City of London
The City of London, often referred to as the financial heart of the United Kingdom, is a bustling metropolis located in the heart of London. With a population of approximately 8,000 residents, it is a vibrant and dynamic city that attracts professionals from all over the world.
The most popular cars in the City of London
When it comes to car ownership in the City of London, the data collected reveals some interesting trends. Topping the list as the most popular car in the city is the BMW 3 Series, a sleek and stylish choice for the discerning residents of the City. Following closely behind are the Mercedes C-Class, Audi A4, Volkswagen Golf, and the Range Rover Evoque.
In addition to these popular choices, it is worth noting that the City of London is also home to a significant number of electric and hybrid vehicles. With a focus on sustainability and reducing carbon emissions, many residents opt for eco-friendly cars such as the Tesla Model S and the Nissan Leaf.
Vehicle numbers in the City of London
Despite being a compact city, the City of London boasts a considerable number of licensed vehicles, with approximately 10,000 cars registered within its boundaries. This high number reflects the city's reliance on private transportation and the need for efficient and reliable car maintenance services.
Postcodes and suburbs in the City of London
The City of London is divided into several postcodes and suburbs, each with its own unique characteristics. Some of the notable areas include EC1 (Clerkenwell, Finsbury, and Barbican), EC2 (Bishopsgate, Liverpool Street, and Moorgate), EC3 (Tower Hill, Monument, and Aldgate), and EC4 (Fleet Street, St. Paul's, and Blackfriars). These diverse neighborhoods contribute to the rich automotive landscape of the City of London.
As a car maintenance platform catering to the needs of City of London residents, we understand the importance of providing top-notch services to keep their beloved vehicles in optimal condition. Whether it's routine maintenance, MOT testing, or repairs, our platform connects car owners with trusted professionals who are well-versed in the specific requirements of the City of London's automotive landscape.
What does a wiper linkage do?
The wiper linkage is the component that attaches the windscreen wiper motor to the wiper arms and blades. Its job is to transmit the motion of the wiper motor to the wiper arms and blades to clear rain, snow and ice from your windscreen. This component is an important safety feature as it plays a key role in ensuring the driver has good visibility at all times.
How often should a wiper linkage need replacing?
The wiper linkage on your car should last its lifetime, however this will depend on the driving conditions, how often your wipers are used and the quality of the parts. Be sure to have your wiper system checked if you notice any of the above symptoms and make sure you turn your wipers on regularly, even in summer, to avoid the linkage seizing up.
The law, vehicle regulations and your MOT
A broken or faulty wiper linkage is both dangerous and illegal on UK roads. The unpredictable weather in this country means that drivers rely on their windscreen wipers to provide much needed visibility in rainy weather, without which they would be a danger on the roads. The wiper system is also thoroughly checked during the MOT and any fault or malfunction will result in an MOT failure.
What causes a wiper linkage to break?
The wiper linkage is attached to the wiper motor, which is usually located under the hood of the vehicle and is protected from the elements. However, because the linkage is often exposed to the sun, snow, wind, and rain it is more susceptible to wear and tear or breaking entirely without warning. One of the most common causes of premature wear is overuse in rainy climates or in cold temperatures where the windshield wipers are frozen and may stick to the windshield. This sticking causes the linkage to strip from the wiper arm, requiring a replacement to be fitted.
When should a wiper linkage be replaced?
The windshield wiper linkage is designed to last the lifetime of the vehicle, but like any other mechanical part it can break or malfunction when you least expect it. As soon as you begin to notice your wipers struggling to move across the windscreen, making strange noises or moving out of sync, you should have your wiper system, including the linkage, looked at by a mechanic and replaced.
Fully functioning wipers are a key safety feature in your car so it’s vital that you get them fixed as soon as you notice a problem.
What are the signs of a bad wiper linkage?
Usually, there a few signs you can look for:
If the wiper arms get stuck at various points on the windscreen
If you can hear the motor running but the arms are not moving
If only one wiper arm moves
Wiper blades rotate out of sequence
If the wiper blades sputter or make a grinding noise when operating
What happens during a wiper linkage replacement?
During the repair our certified mechanics will:
Inspect the windscreen wiper system and carry out checks to determine the exact fault.
If necessary, they will replace the windscreen wiper linkage.
They will then advise if any other parts need to be replaced.
The mechanic will test the windscreen wiper system to ensure it works correctly.
They will make any final adjustments, if necessary.
What is the average life of a wiper linkage?
A wiper linkage is designed to last the lifetime of your vehicle, however the linkage is often exposed to the sun, snow, wind, and rain so is more susceptible to wear and tear or breaking without warning. One of the most common causes of premature wear is overuse in rainy climates or in cold temperatures where the windshield wipers are frozen and may stick to the windshield. This sticking causes the linkage to strip from the wiper arm, requiring a replacement to be fitted.
Can you drive with a broken or missing wiper linkage?
No you shouldn’t drive with a bad wiper linkage. Driving with faulty wipers isn't just potentially dangerous, it's also illegal and could result in a hefty fine if you’re pulled over.
Poor visibility out of your windscreen can greatly reduce your reaction time and cause you to miss important signs and dangerous hazards on the road. A wiper system that doesn't clear the screen properly and affects the drivers' visibility is dangerous and will also result in an instant MOT fail.
Does a wiper linkage deteriorate with age?
Over time, the wiper linkage can become bent and worn. This is especially true if the wipers are used in areas where heavy snow and ice are common during the winter months.