The Ultimate Guide To Replacing Windscreen Wipers
Your car’s windscreen wipers play a vital role in keeping you safe on the road especially in adverse weather conditions. Windscreen wipers gently push away rain, hail and snow which gives you a clearer, unobstructed view of the road ahead.
Considering the unpredictable British weather, drivers need a reliable set of wipers that can keep up. Not only is it unsafe to drive without windscreen wipers or broken wiper blades but you could get a fine if the police pull you over. If your windscreen wipers aren’t working properly, your car also won’t pass the MOT.
What Causes Windscreen Wipers To Wear?
Considering how hard your wiper blades work, the rubber that comes into contact with the windscreen can wear down over time. It’s simple really; the more you use your windscreen wipers, the quicker they become worn, reducing their overall effectiveness.
The rubber degrades over time, especially if they are exposed to extreme hot or cold temperatures. In this scenario, the rubber on your windscreen wipers will likely split so it’s important to inspect your wiper blades carefully. They can also become damaged either through extended use (exposure to UV rays) or accidentally while cleaning.
If wiper blades are not fitted correctly, they will wear unevenly and much faster. When shopping for replacement windscreen wipers, we recommend choosing wiper blades from trusted brands such as Bosch, Trico and Michelin among others as these typically last longer.
Signs You Might Need New Windscreen Wipers
The first sign of worn wiper blades is their inability to clean the windshield whether it’s water or snow. Damaged or split windscreen wipers won’t remove water or any liquid from your windscreen effectively and can result in poor visibility. Other signs to look out for include the following:
- wiper blade that is bent, cracked or coming off entirely
- windscreen wiper that is not moving smoothly or sticking to the windshield
- wiper blades leaving smears or making noise while moving (squeaking or chattering as they move)
If you notice that your wiper blades aren’t clearing the entire windscreen surface area, then it’s likely time to buy replacement wipers. Remember, once an issue presents itself, your windscreen wipers will only get worse but if you’re unsure, contact your nearest Elite Garage for assistance.
How Often Should You Replace Your Wiper Blades?
Replacement intervals are usually determined by the frequency of use, climate conditions, type of weather protection (windshield), and car model. In cold areas, your wiper blades are going to freeze and will need more frequent replacements. The same applies to extended exposure to UV rays in hot climates as the rubber can crack or split.
Recommended: ‘The Importance Of Regular Car Servicing’
How To Find The Best Wipers For Your Car
We know the best windscreen wipers are not cheap and that the process often involves hours of research as it’s important to find wipers compatible with your vehicle make and model. This will ensure long-term use, affordability and a good end result.
When searching online for “wiper blades near me”, it’s always worth spending a little extra and getting a quality product. As a driver, safety should be your primary concern and that’s our sentiment exactly, which is why we always give the best possible recommendation.
Whilst some people replace their own windscreen wipers, we suggest leaving it to the experts as you can easily break your windscreen during the replacement process. This happens more often than you may think so if you have any concerns about your windscreen wipers, give us a call. Our expert technicians are here to help.
Related: ‘Best Windscreen Wipers To Buy’
Why Choose Elite Garages As Your Local Garage?
Three generations have worked together at Elite Garages which has allowed us to deliver the best possible service you’d expect from a family-owned business. We ensure that all of our customers get good deals on car and van servicing, MOTs, air conditioning, exhausts, batteries, brakes, clutches, diagnostics, suspension, wheel alignment and balancing.
Elite Garages have locations across the UK covering the entire south and southeast of England. That means more people have easy access to a quality garage that can help whether you need a tyre puncture repair, new tyres, MOT, car service, aircon regas or a free safety check.
For more automotive news and motoring tips, read our blog and join us on social media. You can also book a service or MOT online, reserve your tyres and talk to us about windscreen wipers.
