The ‘forgotten’ easy car task that could mean a MOT fail if you don’t act

Motorists are being reminded of a simple job their car may require and which could wipe away the need for a costly fix. While drivers may well be on the ball by carrying out regular checks of their car, there's one task that may be forgotten especially in dry weather. Vehicles need to be in a ready to drive in all conditions, of course, but it can be that their windscreen wipers are overlooked.

As Wales Online reports[1], there should be careful inspection of wipers as those which are faulty or damaged can make driving unsafe if the windscreen is not clear of rain, dirt or motorway debris - and you can fail your MOT for this reason too. Plans to swap old for new may be on many drivers 'to-do' list as searches for 'windscreen wipers replacement' and 'change windscreen wipers' are said to be up by 140% and 19% respectively when compared with this time last year, according to experts at Windscreen Wipers[2]. Replacing wipers can be a quick and relatively inexpensive fix but the job can be easily left too long or be forgotten about.

To help people know when it's time for a replacement, the Windscreen Wipers company[3] has drawn up a list of what to look out for that help them decide if it's time for new wipers. A screen left with streaky marks after use of wipers could indicate a new pair is needed. Check the rubber underneath for any cracks or splitting which could be causing them to leave streaks and check out the following issues.

Blades are skipping Skipping blades usually indicate a bent blade, so if your wiper blades are missing parts of your windscreen but cleaning others then it might be time to have them changed. This bending can be caused by infrequent use, particularly during hotter months, causing the material to shift out of shape and skip over your windscreen.

Putting your wipers on full blast could be detrimental to your windscreenPutting your wipers on full blast could be detrimental to your windscreen

Blades are more than a year old

It is typically recommended to change windscreen wipers for some new ones every six to 12 months. If yours are ageing, then it could be time to look at a renewal. Blades make unusual noises

Squeaking caused by your windscreen wipers is not only annoying but can also suggest you need some new ones. Listen out for a change in noise from your wipers on your next drive. A change in season

You may consider investing in some new windscreen wipers for specific seasons. Particularly in winter, when the weather is harsher and colder, it's a good idea to have blades that are designed to handle freezing temperatures, heavy rain, ice and snow. A spokesperson for Windscreen Wipers said: "The importance of having appropriate and working windscreen wipers is often overlooked, but it is key for your safety that you keep them in an acceptable condition.

After all, not only is it irritating and distracting to have a dirty windscreen when driving but it can also be unsafe if the dirt is restricting visibility. "For this very reason, wipers are inspected in every MOT. If your wipers are deemed to be working insufficiently, and therefore not road safe, you could fail your MOT, potentially incurring more costs in the long term.

We suggest checking your wipers regularly for signs of any damage like cracks or breaks in the rubber, bending to the blade itself, or a squeaky noise coming from them while in use. "Windscreen wipers typically last between six months to a year, so if you think it's been a while since you've switched them out for a newer pair then it might be worth taking a look at them. It's also important to ensure you're buying the right wiper blades for your car so they fit and work efficiently.

Make sure to do your research or speak to experts about the suitable blades for your motor's make and model."

References

  1. ^ Wales Online reports (www.walesonline.co.uk)
  2. ^ Windscreen Wipers (www.windscreenwipers.co.uk)
  3. ^ Windscreen Wipers company (www.windscreenwipers.co.uk)