• Windscreen wipers are used a lot more than you might think, especially in the rainier months of the year.
• The more they are used, the sooner they will wear out and need replacing. Though how do you actually know when the time has come?
• Signs your windscreen wipers need replacing include streaking, smearing, chattering or juddering. As well as squeaking, or structural damage.
• If you notice one of these signs, you’ll need to replace your windscreen wiper blades promptly. Having good visibility on the road is important to your safety.

Windscreen wiper blades are often an underestimated part of your vehicle. Without them, you’d soon notice.

They play an essential role in road safety, clearing away water, dirt, and other debris from your windscreen so you can see the road ahead.

Like all things in your vehicle, at some point, your windscreen wipers will need replacing. But how do you know?

We’ve put together this article to help you spot the key signs so you know when it’s time. Read on for all you need to know!

Why do my windscreen wipers need replacing?

Imagine walking down a street blindfolded unable to see what’s in front of you. You wouldn’t be able to see or react to any potential danger coming your way, and it’s likely that you would hurt yourself - or someone else.

Having inefficient windscreen wiper blades is pretty much the same thing. Except it’s more important than ever to have a clear vision of the road in front of you when driving.

Windscreen wipers are extremely useful in adverse weather conditions like rain, sleet, and snow. They help to clear away dirt or falling leaves that could obstruct your vision.

Plus, did you know that having insufficient wipers can result in an MOT failure? So it’s vital to make sure your windscreen wiper blades are in good order not just for your safety, but also to avoid costing you more money.

What causes windscreen wiper blades to wear out?

Most windscreen wipers are made with a thin piece of rubber running along the blade, supported by a plastic or metal frame.

Rubber naturally deteriorates over time, wearing out after frequent use. Think about how often you use your windscreen wiper blades- especially in the rainier months. During this time, you could be using them on a daily basis for extended periods of time.

So how long do windscreen wipers last? The answer for this is generally up to 12 months across most manufacturers. After this time, it’s likely your wipers will no longer be performing effectively.

Other than lifespan, there are other factors that can cause your windscreen wiper blades to wear out. Using them on a dry windscreen, for instance, can be particularly damaging due to the friction, so make sure to use them only when driving in the rain.

If you park your vehicle in direct sunlight over the summer months, the excessive heat could make the rubber in your windscreen wipers deteriorate faster.

Additionally, if there is dirt or debris on your windscreen wiper blades, this could impact contact on the windscreen and damage both elements of your vehicle. That’s why it’s also important to clean your windscreen wipers.

Now we know what causes windscreen wipers to wear out, let’s look at the key signs a replacement is needed.

Streaking Windscreen wipers

If you notice your windscreen wiper blades start leaving streaks on your windscreen, this could be a sign they need replacing.

Streaks may be caused by the rubber hardening or cracks within the structure. This can then leave streaks of water behind after each motion, making your windscreen less clean.

Smearing Windscreen wipers

Smearing on your windscreen is another indicator that you need new windscreen wiper blades. This is caused by the edge of the blade being less sharp, delivering poorer cleaning as a result.

The wiper may smear water across your windscreen instead of pushing it away, which is how you’ll notice it.

Chattering or juddering Windscreen wipers

Perhaps the most frustrating sign you need new wipers. When the rubber part of your windscreen wiper blades deteriorates from extreme temperatures, this can then cause them to skip or judder across the windscreen.

The result is an annoying groaning sound that will threaten to become your new radio if left unchecked!

Squeaking Windscreen wipers

Squeaky windscreen wiper blades are another sign you need a replacement, and this can be just as irritating as juddering wipers.

Squeaking is caused by wear and tear, where your wipers will no longer sweep quietly across the windscreen. Noisy windscreen wipers are definitely a sign you won’t be able to ignore!

Visible damage

Lastly, if you notice any visible signs of damage to the structure of your windscreen wipers, then this will surely signal the need for a replacement.

By lifting up your wipers using the wiper arm, you should be able to inspect the blade to look for any cracks or other damage that will affect performance.

If you notice any of the above signs, then make sure to order your new wipers promptly so they can arrive sooner.

At Windscreen Wipers UK, we offer a range of delivery options at reasonable prices so you can get your new wipers whenever you need them.

How do I find replacement windscreen wipers for my car?

New to buying and fitting your own windscreen wiper blades? Not to worry! At Windscreen Wipers UK, we make your buying experience as simple as possible with our three-step buying process:

1. Enter your reg into our vehicle registration tool to search wipers for your car

2. Choose the windscreen wipers you need and add them to your basket.

3. Check out and wait eagerly for the post, as they’ll be with you soon!

We hope you’ve found this article useful. Want to find out more about fitting before ordering your new wipers? Head to our fitting guide videos to learn how to fit your new windscreen wiper blades.