Wiper blades are a crucial vehicle safety feature. They must be in good enough condition to clear rain, insects, dirt and snowflakes that can all collect on the windscreen. Use our guide to wiper blade inspection and replacement for safer, clearer driving vision.
REPLACEMENT ADVICE
How often should a wiper blade be replaced?
As a rule, windscreen wiper blades should be replaced at least once per year.
Why replace?
Wiper blades eventually deteriorate with use, producing a streaky or uneven finish on the windscreen. To ensure a clear, safe field of vision it is important to ensure the blades are regularly checked and replaced as soon as deterioration is seen.
Replacement signs
There are four main signs of wiper blade deterioration that are visible on the windscreen glass. These symptoms will help you determine when a blade needs changing.
Streaking 
Symptom: Narrow streaks are left on the windshield.
Cause: Foreign matter has attached itself to the rubber blade, or the edge of the blade is worn.
Remedy: First, clean the edge of the blade. If streaks still appear, replace the blade.
Jumping
Symptom: Wiper blade jumps and makes a lot of noise.
Cause: The blade does not move smoothly across the windshield, but vibrates noisily and bounces.
Remedy: First, clean the windshield; then check the angle. If jum
ping persists, replace the blade.
Unwiped spots
Symptom: Wiper blade leaves one or more unwiped spots.
Cause: Rubber deformation.
Remedy: Replace wiper blade.
Uneven blade pressure
Symptom: Wiper blade does not contact the windshield surface evenly, leaving a large unwiped surface.
Cause: Out of shape wiper blade arm.
Remedy: Replace blade.
