Drivers urged to spend £22 immediately to save themselves £2,500 fines

MotorMatch has warned the importance of windscreen wipers can often “go unnoticed” despite the tool being “crucial for safety”. They warned a dirty windscreen as a result of broken wipers will “compromise visibility”.

They explained: "Detecting streaky marks after using wipers is a visible sign of wear, indicating the need for replacement. By inspecting the rubber underneath for cracks or splitting, drivers can address these issues promptly, avoiding potential fines and ensuring clear visibility."

"Ageing wipers can miss parts of the windscreen during cleaning, particularly in warm weather when the material softens," they said. “Experts recommend changing older wipers for new ones, with the general guideline of replacing them every 6 months to a year for optimal performance.

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"Squeaking noises while operating wipers can be indicative of underlying issues, potentially leading to impaired functionality. Drivers should listen for these unusual sounds as part of routine checks to ensure wipers are working properly and avoid fines for inadequate performance."

A standard pair of wiper blades can be bought for £22 at Halfords - saving you a £2,500 fine. Halfords warned: "If you notice these kinds of streaks left on your windscreen after using your wipers, there could be one or two problems, either the rubber has worn – lift both wipers up and check the rubber for any visible cracking or splitting, or there could be debris.

"If your wipers are free from damage, it may be debris on your windscreen causing it to look streaky, such as grit or dirt." It said: "It’s often hard to distinguish whether your wipers are streaking, skipping or smearing, but generally smearing is caused by either worn blades, a dirty windscreen or poor quality washer fluid. Smearing is easier to identify than streaking, as a larger portion of the windscreen will be covered and your visibility will be significantly reduced.

"If you’ve cleaned your car and tried a different screenwash but your wipers are still smearing, it’s best to get them changed."