With winter on the horizon, now’s the perfect time to check that your windscreen wipers are ready for whatever the weather throws at them.
It’s easy to forget about them until the rain starts bucketing down – but having wipers in good working order makes a big difference to your visibility (and peace of mind) on the road. As a general rule, it’s a good idea to check your wipers every six months and replace them about once a year. But if they’re already struggling to keep your windscreen clear, it might be time to replace them a little sooner.
Here’s what to look out for:
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Streaking or smudging: If your wipers leave trails or smears behind, they may not be making proper contact with the windscreen.
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Ragged or misshapen blades: Wipers that are fraying, bent, or distorted can’t do their job properly.
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Cracked rubber or rust: Check the rubber for any cracks or tears, and have a look at the metal parts too – signs of rust or corrosion are a red flag.
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Rounded edges: The rubber on the blade should have a crisp, straight edge. If it looks rounded or worn down, it’s time for a replacement.
If you do need new blades, choosing good-quality replacements is worth it – they tend to last longer and work more effectively, especially during heavy rain.
While you're at it, make sure your wiper reservoir is topped up with clean water and proper windscreen-washer additive. It’s tempting to grab the dishwashing liquid, but that can actually damage your paintwork and wear out your wiper blades faster – so best to leave that in the kitchen!
A quick check now means one less thing to worry about later – and helps keep you safe and stress-free on the road, no matter what the weather is up to!
