MOT Failure: Wiper Blade Issues

The MOT test is a crucial annual check designed to ensure your vehicle is safe and roadworthy. While many drivers focus on major components like brakes and emissions, the importance of seemingly minor elements like windscreen wipers can be overlooked. If your wiper blades are not functioning correctly, it could lead to an MOT failure, potentially leaving you off the road until the issue is rectified. This article delves into what constitutes a failure regarding wiper blades, why it’s so important, and what you can do to avoid this common pitfall.

Understanding Wiper Blade Requirements for the MOT

The MOT test scrutinises various aspects of your vehicle's visibility systems. For wiper blades, the primary concern is their ability to clear the windscreen effectively, ensuring the driver has an unobstructed view of the road in adverse weather conditions. According to UK legislation, all vehicles must have windscreen wipers and washers that are in good working order. This means they must be capable of clearing a sufficient area of the windscreen for safe driving.

During the MOT inspection, a vehicle examiner will assess the condition and functionality of your wiper blades. They will check for:

• Condition of the rubber: The rubber blade itself is the most critical part. It must be free from cracks, tears, or hardening, which can prevent it from making proper contact with the glass.
• Effectiveness of wiping: The wipers must clear the windscreen without leaving significant streaks, patches, or juddering. They should provide a clear view across the driver's field of vision.
• Arm tension and movement: The wiper arms need to apply sufficient pressure to the windscreen to ensure the blades work effectively. They should also move smoothly across the glass without sticking or making excessive noise.
• Coverage: The wipers must cover a sufficient area of the windscreen, particularly in front of the driver, to maintain adequate visibility.

A failure in any of these areas can result in a 'Fail' grade for the wiper blade component of the MOT test.

Common Reasons for Wiper Blade MOT Failure

Wiper blades are subject to wear and tear, and their performance can degrade over time. Several common issues can lead to a failed MOT:

• Worn or Damaged Blades: Over time, the rubber on wiper blades can become brittle, cracked, or torn. This prevents them from making a clean sweep of the windscreen, leaving streaks and reducing visibility. This is perhaps the most frequent cause of failure.
• Inadequate Wiping: If the wipers, even with good blades, do not clear the screen effectively, perhaps due to weak springs in the wiper arms or incorrect blade pressure, they will fail. The examiner will test their ability to clear a sprayed area of the windscreen.
• Loose or Corroded Wiper Arms: If the wiper arms are loose on their spindles or are heavily corroded, they may not operate correctly or apply the necessary pressure.
• Non-functioning Wipers: If the wiper motor has failed, or there's an electrical issue preventing the wipers from working at all, this is a clear fail. The MOT tester will check if they operate on all speed settings.
• Missing Wiper Blades: While less common, if one or both wiper blades are missing entirely, the vehicle will obviously fail.
• Strewn or Smearing: Excessive streaking or smearing, often caused by dirt build-up on the blade, damaged rubber, or insufficient washer fluid, will also be flagged.

The Importance of Clear Visibility

The reason for these stringent checks is simple: visibility is paramount for road safety. Driving with faulty wipers in rain, snow, or even just when needing to clear road spray from other vehicles, significantly impairs your ability to see the road, other vehicles, pedestrians, and potential hazards. This can lead to accidents, especially in challenging driving conditions. The MOT test ensures that your vehicle's visibility systems are up to the task, protecting you and other road users.

What Happens After a Wiper Blade Failure?

If your car fails the MOT due to wiper blade issues, you will receive a 'Refusal of an MOT Certificate' document outlining the reasons for the failure. You will not be able to drive your vehicle on public roads until the necessary repairs have been made and it has passed a re-test.

Driving a vehicle that has failed its MOT is illegal and can result in penalties, including fines and penalty points on your licence. The only exception is if you are driving the vehicle to a pre-arranged appointment for repair or to a pre-arranged MOT test.

Rectifying Wiper Blade Issues

Fortunately, most wiper blade failures are relatively easy and inexpensive to fix. Here’s what you can do:

• Replace the Wiper Blades: This is the most common solution. Wiper blades are consumables and typically need replacing every 6-12 months, depending on usage and exposure to the elements. You can purchase new blades from most garages, Halfords, or online retailers. Replacing them is usually a straightforward DIY task.
• Check Wiper Arm Tension: If the blades are new but still not wiping effectively, the wiper arms might need adjusting or replacing if the springs have lost their tension. A mechanic can usually help with this.
• Clean Wiper Blades and Windscreen: Sometimes, a simple clean can make a difference. Ensure both the blades and the windscreen are free from dirt, oil, and debris.
• Top Up Washer Fluid: While not a direct cause of failure, ensuring your washer fluid reservoir is full is essential for the wipers to function effectively in clearing the screen.
• Address Electrical Faults: If the wipers don't work at all, this indicates a more significant electrical or mechanical issue with the wiper motor or linkage, which will require professional diagnosis and repair.

DIY vs. Professional Repair

Replacing wiper blades is a task that most car owners can tackle themselves with minimal fuss. You simply need to lift the wiper arm away from the windscreen, locate the release mechanism on the blade (usually a small clip or tab), detach the old blade, and attach the new one, ensuring it clicks securely into place. Always consult your car's owner's manual or look for online guides specific to your vehicle model for the correct procedure.

However, if the problem extends beyond the blades themselves, such as issues with the wiper arms, motor, or electrical connections, it's best to seek professional help from a qualified mechanic. Attempting complex repairs without the necessary knowledge or tools could lead to further damage.

Preventative Maintenance: Avoiding Failure

To avoid the inconvenience and cost of an MOT failure, regular maintenance is key:

• Regularly Inspect Your Wiper Blades: Make it a habit to look at your wiper blades periodically. Check for any visible signs of wear, cracking, or hardening.
• Test Them Regularly: On a dry day, operate your wipers for a few seconds to see if they clear the screen effectively without juddering or streaking.
• Replace as Needed: Don't wait for them to fail. Replace your wiper blades at least once a year, or sooner if you notice any degradation in their performance.
• Keep Blades Clean: Wipe the rubber blades with a damp cloth occasionally to remove grit and debris that can damage the rubber or scratch the windscreen.
• Use the Correct Washer Fluid: Ensure you use appropriate washer fluid, especially during winter, to prevent freezing and to effectively clean the windscreen.

When to Replace Wiper Blades

Here’s a quick guide to the signs that indicate it's time for new wiper blades:

• Streaking: The most obvious sign. If your wipers leave lines or patches of water on the windscreen.
• Juddering or Squeaking: If the blades judder across the glass or make a loud squeaking noise.
• Cracked or Torn Rubber: Any visible damage to the rubber blade.
• Bent or Damaged Frames: If the metal or plastic frame of the wiper assembly appears bent or damaged.
• Reduced Performance in Heavy Rain: If you find yourself struggling to see in moderate to heavy rain, even with the wipers on.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: How often should I replace my wiper blades?

A1: It's generally recommended to replace wiper blades every 6 to 12 months, or as soon as you notice any signs of wear or reduced performance.

Q2: Can I just replace the rubber inserts on my wiper blades?

A2: While some older vehicles might have had this option, most modern wiper blades are designed as a complete unit and the rubber inserts are not easily replaceable. It's usually more cost-effective and reliable to replace the entire blade assembly.

Q3: What is the legal requirement for wipers in the UK?

A3: The law requires all vehicles to have functioning windscreen wipers and washers capable of clearing the windscreen sufficiently for safe driving.

Q4: My wipers work, but they smear the windscreen. Will this fail the MOT?

A4: Yes, if the smearing significantly impairs your vision, it will likely result in an MOT failure. This often indicates worn blades or contaminated glass.

Q5: What if only one wiper blade is faulty?

A5: If either the driver's or passenger's side wiper blade is faulty to the extent that it impairs visibility, the vehicle will fail the MOT. Both must be in good working order.

Conclusion

Wiper blades might seem like a minor component, but their role in maintaining clear visibility is critical for road safety. A failed MOT due to faulty wipers can be an avoidable inconvenience. By understanding the requirements, performing regular checks, and replacing your wiper blades proactively, you can ensure your vehicle remains safe, legal, and ready for whatever the British weather throws at you. Don't let worn-out wiper blades compromise your safety or your MOT pass certificate; a simple replacement can make all the difference.

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