What are Windscreen Wipers?
Your first line of defence against rain, snow and road grime
Simplified animation — not to scale.
In plain English
Windscreen wipers are rubber blades mounted on metal or plastic arms that sweep back and forth across your windscreen to clear away rain, snow, dirt and debris so you can see where you're going. Most cars have two wipers on the front windscreen and a single smaller wiper on the rear window.
"Think of wipers like a squeegee you use when cleaning windows at home. Just like the squeegee rubber wears out and starts leaving streaks, wiper blades wear down over time and need replacing so they can keep the glass crystal clear."
How it works
An electric motor drives a linkage that converts rotary motion into the sweeping arc of the wiper arms. The wiper blades themselves are made of a metal or plastic frame with a thin rubber edge that presses against the glass. When you move the stalk on your steering column, the motor spins at different speeds — intermittent, slow or fast — depending on how heavy the rain is. The rubber blade flexes to match the curve of the windscreen and wipes water off the glass into the drainage channels at the sides.
Signs of trouble
- ⚠Rubber leaving streaks, smears or skipping across the glass
- ⚠Squeaking or chattering noises when wipers move
- ⚠Wiper arm not sitting flush against the windscreen
- ⚠Wipers moving slowly, erratically or not at all
- ⚠Rubber blade cracked, torn or peeling at the edges
£18 to £70 total, depending on blade quality and whether you DIY
Always get a written quote. Prices vary by car, region, and parts brand.