Everything You Need To Know About Windscreen Wipers

Windscreen wipers: something we often don’t appreciate fully until we really need them. Whether it’s bugs, dirt or torrential rain, not being able to see clearly out of your windscreen is not only annoying; it can also be dangerous, potentially putting you in the way of oncoming hazards. That’s why it’s important to keep your wipers in mind when it comes to car maintenance. 

Fortunately, there are some things that you can do to make sure your wipers are well looked after and working effectively. If you’re not sure how to tell if your wipers need replacing, or even how exactly you choose the right wipers for your car, don’t panic. Keep reading for our handy guide to understanding what wiper blades you need and when you need them.

Why are windscreen wipers important?

An unclean windscreen presents a serious safety hazard for drivers. Not only can a lack of visibility cause a potentially serious accident, but it can also cause damage to your car. 

•  If the rubber blade is damaged, then the wiper arm can rub against the glass, ruining the windscreen over time and increasing the likelihood of cracks in the glass. 
• If your windscreen wipers aren’t effective, then it can also result in an MOT failure, so it’s well worth making sure you check your wipers before taking your MOT test and arrange replacements beforehand if necessary.

Why are windscreen wipers important?

As with many other components on your car, the windscreen wiper blades naturally deteriorate over time. This is in part due to exposure to the elements, as well as due to general wear and tear from being in regular use. Depending on how frequently you use them, windscreen wipers can start to deteriorate in as little as 6 months.

• We typically recommend that you replace your wiper blades every 12 months, to make sure that you always have maximum visibility of the road.

However, if your windscreen wipers are displaying any of the four S’s; streaking, skipping, splitting, or squeaking, it might be time for new wider blades. 

If you’re not sure whether or not you need to invest in new wiper blades, keep an eye out for some of the following signs: 

• If your wipers are leaving streaks or blank spots. 
• If they don’t move over the windscreen smoothly. 
• If the wipers don’t make proper contact with the windscreen, or leave some parts dry. 
• If you can see cracks or rough edges on the rubber blades.

The symptoms that you experience can differ depending on the types of wiper blades that you have, as well as the level of wear they’re experiencing. But keeping an eye out for some of these signs can help you spot when a new set of windscreen wipers should be making its way onto your shopping list. 

If your wipers aren’t performing at their best but don’t quite need a full replacement yet, then why not give them some TLC? A good wipe with a damp sponge or rag and some mild dish soap can help to dislodge any debris, and help the blades to make contact with the windscreen, giving you a better overall finish.

Windscreen wiper maintenance

How to stop squeaking wiper blades

There are a few reasons your wiper blades might be squeaking - and lots of things you can do to help stop it. 

1. One reason your blades may squeak is that your windscreen itself is too dirty. Particles of salt, dirt, sand, or other debris can increase friction, leading to excessive squeaking. Give your windscreen a thorough wash and dry, and then see if the noise persists. 
2. If it does, you may have an issue with the wiper blades themselves, as we mentioned above. If the rubber looks old or worn, invest in new wiper blades. 
3. If your windscreen is clean, and the rubber of the blade looks fresh and intact, it may just be that your windscreen wipers need a good clean. Let’s take a look at the best way to do this.

How to clean your wiper blades

Cleaning wiper blades takes no time at all, but it can significantly improve your safety on the road – and make sure that you’re able to see everything that’s happening around you. To clean your windscreen wiper blades: 

• Grab a rag or sponge, and some warm soapy water - or undiluted washer fluid, if you have any to hand. 
• Pull the windscreen wiper arms away from the windscreen, where they should lock into position. If they don’t, hold them in place while you complete your cleaning. 
• Wash your windscreen first to make sure that the glass is nice and clean. 
• Then, dampen your sponge or rag in the soapy water and start gently wiping up and down the blades. 
• Be careful not to wipe too heavily - the rubber can be a bit fragile, and you don’t want to damage it or pull it off. 
• Finally, don’t forget to clear any dirt or debris away from the base of the wiper arms and the mechanism too, to make sure everything is ready to go again.

What wiper blades do I need?

So, you’ve spotted the signs, tried giving them a wipe, and have come to the conclusion that you need some new windscreen wipers. What do you do next? 

When people require new windscreen wipers, usually this means replacing the blades - the rubber strip that makes contact with the glass. They’re usually measured in inches, in sizes from 10" to 32", with one side often being different to the other. To find out what size windscreen wiper blade you need, you can check your vehicle handbook or use our windscreen wiper tool to find the right size for your vehicle. 

Don’t forget to check the rear wiper blade if you’re making replacements; while it may not get as much use as the front wipers, it is exposed to the elements and therefore will still deteriorate.

How to change your windscreen wipers

If you’ve identified that your wipers need replacing, then don’t fret - this is something you can have done quickly and easily at your local centre, or if you’re confident, you can attempt it yourself. 

Just make sure that you’ve identified the correct type of wiper for your car, using the tool we mentioned earlier, and that you know how the release mechanism for the wipers works on your specific car.

Keep in mind that it’s recommended to replace windscreen wipers in pairs, so that they experience wear and tear at the same rate.

Windscreen wiper FAQs

How much do windscreen wipers cost?

The cost of windscreen wipers can vary, depending on the brand, the size you need, and whether you’re looking for front or rear blades. Most options sit somewhere between £15 and £40.

Is it illegal to drive with no windscreen wipers?

Yes, it’s against the law to drive without windscreen wipers in most cases. According to GOV.UK, “Every vehicle fitted with a windscreen must have one or more efficient automatic windscreen wipers, unless the driver can obtain an adequate view of the road to the front without looking through the windscreen.”

Can your replace windscreen wipers yourself?

If you’re confident, replacing windscreen wipers yourself is generally possible with the right tools and guidance. However, it can be fiddly and may require multiple tries, in part due to the numerous different fitting types. We recommend you leave it to the experts for peace of mind and to avoid the risk of accidental damage.

Can your car fail its MOT for windscreen wipers?

Yes, your front windscreen wipers must work and be in good enough condition to clear the windscreen in order to pass an MOT. Your rear windscreen wiper isn't part of the test, but it's still something you should look at maintaining in order to ensure optimum road safety.

Windscreen wiper support from the Kwik Fit experts

To get some help changing your windscreen wipers or identifying a potential issue, pop in to your nearest Kwik Fit centre or give us a call. We keep a wide range of replacement windscreen wiper blades in stock at all times, designed to fit most cars and vans, so we’re sure to be able to help.