Drivers told to check windscreen wipers now or risk being hit with a £2,500 fine


Your wipers are there to clear away dust, dirt and anything else that might have landed on your windscreen – so keeping them in good condition is crucial

UK drivers have been urged to check their windscreen wipers or risk being slapped with a hefty fine.

It’s crucial as a car owner to ensure that every element of your vehicle is functioning properly, not just to extend the lifespan and performance of your car but also to prevent accidents on the road.

Even though they’re a small component, windshield wipers are essential to maintaining visibility and therefore road safety. Neglecting this could lead authorities to issue fines that can amount up to £2,500.

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Awareness about this issue has been raised by motor experts at Motormatchwho have noted certain signs to watch for when assessing the condition of your wipers – indicating whether they need fixing or complete replacement.

Wipers play a hugely important role; they keep your windshield free from obstructive debris and dirt, ensuring the driver’s view of the road remains unrestricted. A smeared or dirty windshield is not only off-putting but it can be really unsafe, reports the Daily Record.

The professionals from Motormatch caution: “Inadequate wiper performance can lead to MOT failure, resulting in immediate costs and potential long-term expenses. Ensuring wipers are road-safe is imperative to avoid fines up to £2,500, and the addition of three penalty points to your driving record, as compromised visibility due to faulty or inefficient wipers poses a significant safety risk, potentially leading to dangerous driving scenarios.”

A crystal-clear sign that it might be time to change your wipers is if they aren’t clearing the windshield as effectively as they once did.

The experts warned that aging wiper blades could be far less effective, especially during hot spells when they tend to soften and miss areas of the windshield. They advise motorists to replace their wipers every 6 to 12 months for the best results.

“Ageing wipers can miss parts of the windscreen during cleaning, particularly in warm weather when the material softens. Experts recommend changing older wipers for new ones, with the general guideline of replacing them every 6 months to a year for optimal performance.”

Additionally, unusual squeaking from wipers could signal potential problems, which may lead to impaired visibility and heavy fines if not addressed. The pros said: “Squeaking noises while operating wipers can be indicative of underlying issues, potentially leading to impaired functionality. Drivers should listen for these unusual sounds as part of routine checks to ensure wipers are working properly and avoid fines for inadequate performance.”

Motorists are being urged to regularly check their wipers for damage to catch issues early and maintain safety on the road. You should regularly check the wipers for any signs of damage, in order to spot potential problems quickly and sort them out to remain safe on the roads.

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