5 windscreen wiper maintenance tips (& when it’s time to replace)

A clear view is vital for safe driving. It’s the wiper’s job to allow for an unobstructed front and rear view, and so their day-to-day maintenance is important for the safety of motorists and pedestrians alike. 

In this article, we’ll guide you through easy ways to maintain your window wipers. We’ll also advise on when you might need a new wiper replacement. 

5 wiper maintenance tips

To get the best performance and longevity out of your wipers follow our simple maintenance tips below: 

1. Defrost wipers before use – cold weather is harsh on your car, including wipers. In frosty, icy or snowy conditions, take care to heat a vehicle up before driving, and clean snow and ice from your blades before driving. This prevents damage or breakage during the journey. If snow or ice is predicted in advance, you might even want to position your blades away from the window the night before to avoid them sticking to the window and to make cleaning much easier. 
2. Avoid using them on a dry surface – wipers are designed for use on a damp surface and so you must avoid running them over a dry window. Doing so too regularly can wear them out faster. As such, always make sure to use the washer first before running your wipers.  
3. Clean blades and windows regularly – make wiper blade cleaning part of your regular car maintenance schedule, along with the windscreens themselves. A build-up of debris or dirt on your blades and windows can cause the blades to wear down more quickly. Using soapy water to clean blades will therefore improve their quality and boost lifespan. 
4. Keep the washer fluids topped up – as mentioned, wipers can only work effectively in partnership with the washer system, so make sure your vehicle is topped up with all fluids to ensure that your windscreen wipers can work properly when you need them.
5. Car covers and screens – to protect your wipers from fallen leaves or debris build-up, consider using a car cover or screen to shield it from the elements. You could also use your garage for protection instead, if you have one. 

MOT guidance for windscreen wipers

An MOT inspector will take note of any of the following wiper defects: 

• A wiper not functioning or missing completely 
• A wiper blade missing or not cleaning effectively 
• A defective wiper blade

The first two are major faults while the latter is a minor fault, however, it’s still important to keep tabs on the quality of your wipers and address any and all problems with efficiency and before they worsen. 

When should you replace wiper blades?

No matter how well you look after your car wiper blades, invariably they will need replacing at some point.

It’s generally recommended that the average motorist replace their car wiper blades once per year, though this can come sooner if the blades are in poor condition. 

Signs your wiper blades might need replacing include: 

• Noisy windscreen wipers or squeaky windscreen wipers resulting from wear and tear to the adapter
• A blade hardened and cracked due to UV exposure
• Wipers that are struggling to push away snow and ice 
• Streaks on the window due to ineffective cleaning

To check if your wiper blades might need to be changed, wipe them down with a cloth and run your finger along the blade, noting any cracks, damage or missing material. Also, take note of any noises or streaking as you drive. 

If you’re unsure if your blades or other wiper component needs replacing, the best thing to do is pose the question to an expert here at Mr Tyre or any other leading autocentre. 

As the leading independent chain of autocentres for Central England and beyond, Mr Tyres have been providing MOT testing, tyre puncture repair and wheel alignment for decades. Find your local branch to chat to our team about your vehicle needs today.