Rear Wipers & MOT: Do They Need Removing?

When preparing your vehicle for its annual MOT test in the UK, it’s natural to scrutinise every component, from the brake lights to the tyre tread. One question that frequently arises, particularly for those considering aesthetic modifications or dealing with a faulty component, is whether the rear windscreen wiper needs to be present and functional to pass the MOT. The answer isn't as straightforward as a simple 'yes' or 'no', and understanding the nuances can save you time, effort, and potentially a retest fee.

The primary purpose of the MOT test is to ensure your vehicle meets minimum road safety and environmental standards. Visibility is paramount, and this is where windscreen wipers come into play. While the functionality of your front windscreen wipers is absolutely critical for a pass, the requirements for the rear wiper are often misunderstood.

Understanding MOT Regulations for Wipers

The MOT test covers various aspects of your vehicle's windscreen and wipers to ensure clear visibility for the driver. For the front windscreen, the rules are very strict: both front wipers must be present, securely fitted, and operate effectively to provide the driver with an adequate view of the road. This includes the wiper blades clearing the screen efficiently without leaving significant streaks, and the washer jets working to deliver fluid to the screen.

However, the regulations for rear windscreen wipers differ significantly. Unlike front wipers, a rear wiper is not a mandatory fitment for all vehicles. Many vans, commercial vehicles, and even some older or sports cars simply don't have them as standard. If a vehicle was manufactured without a rear wiper, it certainly won't fail its MOT for its absence.

The Crucial Distinction: Fitted vs. Required

Here’s where the key distinction lies: if your vehicle is fitted with a rear windscreen wiper, then it must be in good working order to pass the MOT. This means the arm should be secure, the blade should be intact and effective at clearing water, and if your vehicle also has a rear washer jet, that too must function correctly. If any part of the rear wiper system is faulty or defective, it could result in a failed MOT.

The logic behind this is that if a component is present on the vehicle, it is expected to be maintained to a safe and functional standard. A broken or non-functional rear wiper, while not as critical for safety as a front one, could still be deemed a defect. For example, a loose wiper arm could pose a hazard, or a non-working washer jet could obscure the view if the wiper is used to clear a dirty screen without fluid.

Why People Consider Removing Rear Wipers

There are several reasons why a vehicle owner might consider removing their rear windscreen wiper:

• Aesthetics: Many car enthusiasts remove the rear wiper for a cleaner, smoother look on the tailgate, often opting for a blanking plug to fill the hole.
• Damage: If the rear wiper motor has failed, the arm is broken, or the blade is constantly falling off, removal might seem like a simpler and cheaper alternative to repair.
• Noise: A faulty or poorly maintained rear wiper can sometimes cause annoying squeaking or grinding noises.

While these are valid personal reasons, it's crucial to understand the MOT implications before making such a modification.

MOT Outcomes for Rear Wipers

Let's look at the specific outcomes regarding rear wipers during an MOT test:

• Missing Rear Wiper (Not Factory Fitted): If your car was manufactured without a rear wiper (e.g., many saloons, coupes, or vans), this is perfectly acceptable and will not result in an MOT failure.
• Missing Rear Wiper (Removed by Owner): If your car originally had a rear wiper and you've removed it, it is generally not an MOT fail, provided the removal has been done safely and doesn't present any other issues. The hole left by the wiper arm must be properly sealed to prevent water ingress into the boot or tailgate, which could lead to rust or electrical problems. An improperly sealed hole or sharp edges could be an advisory or even a minor defect if deemed dangerous.
• Faulty Rear Wiper (If Fitted): This is where you might encounter problems. If your car has a rear wiper and it's not working correctly, it will typically result in an MOT failure. Issues include:
  • The wiper arm is loose or missing.
  • The wiper blade is missing, damaged, or not clearing the screen effectively.
  • The wiper motor is not operating the blade.
  • The washer jet (if fitted) is not working or not directing fluid onto the screen.

It's important to note that while a faulty rear wiper is a fail, it's generally considered a 'minor defect' unless it poses a significant risk or obscures the driver's view, which is rare for a rear wiper. However, a fail is still a fail, requiring rectification and a retest.

Front vs. Rear Wiper MOT Requirements: A Comparison

To clarify the differences, here's a comparative table outlining the MOT requirements for front and rear wipers:

Preparing Your Rear Wiper for MOT

If your vehicle is equipped with a rear windscreen wiper, here's a simple checklist to ensure it's ready for its MOT:

1. Check Blade Condition: Ensure the rubber blade is not perished, split, or missing chunks. It should make full contact with the glass and clear water effectively without leaving large streaks.
2. Test Wiper Operation: Turn on the rear wiper (and washer, if applicable) to ensure the motor operates smoothly and the arm sweeps across the designated area of the screen.
3. Verify Washer Jet: If your car has a rear washer jet, ensure it sprays fluid onto the screen. Check the fluid level in the reservoir; it's often shared with the front washers.
4. Inspect Wiper Arm: Ensure the wiper arm is securely attached to the spindle and is not loose or bent.
5. Consider Removal (If Applicable): If you plan to remove the rear wiper, do so well in advance of the MOT. Ensure the hole is properly sealed with a purpose-made blanking plug to prevent water ingress. A neat and secure blanking plug is unlikely to cause an issue.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Is a missing rear wiper an MOT fail?

A1: Generally, no. If your car was manufactured without a rear wiper, it's irrelevant. If you've removed one that was originally fitted, it's typically not a fail, provided the removal is done safely and the resulting hole is properly sealed. The key is that it doesn't present any other safety concern or impair vision (which is unlikely for a rear wiper).

Q2: Do rear wiper washers need to work for MOT?

A2: Yes, if your vehicle is fitted with a rear windscreen washer system, it must work correctly and deliver fluid to the screen for the MOT. A non-functional rear washer will result in a fail if the wiper system is present.

Q3: What if my car never had a rear wiper?

A3: If your car was manufactured without a rear windscreen wiper, you have absolutely nothing to worry about regarding this specific component for the MOT. It simply won't be tested or considered a defect.

Q4: Can I remove my rear wiper for aesthetic reasons?

A4: Yes, you can. Many car owners do this for a cleaner look. However, you must ensure that the hole left by the wiper spindle is properly and securely sealed with a waterproof blanking plug. An unsealed hole could lead to water ingress, which might cause other issues that could be flagged during an MOT, such as rust or electrical faults.

Q5: What if my rear wiper is broken but I don't want to remove it?

A5: If your rear wiper is fitted but broken (e.g., motor doesn't work, arm is loose, blade is missing), it will almost certainly result in an MOT failure. It's advisable to either repair it or remove it safely before the test. Leaving a broken component on the vehicle will lead to a fail.

Q6: Are all wipers checked during an MOT?

A6: All wipers fitted to the vehicle, both front and rear, are inspected during the MOT test. Front wipers are essential for road safety and are subject to stringent checks. Rear wipers, if present, are also checked for functionality and condition, though their absence (if removed safely) is generally not a fail.

Conclusion

In summary, while the functionality of your front windscreen wipers is absolutely critical for passing your MOT, the situation with rear wipers is more nuanced. If your vehicle was never equipped with a rear wiper from the factory, you have nothing to worry about. If it was fitted with one, then it must be in good working order to pass the test. A faulty rear wiper will result in a fail. However, if you choose to remove your rear wiper, provided the removal is done safely and neatly with a proper blanking plug, it is generally not an MOT failure. The key takeaway is to ensure that any component present on your vehicle is either fully functional or, if removed, done so in a way that doesn't create new safety hazards or allow for damage to the vehicle.

If you want to read more articles similar to Rear Wipers & MOT: Do They Need Removing?, you can visit the MOT category.