See clear - your guide to windscreen wipers

Especially when the summer draws to a close, it is very easy to forget your car's needs as the weather worsens. You are even more likely to overlook the wiper blades. According to our trade contacts, many people do not realise how bad their wipers have become until it is pointed out by a garage technician.

How the MOT Test assesses wipers

Surprisingly, the rear wiper blade is not assessed by the MOT Test at all. The front wipers are included. Yet, a failure results only if a wiper is badly damaged, or worn out. Alternatively, your car will fail the test if a wiper neither clears water from the screen, nor leaves smears across the driver's view. Obviously, this relies on a degree of individual tester discretion.

How to assess wiper wear

Even before they deteriorate sufficiently to fail the MOT Test, wiper blades wear out gradually. Even worn but serviceable wipers prejudice safety, because they restrict the driver's view. Grit and dirt, plus natural deterioration and hardening of the rubber blade, all reduce the wipers' abilities to clear water and reduce dazzle. Eventually, the wiper deteriorates to such an extent that the rubber blade splits, allowing the wiper blade body to contact the windscreen. The resultant marks can mark the glass permanently. This explains why wiper manufacturers recommend that they be replaced annually, regardless of condition.

Thankfully, you do not need to call on a garage to help. To assess wipers, lift each of them from the screen and examine the rubber blade closely. Should it be perished, or split, replace the wiper. As the rear wiper is not inspected by the MOT Test, and tends to be more exposed to dirt that is thrown up behind the car, do not forget to check it, too.

Making windscreen wipers last longer

Sharp ice can tear rubber wiper blade rubbers. If you can protect your windscreen from frost on a cold night, you not only save time the following morning but also your wipers will be preserved.

Windscreen wipers also attract dirt. The result is an unsightly smearing on the glass, to which many drivers become accustomed, because the process is gradual. There is no need for you to suffer. Clean the rubber blade periodically, by lifting the wiper from the glass and wiping the rubber blade gently with a paper towel, moistened with either water, or white vinegar. Alternatively, use a Microfibre cloth. You will be surprised at how much dirt is liberated.

Avoiding windscreen judder

Few motoring noises are more annoying than the racket created by wipers that shudder across the screen. Wipers that do this are also less effective. Thankfully, you can cure this problem at home. An elderly wiper, with a rubber blade that has hardened with age, might be responsible. Replacing it could solve the problem. Yet, if the wiper is in good order otherwise, the cause may stem from the blade not being able to glide across the glass, due to being at the wrong angle. Bending the wiper blade carefully can solve the problem. Yet, avoid excessive force that can damage the wiper.

A dirty windscreen can also be to blame - even after you have washed the car. On a microscopic level, contaminations from the road may remain within the pits on the glass surface. These may prevent the rubber from gliding smoothly over the glazing. Degreasing the windscreen and using a glass cleaner product should resolve the problem, especially if you either clean the existing wipers, or renew them, at the same time.

Types of wiper blade

Modern car wiper blades are split into three types. The older traditional type comprises a rubber blade that is held into position by a metal frame containing multiple pivot points. While uncommon on modern vehicle windscreens, they remain popular fitments as rear wipers. They also tend to be the fiddliest type of wipers to fit.

Many modern cars use flat-blade wipers. These types employ a metal strip that is moulded within the rubber body to apply an even force across the whole rubber blade. They are also more aerodynamic. Unsurprisingly, they are usually considerably more expensive than traditional types but at least they tend to be the easiest to install.

Hybrid wiper blades comprise a traditional type of wiper construction. Yet, a plastic cover is placed over the metal frame. These provide similar aerodynamic advantages to the flat wiper without the higher cost.

How to replace wiper blades

Should you have two wipers up-front, replace them in pairs. Study your owner handbook for instructions on wiper replacement. Some cars have a wiper-replacement position, which parks the wipers in a more accessible position, to save you from rummaging around in the scuttle area. Before you start work, be certain that the wipers will not move unprompted, which could cause injury.

Even if you are not a capable DIYer, consider that some flat-blade wipers are very easy to replace. Yet, some traditional wipers possess fiddly plastic clips that are not so straightforward.

Should you decide to replace your wipers, watch out for the wiper arm. This is the part of the car to which the wiper blade attaches. As it is spring-loaded, ensure that it does strike the windscreen by accident, because you risk cracking the glass.

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