On my facelift, the front wiper blades have to be in the "service position" for any cleaning or blade replacement. This is performed by switching the ignition on and off and then moving the wiper stalk to position 4 ( the normally sprung brief wash wipe position) The blades in the normal park position cannot be lifted due to the lack of clearance with the bonnet.

Just wondered if this new to the facelift or has it been like this on earlier Octavias?

On my facelift, the front wiper blades have to be in the "service position" for any cleaning or blade replacement. This is performed by switching the ignition on and off and then moving the wiper stalk to position 4 ( the normally sprung brief wash wipe position) The blades in the normal park position cannot be lifted due to the lack of clearance with the bonnet.

Just wondered if this new to the facelift or has it been like this on earlier Octavias?

Nope, just the same on my pre facelift model.

And it means you have to watch out for any damage to the paintwork on the bonnet edge if you get "leafleted" whilst in a car park.

I had a major rant at a Focus DIY store that did that to me.

Appears to be a nuisance rather than an asset as regards normal cleaning let alone the leaflet thing which could easily cause damage - that would be more than a nuisance.

So much for progress!

You will have noticed how quickly the aero wipers can be removed. 5 seconds and they are gone. I for one like the fact they hide under the bonnet so they cant be stolen.

Putting them in service mode becomes second nature when cleaning.

You will have noticed how quickly the aero wipers can be removed. 5 seconds and they are gone. I for one like the fact they hide under the bonnet so they cant be stolen.

Putting them in service mode becomes second nature when cleaning.

No doubt it will eventually become second nature but after having so many cars where you only lift and clean without fuss from the parked position, it now appears to be a palaver. Also the potential for bonnet edge paintwork damage is not good although blade security is, with aeros being more tempting than standard blades.

Also, the blades aren't swept by the air flow in the parked position making the car that little bit quieter and less prone to icing.