Clear visibility is essential for safe driving. When rain, dirt or road spray hits your windscreen, your wipers need to work instantly and effectively.
Windscreen wipers are the most neglected part of a car. According to the RAC:
- Only 33% of people check them monthly
- Another 30% wait until their wipers stop working first
Looking after your wipers and windscreen helps you see clearly and stay safe on the road.
And if something does go wrong, wipers and windscreens are covered as part of your Motability Scheme lease.
How to maintain your wipers
Looking after your wipers helps keep your view clear in all conditions.
For a quick guide, take a look at these checks:
Clean your wipers
Just like your car, your blades need a clean every now and then.
Wet your windscreen first
It’s natural to assume you can use your blades in any weather, but they always need a wet surface.
If it’s not raining, add some washer fluid to your windscreen first.
How to look after your wiper blades in winter
Never use your wipers to clear away the frost on your windscreen. Give your car time to defrost instead and let ice melt as your vehicle heats up.
When winter nears, leaves, dirt, and more can find its way in between your blades. Clear this if you see it.
How to look after your wiper blades in winter
Never use your wipers to clear away the frost on your windscreen. Give your car time to defrost instead and let ice melt as your vehicle heats up.
Ways to maintain your wiper blades in summer
Check the rubber on your blades more often, as the sun can damage them.
Keep up these habits and you’ll be ready to face any weather or season.
Caring for your windscreen
Your windscreen is just as important as your wipers. Water and debris can wipe away, but cracks will permanently affect your vision.
It’s important you get chips or cracks looked at quickly, before they turn into a bigger problem.
Autoglass will fix these for you, as part of your all-inclusive package. Just call the Motability UK Glassline.
- If it’s a repair, Autoglass will fix it at no extra cost
- If it needs replacing, you’ll need to pay a £100 excess
These simple checks can help keep your windscreen clear:
If you’ve spotted a chip or a crack, contact Glassline, part of Autoglass, as soon as you can.
They’ll help fix your windscreen. Or, if they need to, they’ll replace it completely.
Clean your windscreen
One way to keep your windscreen in good condition is to clean it often. If you’re getting your car cleaned, they’ll usually clean your windscreen too.
When to top up your washer fluid
It’s easy to neglect your washer fluid, but it’s important to keep an eye on it. Check it monthly.
Always top it up before a long journey or as soon as the washer fluid dash light warning symbol appears.
Why wipers matter
When it rains heavily, your wipers quickly become essential. Visibility can suddenly drop, so your wipers need to work instantly.
Worn rubber will leave streaks and smears across your windscreen, leaving it blurry and dangerous.
If they’re not working properly, they can:
- Worsen your view
- Slow your reaction time
- Increase your stopping distance
Signs your wipers need replacing
Noticed your wipers are making a strange squeak? Or they might be juddering and streaking your windscreen.
It’s time to look them over for hardening or general wear. Check for:
- Streaking: lines of dirt on your windscreen
- Skipping: they’re not touching your windscreen
- Squeaking: they’re making a lot of noise
- Splitting: cracks in their rubber edge
- Rubber wear: it’s brittle or broken down
When to get help
Remember: you’re supported on the Scheme. Never repair or replace your wipers or windscreen yourself.
- Your dealer can fix or replace your wipers
- Autoglass can fix or replace your windscreen. Call Motability UK Glassline on 0344 387 7639
Contact your dealer if: the issue will not go away, like your wipers keep making a noise.
Contact Glassline if: you spot a chip or crack. Get this checked soon, or it’ll get worse.
These quick checks help keep your windscreen clear and your journeys safe. They only take a few minutes, but they can make a real difference to your everyday driving.
Quick answers to your wiper and windscreen questions
Are my windscreen wipers covered on the Motability Scheme?
Yes. Wiper repairs and replacement are part of your all-inclusive package, at no extra cost.
Is my windscreen covered on the Motability Scheme?
Yes, if it’s a repair. These are included at no extra cost, as part of your all-inclusive package.
If your windscreen needs replacing, you’ll need to pay a £100 excess.
When should I replace my wipers?
You should never replace them yourself. Contact your dealer and they’ll do this for you.
When should I get my windscreen checked?
If there’s a chip or a crack, get it checked as soon as you can, before it gets worse. Call the Motability UK Glassline (part of Autoglass).
The sooner you let them know, the more chance they’ll be able to repair the problem instead of replacing your windscreen.
Want more useful car tips?
Knowing more about your car can save you time and extra costs.
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