Windscreen wiper streaks, squeaks and scratches

With much of the UK’s road network covered by slush, ice and grit, research from Kwik Fit reveals that one in three motorists – over 11 million nationwide - are making life even harder by driving with defective windscreen wipers.  And as dirty road spray puts visibility at a premium, over half (56%) of motorists don’t check their wiper blades from one year to the next.

According to Kwik Fit’s study, motorists reported four main wiper blade faults:

Streakers - 16% or 5.4 million motorists’ blades leave smears on the windscreen, obstructing vision

Squeakers - 13% or 4.5 million motorists said their blades made an audible noise while in motion, causing irritation

Soakers - 3% or 1 million motorists said their blades fail to clear water away properly, blurring their view

Scratchers - 1% or 200,000 motorists admitted their blades are in such bad condition they actually scratch the windscreen, risking permanent damage

Motorists under 25 years old are the most likely to have worn out wiper blades with 58% reporting a problem. Conversely older drivers aged 65 and over take the best care of their wiper blades with nearly three quarters (72%) reporting they’re in perfect condition.

Ian Fraser, chief executive at Kwik Fit, said: “It’s easy to overlook worn wiper blades or just wait for them to be replaced at the next service or MOT but in poor winter weather when conditions are already tough the last thing motorists need is impaired visibility. The extra workload placed on wiper blades this time of year can quickly finish them off but replacing them is cheap, quick and potentially life saving.”

Motorists who would like their wiper blades checked can visit their local Kwik Fit centre where this can be done free of charge.  If wiper blades need to be replaced, Kwik Fit stocks a full range of standard and flat blades at great prices.