The 7 Warning Signs
- Streaking — lines of water left behind after each sweep, caused by hardened or torn rubber.
- Smearing — water pushed around rather than cleared, indicating the blade has lost its edge.
- Squeaking — a chattering or squeaking noise during operation, caused by uneven contact.
- Skipping — the blade bounces or hops across the glass rather than sweeping smoothly.
- Splitting — visible cracks, tears, or chunks missing from the rubber edge.
- Bent frame — the metal frame of conventional blades is visibly bent or deformed.
- Poor contact — sections of the windscreen aren’t being wiped at all, particularly at the edges.
How Often to Replace
As a general rule, replace wiper blades every 12 months regardless of apparent condition. UK conditions — salt, grit, frost, UV exposure, and frequent rain — degrade rubber faster than you might expect. Many drivers change them every autumn before the worst of winter weather arrives.
MOT Implications
Wiper blades are checked as part of the MOT test under the ‘Driver’s view of the road’ category. Your car will fail if the wipers don’t clear the windscreen effectively. A wiper blade that’s streaking, torn, or missing is an MOT failure — and it’s one of the cheapest things to fix beforehand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can worn wiper blades damage my windscreen?
Yes — if the rubber is completely worn through, the exposed metal or plastic can scratch the glass. This is much more expensive to fix than replacing the blades.
Should I change wiper blades before or after winter?
Before winter is ideal (September/October). Fresh rubber handles cold, wet conditions much better than aged rubber that’s been baked by summer UV.
Do rear wiper blades need changing as often?
Rear wipers are used less frequently, so they can last 18-24 months. However, they’re still exposed to the same UV and weather, so check them regularly.
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How we check fitment for this guide
We cross-reference fitment figures against manufacturer specifications and OE-supplier catalogue data where available, and matched to the standard codes that actually govern fit — battery type/group sizes, wiper lengths and fitting types, bulb fitment codes, tyre size markings, and oil specifications. We work by make, model, year, engine, and build date, because a single model can take different parts across its life. Where the right part depends on your exact vehicle, we tell you to confirm by registration or VIN. More on our method →