What do wiper blades do?

Wiper blades are the thin rubber inserts that form part of the windscreen wipers. Windscreen wipers or windshield wipers are the arm-like devices used to clear rain, snow, ice, washer fluid, water, or debris from a vehicle's front window so the driver always has a clear view of what's ahead of them.

Wiper blades are arguably the most crucial part of your windscreen wiper system, because they are the part in contact with your windscreen and are vital in the effective cleaning of the glass. It’s important that your wiper blades remain in working order as they keep you safe on the roads in all weather conditions by providing you with better visibility. You probably use your windscreen wipers more than you realise (especially in rainy Britain), so it’s important to get them replaced when they start to fail.

Suzuki

The Suzuki Motor Corporation is a Japanese multinational automotive and motorcycle manufacturer, established in 1909, over 100 years ago.

How popular is Suzuki in the United Kingdom?

Possibly better known as a leading motorcycle manufacturer, the cars from this marque are becoming a well-known household name in UK motoring. The Suzuki Swift and Suzuki Vitara have made a real impact on UK drivers, being responsible for over half of the 408k Suzuki models on the roads today.

Good value small city cars and SUV driving

Suzuki’s success has been dependent on their provision of small, well-priced cars that offer excellent value and good fuel economy. They offer a selection of city cars and small hatchbacks, with added hybrid fuel options for green drivers and those who want further economy from their motoring.

It’s possibly the Vitara, Ignis and the SX4 S-Cross SUV and crossover models that are making the most impact for this brand, despite not achieving quite the same impressive sales figures as the Swift.

Suzuki provides great technology for budget brand cars

For cars at their price-point, Suzuki crams in a lot of tech. The Vitara, for example, comes with Suzuki’s Boosterjet turbocharged engine and Allgrip 4-wheel drive system for performance, and a host of additional technology for drivability.

It also incorporates driver assistance features such as a lane departure warning that includes visual signals and a vibrating steering wheel, cruise control and fully integrated smartphone connectivity—features you’d tend to expect to find on much higher priced vehicles.

The Suzuki SHVS hybrid system

In the current climate where ecology and green motoring has become prevalent, the ‘Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki’ advanced driving system reduces CO2 emissions and lowers your running costs. What Suzuki has done here, is create a lighter and smaller system than the standard hybrid arrangement. Combine that with their cars’ lightweight chassis and nimble performance, and the efficiency becomes even more impressive.

How often should wiper blades need replacing?

Wiper blades deteriorate over time as they are made from rubber and are constantly exposed to the elements. Therefore, they should be replaced every 6-12 months depending on a number of factors such as usage, environment, and the quality of the blades themselves.

It's important to regularly check your wiper blades as they are a crucial safety feature in your car. A faulty wiper blade can also be an instant MOT fail so be sure to check these before your next test.

What happens when we do a wiper blades replacement on your car?

Our certified mechanics will:

• Test your windscreen wipers to determine which part or parts need to be changed.

• If your wiper blades need to be replaced the mechanic will unclip them or slide them out of the wiper arm.

• They will then fit the new blades, ensuring they are the correct size and type for your car.

• Test the new blades to ensure they work effectively.

What causes a wiper blade to break?

The usual lifespan of wiper blades is about six months to one year. However, because the blade is made out of rubber and is constantly exposed to different weather conditions, the wiper blades can dry, crack and break prematurely. Using your windscreen wipers to clear ice and frost from your windscreen in winter can also damage the rubber wiper blades.

When should wiper blades be replaced?

You should replace your wiper blades at least once a year so that they remain in good condition and fully effective. Your wiper blades are an important safety feature in your car as they ensure that your visibility remains intact whilst driving in different weather conditions. Therefore, as soon as you notice any signs that your blades are going bad you should book to have them replaced.

What are the signs of broken wiper blades?

Usually, there a few signs you can look for:

• Streaking - if your wiper blades leave streaks on your windscreen they'll likely need replacing.

• Squeaking - your wiper blades may need replacing or readjusting if they make a squeaking noise.

• Smearing on your windscreen could be a sign that your blades are worn and need replacing.

• Skipping or shuddering windscreen wipers could indicate that your wiper blades are worn or out of shape and need replacing.

How often should you replace your wiper blades?

Wiper blades should be replaced every 6-12 months depending on a number of factors such as usage, environment, and the quality of the blades themselves, or as soon as they begin to fail. It's important to regularly check your wiper blades as they are a crucial safety feature in your car. A faulty wiper blade can also be an instant MOT fail so be sure to check these before your next test.

What happens during a wiper blades replacement on your car?

Our certified mechanics will:

• Test your windscreen wipers to determine which part or parts need to be changed.

• If your wiper blades need to be replaced the mechanic will unclip them or slide them out of the wiper arm.

• They will then fit the new blades, ensuring they are the correct size and type for your car.

• Mechanic will tests the new wipers, makes adjustments where necessary

What is the average life of a wiper blade?

Wiper blades should last between 6-12 months depending on a number of factors such as usage, environment, and the quality of the blades themselves.

Can you drive with a bad wiper blade?

No, you should avoid driving with a bad or broken wiper blade. Because you rely on your windscreen wipers to provide good visibility whilst driving, it could be dangerous to drive with faulty wiper blades.

Do wiper blades deteriorate with age?

Yes wiper blades do deteriorate with age because they are made of rubber. Over time the weather will cause the rubber to dry out and crack, making them less effective.

The law, vehicle regulations and your MOT

According to UK law, every vehicle fitted with a windscreen must have one or more efficient automatic windscreen wipers. It's also important to note that your windscreen wipers and wiper blades will be checked during an MOT test, so make sure your wipers are in full working order to avoid a fail.