One of the most important parts of ensuring your car windscreen lasts a long time without the need for replacement is also one of the cheapest mechanical components of your car.

The windscreen wiper has existed as a practical part of vehicle safety since 1903 but is often something that is out of sight and out of mind to many motorists. The only time a lot of people think about their wiper blades is when they stop working properly.

However, not only is it essential to keep them working well to avoid legal issues surrounding obstructed windscreens, small pieces of upkeep and changes in how you take care of your car can make the world of difference to how your windscreen wipers function and protect your windscreen long-term.

Top Up Wiper Fluid

The windscreen wipers are amongst the cheapest mechanical parts of an average car, but the cheapest and most important part of the system is the wiper fluid bottle.

Keeping the wiper fluid topped up reduces friction, which helps blades to last longer and stops them from potentially scratching the glass and making a repair absolutely necessary.

Clean Them Regularly

A common misconception is that windscreen wipers take care of themselves, and whilst the system is designed to minimise the maintenance they need, you will need to clean grime, dirt and debris off of the windscreen semi-regularly.

Pull the wipers away from the glass and clean the windscreen before cleaning the wiper blades themselves, focusing on dirt close to the mechanism and the base of the arms.

Park In Shaded Spaces

Parking outside of direct sunlight is essential for preserving the lifespan of windscreens in general and avoiding damage to the glass and adhesive keeping the glass in place, but it can also help to protect the wiper blades.

Sunlight causes rubber to melt and plastic to become more brittle, which can cause them to be less effective or crack entirely.

If you have to park in the shade, try to fit a windscreen cover to help protect it and the wiper blades.