Windscreen Wipers: How to Keep Them Working Longer and When to Replace Them
When it rains, your windscreen wipers, the rubber blades that clear water from your car’s front glass. Also known as windshield wipers, they’re one of the most ignored parts of your car—until you can’t see the road. Most people don’t think about them until the streaks start, the squeaking begins, or the blades skip across the glass in a storm. But worn wipers aren’t just annoying—they’re dangerous. A 2021 UK road safety study found that poor visibility due to faulty wipers contributed to over 1,200 accidents in wet conditions alone.
Your wiper blades, the replaceable rubber strips that sweep across the windscreen don’t last forever. Even if they don’t look cracked, the rubber hardens over time from UV exposure, heat, and cold. In the UK, where winters are damp and summers can get hot, blades often need replacing every 6 to 12 months. You don’t need fancy tools—just clean the blades with vinegar and water, check for splits or stiffness, and make sure they press evenly against the glass. If they leave smears or chatter, it’s time for new ones.
Windscreen care, the practice of keeping your car’s front glass clean and clear goes beyond just replacing blades. Dirt, tree sap, and road grime build up on the glass and wear down the rubber faster. Use a proper glass cleaner—not just washer fluid—to wipe the surface monthly. And never run your wipers on a dry windscreen. That’s like sandpapering the rubber. A quick wipe before turning them on can double their life.
Some drivers think buying the cheapest blades saves money. It doesn’t. Cheap blades warp, smear, and fall off. Better ones—like beam blades or silicone-coated ones—last longer, wipe cleaner in heavy rain, and don’t lift at high speeds. If you live in a place with snow, consider winter blades with a rubber boot to stop ice buildup. And if you’re not sure which size fits your car, check your manual or the old blade—it’s printed right on the frame.
Replacing them takes less than five minutes. Most blades snap on or clip off without tools. You can even find video guides online that show exactly how to do it for your model. Don’t wait until you’re stuck in a downpour with no visibility. Check your wipers every time you fill up with fuel. If they’re older than a year, consider swapping them out. It’s cheap insurance.
Below, you’ll find real advice from drivers and mechanics on how to spot failing blades, how to clean them properly, which types last longest, and how seasonal changes affect their performance. No fluff. Just what works.
