Windscreen Wiper Blade FAQs

It depends on your car’s make and model. To find compatible wipers for your car, you can use our handy wiper blades finder or manually measure your existing blades. 

If your wipers are squeaking, smearing, juddering, or just flat out not working, there may be a few different reasons why. Some of the more common problems include:

• Torn wiper blades: Your car’s rubber wiper blades are designed to remove rain, snow, dirt and debris with ease. When they tear, the rubber fixture underneath the plastic strip becomes loose, trapping in dirt that can reduce visibility. Torn wipers can also scratch and damage your windscreen, so it’s important to replace them as soon as possible.
• Cracked wiper blades: Exposed to the elements, rubber wiper blades can perish and dry out, with small cracks appearing on the edges. When this happens, you’ll notice streaks and squeaks, as the rubber is no longer flexible enough to make efficient contact with the windscreen.
• Damaged wiper arm: If one side of the windscreen is dirty, or there’s a screeching noise when you turn your wipers on, then it could be because one of the arms has become damaged.

Remember, our troubleshooting guide has plenty of hints and tips to help if your wipers aren’t working as they should.

Generally, wiper blades last between six and 12 months, although they can last longer depending on how often they’re used.

You should also get in the habit of cleaning them every three months. Dirt and grime can gather under the blades, which corrodes the rubber and can potentially damage your windscreen. Running a clean cloth along the wiper blades every three months will help keep them grime free and protect both your windscreen and wipers. 

Check out our handy guide for more tips on how to care for your wiper blades.

Generally, rear window wipers are a lot smaller than those used at the front of the car. And while a lot of cars have the same style of wipers on both the front and back, some cars use a model-specific rear wiper, with the arm and blade integrated into one unit. 

Noticed an annoying squeak whenever you switch your wipers on? Put a stop to it and enjoy driving in peace with the help of these top tips:

Clean Your Windscreen Wipers

Giving your windscreen wipers a good clean to get rid of any trapped dirt should do the trick. Lift the windscreen wipers and use a cloth with some rubbing alcohol to get your blades grit-free once again.

Keep Your Wiper Blades Soft

Not only do cracked and brittle windscreen wiper blades contribute to squeaking, but they could also result in damage to your windscreen. If your blades are hard or cracked, you’ll have to replace them.

Replace Your Windscreen Wipers

If you’ve tried all the above but your wipers are still squeaking, then you may have to replace them outright. If that’s the case, read our guide on fitting wiper blades for more information on how to do it quickly and safely.