When to change your wipers
Windscreen wipers are an aspect of vehicles that are often forgotten about or overlooked, but they provide key contributions towards vehicle safety. At any time of the year, muck and grime can quickly build up on your windscreen but with a press of a lever, your windscreen wipers can quickly and smoothly remove all of that. They are essential to providing us with a clear view of the road ahead, especially when the weather turns unexpectedly, but just how long do windscreen wipers last?
Like many parts of your car, windscreen wipers are subject to wear and tear especially if your wipers have been put through their paces during the winter months. They are one of the hardest working parts of your car but one of the least durable parts. Over time, they’ll crack, deteriorate and lose their flexibility. Driving with worn wiper blades will not only affect your visibility of the road but they can also damage your windscreen and potentially cause your vehicle to fail its MOT. So don’t get caught out this spring driving with worn wiper blades, make sure you check them regularly and replace when needed.
How often should you change your windscreen wipers?
We generally recommend that you replace your wiper blades every 12 months to ensure they continue to provide maximum visibility. However, if your windscreen wipers are displaying any of the four S’s; streaking, skipping, splitting, or squeaking, it might be time for new wider blades.
The below infographic shows the signs to look out for which will show when your wiper blades need replacing:
What wiper blades do I need?
When replacing windscreen wipers it is important to choose a wiper blade that is the right size for your vehicle. Normally the driver’s side and passenger side will require different lengths, as will the rear windscreen. The correct windscreen wiper blade sizes can be found in your vehicle handbook, or alternatively you can use our windscreen wiper search tool to find the correct sizes for your car.
Don't forget to check the back!
We suggest when you are replacing your windscreen wiper to replace both the driver’s side and passenger’s side at the same time. This will improve the performance of both wiper blades and help increase visibility. But don’t forget to check your rear windscreen wipers, although they are usually used less often, the rear wiper blades can deteriorate through lack of use so it is important to check them regularly.
If your windscreen wipers are no longer working effectively, don’t leave it until another downpour severely reduces your visibility, call into your local Kwik Fit, or visit our windscreen wipers page to find the right wipers for your vehicle. We stock replacement wiper blades to fit the widest range of vehicle makes and models.
