Five signs your windscreen wipers need replacing NOW or you risk a £2,500 fine
A MOTORS pro has revealed the five signs that your windscreen wipers need replacing now or you risk a staggering £2,500.
Windscreen wipers are a key feature on modern cars and vans as they ensure your way ahead remains clear during bad weather.
But driving with faulty wipers can make your commutes unsafe and they could leave thousands out of pocket.
Luckily, a motors expert has revealed the signs that could indicate you’re in need of some new wipers.
A Windscreen Wipers expert said: “The importance of having appropriate and working windscreen wipers is often overlooked, but it is key for your safety that you keep them in an acceptable condition.
“After all, not only is it irritating and distracting to have a dirty windscreen when driving, but it can also be unsafe if the dirt is restricting visibility.”
If they don’t work properly or aren’t in a good condition, you could get in trouble – and it can even fail your MOT.
“If your wipers are deemed to be working insufficiently, and therefore not road safe, you could fail your MOT, potentially incurring more costs in the long term,” the expert continued.
Damaged windscreen wipers can leave you £2,500 out of pocket and you can be hit with three penalty points.
If you are caught twice, you can even be banned from driving for a minimum of half a year.
To avoid this, experts recommend to be on the lookout for this signs.
If streaky marks appear on your vehicle’s screen after using the windscreen wipers, it could mean you are due a new pair.
All you need to do is to check the rubber underneath for any cracks or splitting that could be causing the streaks.
Another red flag of a faulty windscreen could be hiding in your car’s blades.
Your wiper blades can miss parts of your windscreen when cleaning – specially during warm days as the material can soften.
If your windscreens are ageing, experts recommend to change them for new ones.
“Windscreen wipers typically last between 6 months to a year, so if you think it’s been a while since you’ve switched them out for a newer pair, then it might be worth taking a look at them,” they added.
Squeaking can also be a cause of your wipers not working properly – car owners can listen out for this unusual noises while driving.
Experts said drivers should be extra careful during winter as the heavy rain, ice and snow can severely damage your windscreen.
For this, they recommend to invest in blades that can handle harsh and cold weather conditions.
Finally, motor gurus said to regularly check your screen to spot any signs of damage – including cracks or breaks in the rubber.
They said: “It’s also important to ensure you’re buying the right wiper blades for your car, so they fit and work efficiently.
“Make sure to do your research or speak to experts about the suitable blades for your motor’s make and model.”
It comes as drivers were shown a strange new hack that experts claim can be key to defrosting a car’s windscreen.
According to the experts, you should make sure to chop up the skin of the pumpkin and rub the inner layer on your windscreen for fast defrosting.