The recent chilly spell may have taken a toll on your vehicle, with windscreen wipers often being the first casualty amid sub-zero temperatures that have swept across the country.
Damaged or faulty wipers can turn your daily commute into a safety hazard if they fail to effectively clear your windscreen of rain, dirt, or motorway debris and it’s worth noting that this could also result in an MOT failure.
It seems many Brits are already taking action, with online searches for ‘change windscreen wipers’ and ‘replace windscreen wipers’ both seeing a 30% increase over the past three months.
To assist motorists in knowing when it’s time for a swap, the experts at Windscreen Wipers have compiled a useful list of signs that might suggest you need new wipers.
Streaky windscreen
If your windscreen is left with streaky marks after using the wipers, it might be time for a new pair. Inspect the rubber underneath for any cracks or splits that could be causing the streaks.
Blades are skipping
If your wiper blades are missing parts of your windscreen but cleaning others, then it might be time for a replacement. Skipping blades usually indicate a bent blade.
This can occur due to infrequent use, especially during warmer months, causing the material to warp and skip across your windscreen.
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Blades are more than a year old
Generally, it’s advised to replace your windscreen wipers every 6 to 12 months. If yours are getting on in age, it might be time to consider changing them.
They’re making unusual noises
The irritating squeak of windscreen wipers isn’t just a nuisance; it’s a tell-tale sign that you might need to replace them. Keep an ear out for any changes in the sound they make next time you’re out driving.
A change in season
It’s worth considering a fresh set of windscreen wipers as the seasons shift, especially with winter on the horizon. The colder, more severe weather conditions demand blades that can cope with freezing temperatures and the onslaught of rain, ice, and snow.
Windscreen Wipers experts have weighed in, “The importance of having appropriate and working windscreen wipers is often overlooked, but it is key for your safety that you keep them in an acceptable condition.”
“After all, not only is it irritating and distracting to have a dirty windscreen when driving, but it can also be unsafe if the dirt is restricting visibility. For this very reason, wipers are inspected in every MOT. If your wipers are deemed to be working insufficiently, and therefore not road safe, you could fail your MOT, potentially incurring more costs in the long term.”
They added, “We suggest checking your wipers regularly for signs of any damage like cracks or breaks in the rubber, bending to the blade itself, or a squeaky noise coming from them while in use.”
“Windscreen wipers typically last between 6 months to a year, so if you think it’s been a while since you’ve switched them out for a newer pair, then it might be worth taking a look at them. It’s also important to ensure you’re buying the right wiper blades for your car, so they fit and work efficiently. Make sure to do your research or speak to experts about the suitable blades for your motor’s make and model.”
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