Windscreen wipers might only seem like a small detail, but they play a vital part in ensuring your safety on the road.
Clear visibility is non-negotiable when driving in rain, snow, or sleet, and properly functioning wipers can be the difference between a safe or stressful driving experience.
Over time, wiper blades can wear out and reduce effectiveness, and learning to check, maintain, and replace them yourself can save you a lot of time and money.
In this blog, we’ll show you how to inspect your wiper blades, keep them in good condition, and replace them if necessary. We discuss:
Unless you live in a country with very little rain, which unfortunately isn’t the case for us in the UK, you’ll be very aware of what wiper blades are.
They are the rubber attachments on the wipers that clean the windshield of a vehicle, removing rain, snow, and dirt from your field of view.
They perform a critical job in keeping us safe on the road. However, this can be put in danger if they are damaged, as worn blades can:
- Reduce visibility, especially in heavy rain or snow.
- Leaves streaks or smudges on the windshield that distract your focus.
- Damage your windscreen if the rubber is cracked/missing, leading to costly repairs.
Just like a lot of car maintenance, regular inspections of your wiper blades can help you spot issues before they become a problem.
Here’s what you can do:
- Inspect for damage - Lift the wiper blades away from the windscreen and look underneath for cracks, tears, or uneven edges on the rubber. If you can’t see, don’t be afraid to use a torch or magnifying glass.
- Test performance - Spray some washer fluid on your windscreen and run your wipers. Watch to see if they leave any streaks or areas they don’t clear properly, and listen out for any squeaks.
- Check flexibility - Gently flex the rubber to see if it's pliable, which is essential for your wiper blade. If it's stiff or hardened, rubber won’t perform effectively.
- Inspect the wiper arms - Finally, ensure the arms of the wipers aren’t bent or rusted, which can affect performance or even cause damage.
Proper maintenance of your wiper blades can help extend their lifespan and keep them working to the best of their ability. We’d recommend cleaning your wiper blades every couple of months to keep them in good condition.
You’ll need:
- Warm, soapy water.
- A microfibre cloth or sponge.
Steps to clean your wiper blades:
- Lift the blades - Pull the blades away from the windscreen.
- Wash with soapy water - Dip your cloth or sponge in the water and gently wipe the rubber blade from one end to the other.
- Rinse and dry - Using a clean and damp cloth, remove the soapy residue from the blade and then dry with a microfibre towel.
Most windscreen wiper blades last between 6-12 months, depending on usage and exposure to adverse weather conditions.
You should replace them if:
- They are streaking or skipping when turned on.
- They are squeaking on the windshield or making unusual noises.
- They’re cracked, torn, or missing rubber.
If you want to avoid the stress of doing this yourself, add a vehicle maintenance contract to your lease deal. As part of your routine servicing, your wiper blades will be checked to ensure they are performing to the best of their ability.
We’d recommend getting your windscreen wiper blades serviced by a professional (which is included in our maintenance contract). But if this isn’t the case, it is possible to do the job yourself.
- Consult your car handbook - Your manual will specify the correct size and type of blades for your car. If you don’t have a physical copy, they can be found on the manufacturer’s website.
- Life the wiper arm - Raise the arm of the wiper away from the windscreen until it’s in an upright position.
- Locate the clip or tab - Find the small clip or tab where the blade connects to the arm. Then, release the blade. Press or pull the tab while sliding the blade downwards.
- Align the new blades - Slide the new blade into the same position and ensure it clicks securely into place.
- Test - Lower the wipers into their usual position and test them with washer fluid to ensure they work properly.
If you’re unsure what wiper blades to go for, the first port of call should be to check your vehicle handbook, which will recommend the correct type and size of blades for your car.
There are also plenty of tools online which can help. Halford’s windscreen wiper blades page shows you appropriate products, and all you need to do is simply enter your registration number.
We’d also advise opting for quality blades. While budget-friendly options might seem tempting, high-quality blades can save you money on maintenance in the long run. They last longer and perform better in extreme weather.
The importance of your windscreen wipers can’t be understated. They play a vital role in your safety on the road, and by learning how to check, clean, and replace them, you’ll ensure a clear field of view is here to last.
If you’d rather leave the maintenance to the professionals, consider adding a vehicle maintenance package to your lease contract. It covers routine checks, ensuring your wipers and other components are in top shape.
For more information, check out our vehicle maintenance package or call us on 0345 811 9595.
We’ve also produced a range of maintenance guides to help you on your motoring journey, such as Winter Car and Van Care and How to Treat and Prevent Rust Damage.
