Harborough
Harborough, situated in the heart of England, is a bustling town known for its strong sense of community and picturesque surroundings. With a population of approximately 25,000, it is a vibrant hub for car enthusiasts and owners alike.
The most popular cars in Harborough
When it comes to car ownership in Harborough, the data collected reveals some interesting trends. Topping the list as the most popular car in the town is the Ford Focus, a reliable and practical choice for Harborough residents. Following closely behind are the Volkswagen Golf, Vauxhall Corsa, BMW 3 Series, and the Audi A3.
In addition to these popular choices, Harborough residents also show a preference for eco-friendly vehicles, with a growing number of hybrid and electric cars seen on the town's roads. This reflects the town's commitment to sustainability and reducing carbon emissions.
Vehicle numbers in Harborough
Harborough boasts a significant number of licensed vehicles, with approximately 15,000 cars registered in the town. This high number reflects the town's reliance on private transportation and the need for efficient and reliable car maintenance services.
Postcodes and suburbs in Harborough
Harborough is divided into several postcodes and suburbs, each with its own unique charm. Some of the notable areas include LE16 (Market Harborough, Great Bowden, and Little Bowden), LE17 (Lutterworth, Bitteswell, and Ullesthorpe), and LE8 (Kibworth, Fleckney, and Great Glen). These diverse neighborhoods contribute to the rich automotive landscape of Harborough.
As a car maintenance platform catering to the needs of Harborough residents, we understand the importance of providing top-notch services to keep their beloved vehicles in optimal condition. Whether it's regular servicing, tire replacements, or body repairs, our platform connects car owners with trusted professionals who are well-versed in the specific requirements of Harborough'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.