Wiper Blade Replacement

By Tammy Williams
NOLN Staff Writer

Wiper blade replacement has long proved popular among fast lube operators. After, all it’s one of the few services that nearly 100 percent of operators offer today, according to the 2009 Fast Lube Operators Survey, and has been for several years.

On average, 7 percent of customers buy wiper blades on a given visit, and with good cause. The Car Care Council recommends that, for best performance and safety, windshield wipers be replaced twice a year — giving you a great reason to recommend this service to your customers.

Today the spectrum of wiper blades looks different than it did 20 or even 10 years ago. A new technology that has really caught on in the marketplace is beam, or flat, blades. These new blades provide excellent wiping and even pressure distribution because of the integrated flexors that replace the traditional metallic superstructure. The result is a wiper blade that outperforms traditional wipers in all weather conditions. Also, the ultra-flat design dramatically reduces wind noise and, as there is no place for snow and ice to accumulate, eliminates the need for separate winter blades.

	"Beam" or Flat Wiper Blade

Some operators have seen success by selling specialty blades in their shops. Eric Leighton, operator of Mobil 1 Lube Express in Edison, New Jersey, who carries both standard and beam blades, said he has seen a very good response from customers toward beam blades.

However, one operator has not had the same response. “The beam blades are about double the cost, and customers don’t seem to really want to spend double the cost unless it’s a vehicle that comes factory equipped with beam blades,” said Mike Mikrut, owner of Pro Stop in Lombard, Illinois. “If it is a customer that can use either blade, it seems that they prefer to use the standard blades just because of the cost.”

However, if customers are receptive to the higher cost of blades, this can be a plus for operators. According to our Operators Survey, the average cost of a set of wiper blades was $21.19. Operators do see a large profit margin on this service. Leighton sees at least $10-per-blade profit margin, while Mikrut enjoys a $12 to $15 profit margin per set.

Not only do these blades carry a great profit margin, they are quick to replace and are requested by customers. “Wiper blades take only minutes to replace,” Leighton said.

Also, one might find customers requesting wiper blades frequently. “If you don’t recommend it, they suggest it,” he said. “Everybody wants them. It’s an asset to be able to replace blades.”

What type of inventory needs to be carried to fit most vehicles? Mikrut has the answer. “I carry between 50 to 75 blades at a time, and that covers 90-plus percent of the vehicles I see,” he said.

Leighton said he carries blades ranging from 12 to 28 inches, which proves ample coverage for the vehicles that roll through his bays.is just too much and I don’t feel comfortable doing it. I don’t want to wind up damaging the customer’s vehicle. I take the precaution and play it by ear.”

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