consumption and reduced carbon emissions. Choosing Matador is a choice for a greener, more sustainable future.
5. Championing UK Manufacturing: When you partner with Matador®, you’re not just investing in a product; you’re investing in the UK economy. You’re supporting local jobs, fostering innovation, and contributing to the growth of British manufacturing.
6. The Power of Partnership: At Matador®, we view our customers as partners. Our team of dedicated experts is committed to understanding your unique needs and providing tailored solutions that optimise performance and efficiency. We’re not just selling wipers; we’re delivering value and building lasting relationships.

Get set for Winter with Matador®

Matador® is proud to introduce its premium OEM wiper blades to the aftermarket at Eurobus Expo 2024. This innovative online portal offers bus and coach operators a significant upgrade in quality, durability, and performance, and brings the convenience of desktop purchasing to the replacement parts market.

One of the key themes which Matador® will be discussing at Eurobus Expo will be “get set for winter.” With Fleet managers all over the country making their vehicles ready for the rigours of rain, snow and salt covered roads, wiper systems are one of the most important aspects of that plan. With visibility at a premium on the darker days ahead Matador’s® quality and ready stock availability are a vital asset when planning your winter maintenance schedules.

The Matador® team will be on stand 267 from 12th to 14th November. They are looking forward to renewing friendships with existing customers and talking with bus and coach manufacturers and operators about the advantages of working with Matador®. We look forward to meeting you and hopefully sharing a drink at the Awards Dinner on the Wednesday evening.

With over 40 years’ experience in the wiper industry, Matador® can understand our client requirements and bring our expertise to provide tailored solutions to their questions. Visit our website, and get in touch with us to find the answer to your wiper and washer problems.

Matador®: The Driving Force Behind Quality Windscreen Wiper and Washer Systems

Matador® is proud to introduce its premium OEM wiper blades to the aftermarket at Eurobus Expo 2024. This innovative online portal offers bus and coach operators a significant upgrade in quality, durability, and performance, and brings the convenience of desktop purchasing to the replacement parts market.

Engineering Expertise Meets Bespoke Solutions

At the heart of Matador®’s success lies its unwavering commitment to engineering excellence. The company’s deep-rooted expertise in wiper technology empowers them to offer clients invaluable insights, innovative ideas, and tailored solutions. Whether the objective is to enhance existing wiper systems or develop entirely new designs,

With a strong history spanning four decades, Matador® has earned a reputation for crafting top-tier windscreen wiper and washer systems. Their unwavering commitment to quality has solidified their position as a trusted partner for passenger vehicle manufacturers.

Expertise That Drives Innovation

Matador®’s journey is one of continuous innovation. They stay abreast of the latest advancements in wiper technology, incorporating them into their products and solutions. This forward-thinking approach guarantees that clients receive cutting-edge wiper systems that meet the evolving demands of the commercial vehicle industry.

Beyond Products: A Partnership Approach

Matador® support their clients as partners, working collaboratively to understand their unique requirements and challenges. This approach has encouraged long-lasting relationships built on trust and mutual success. The company’s willingness to explore alternative and innovative ideas ensures that clients receive cost-effective solutions that exceed expectations.

Supporting the Bus and Coach Sector

Matador® recognises the critical role that reliable wiper systems play in the bus and coach industry. To ensure uninterrupted operations, they maintain extensive stocks of OEM wiper blades to buy online or through supply agreements. This commitment to readily available spare parts minimises downtime and keeps vehicles on the road.

Matador® is much more than a supplier of windscreen wiper systems. They are a trusted partner, offering expertise, innovation, and tailored solutions to commercial vehicle manufacturers. With a focus on quality, reliability, and cost-effectiveness, Matador® continues to be a driving force behind clear vision in the commercial vehicle industry. Whether it’s a bus navigating a busy city street or a train traversing a vast landscape, Matador® is there to ensure a clear view ahead.

Towards the future at Eurobus Expo 2024.

The Matador® team will be at Eurobus Expo 2024 on stand 267 from 12^th to 14^th November. They are looking forward to renewing friendships with existing customers and talking with bus and coach manufacturers and operators about the advantages of working with Matador®. We look forward to meeting you and hopefully sharing a drink at the Awards Dinner on the Wednesday evening.

With over 40 years’ experience in the wiper industry, Matador® can understand our client requirements and bring our expertise to provide tailored solutions to their questions. Visit our website, and get in touch with us to find the answer to your wiper and washer problems.

Matador Wipers: How ISO 9001 and Quality Assurance Benefit public service vehicle users

For bus and coach operators, component safety and reliability play a crucial role in ensuring passengers reach their destinations comfortably and on time, regardless of weather conditions. One seemingly small but essential component contributing to this are windscreen wipers. Matador wipers, backed by ISO 9001 certification and a strong commitment to quality assurance, offer significant advantages to PSV manufacturers and those maintaining the vehicles throughout their service life.

ISO 9001: The Cornerstone of Quality Management

ISO 9001 is an internationally recognised standard for quality management systems. Matador’s certification to this standard, which they have held since 2008, demonstrates their dedication to consistently meeting customer requirements and regulatory obligations. This translates into several key benefits for clients.

• Consistent Performance: ISO 9001 mandates well-defined processes for design, production, and delivery. This ensures that each item leaving the factory meets stringent quality criteria, resulting in predictable and reliable performance.
• Reduced Downtime: Wipers that fail unexpectedly can lead to service disruptions and costly repairs. Matador’s focus on quality minimises such occurrences, keeping vehicles on the road and passengers happy.
• Continuous Improvement: ISO 9001 encourages a culture of ongoing improvement. Matador constantly analyses production and service to refine their products and processes, ensuring they remain at the forefront of wiper technology.

Quality Assurance: Beyond the Certification

While ISO 9001 provides a solid foundation, Matador is committed to specific quality assurance measures.

• Taking responsibility for all aspects of our supply chain, working with suppliers to ensure compliance with our quality management system and improving our cost effectiveness and efficiency.
• Managing and continually improving the quality management system systematically, in every part of our business, assigning clear management responsibility for compliance and improvement.
• Ensuring that Quality Objectives are set at all levels of the organisation and adequate resources are provided in order to achieve them.

ISO 9001 and meticulous quality assurance yields tangible benefits for vehicle manufacturers and maintenance teams.

• Prioritising Safety: Clear visibility is the cornerstone of safe driving, especially in challenging weather conditions. Matador wipers give drivers an unobstructed view, mitigating the risk of accidents and ensuring the well-being of passengers and other road users.
• Elevating Passenger Comfort: Passengers value a smooth and enjoyable journey. Reliable wipers contribute significantly to this by eliminating visual distractions and maintaining a clear, panoramic view of the surroundings.
• Optimising Costs: Matador wipers offer a high return on investment. Their exceptional longevity and reduced maintenance requirements lead to substantial long-term cost savings, making them a prudent choice for budget-conscious specifiers.

At the Matador Company quality is at the heart of our business. As manufacturers of windscreen wiper and washer systems specified by some of the leading vehicle manufacturers, we embrace the challenge of keeping pace with the advances in material and manufacturing demanded by our clients. This has made us a highly respected, quality OEM source for bus and coach manufacturers as well as in other equally critical sectors like rail and construction. With over 40 years’ experience in the wiper industry, Matador® can understand our client requirements and bring our expertise to provide tailored solutions to their questions. Visit our website, and get in touch with us to find the answer to your wiper and washer problems.

A technological revolution with uncompromising component quality

Modern passenger service vehicles are a far cry from previous generations. Cutting-edge technologies are enhancing the overall passenger and operator experience, and this is reflected in the innovations that are entering the marketplace as we enter the second quarter of the 21st Century.

1. Electric and Autonomous Powertrains: Electric buses are quieter, more environmentally friendly, and often more efficient than their diesel counterparts. The rise of autonomous driving technology also promises to improve safety and potentially reduce costs.
2. Connected Vehicles and Smart Infrastructure: Buses are becoming increasingly connected to smart infrastructure, allowing for real-time traffic updates, optimized routes, and even predictive maintenance. This improves efficiency and helps ensure that buses arrive on time.
3. Passenger Comfort and Entertainment: Modern buses offer a range of amenities like Wi-Fi, charging ports, comfortable seating, and entertainment systems. These features enhance the passenger experience and make bus travel a more attractive option.
4. Safety Innovations: Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), collision avoidance technology, and improved visibility systems are all contributing to safer bus journeys. Additionally, innovative materials and designs are being used to create stronger, more impact-resistant bus bodies.

The Importance of Component Quality:

Amongst these many innovations it is easy to overlook the critical role played by components that can be taken for granted. Take windscreen wipers, for instance. On the Government’s PSV walkaround check it is no accident that wipers are number 2 on the list of points to check after the glass they protect. In all weather conditions, clear visibility is paramount for the safety of passengers, drivers, and other road users. High-quality wipers that effectively remove rain, snow, and debris are essential. According to Compare the Market, in 2022 there was a19% increase in accidents where a dirty or frosted windscreen was a contributory factor. So, the quality of wipers fitted to a passenger service vehicle is critical.

• Reliability: A bus with faulty wipers on a rainy highway. One of the main reasons for the emphasis on a daily check of vehicle condition is to ensure safety. The potential for accidents due to poor visibility makes reliable wipers that function consistently a must.
• Durability: Wipers need to withstand harsh weather conditions, including extreme heat, cold, and UV exposure. Durable materials and construction are essential to ensure that they last and work effectively across their whole lifetime without deterioration.
• Noise Reduction: One of the sounds that many people will recall from journeys on older vehicles is squeaky wipers as they and the washers fail to deal with grease and dirt from the road surface properly. The best modern wipers do away with this, and their improved performance enhances passenger experience of the operators’ vehicles.
• Aerodynamic Design: Modern wipers are designed to reduce wind resistance and noise, improving fuel efficiency and passenger comfort.

The future of bus and coach travel is exciting, with technology driving advancements in every aspect of the industry. However, we must not forget the importance of quality in every component. Windscreen wipers, as a prime example, demonstrate that even the most basic parts can have a significant impact on safety, comfort, and overall performance, and are as much part of the technological innovation as electric powertrains and smart infrastructure.

At the Matador Company quality is at the heart of our business. As manufacturers of windscreen wiper and washer systems specified by some of the leading vehicle manufacturers, we embrace the challenge of keeping pace with the advances in material and manufacturing demanded by our clients. This has made us a highly respected, quality OEM source for bus and coach manufacturers as well as in other equally critical sectors like rail and construction. With over 50 years’ experience in the wiper industry, Matador® can understand our client requirements and bring our expertise to provide tailored solutions to their questions. Visit our website, and get in touch with us to find the answer to your wiper and washer problems.