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September, 2019
Can Wiper Blades Fail an MOT?
The MOT is an annual test that keeps your vehicle roadworthy so that you meet environmental and safety standards while driving.
You can make many basic checks and replacements yourself before taking your car in for its MOT. This is almost always cheaper than paying for a mechanic to replace surface-level car parts during your MOT.
A great example of this is your wiper blades. Yes, they will be tested during your MOT. And yes, if you need new ones, they’re easy to replace yourself at a fraction of the cost you’d pay for a professional to do it.
MOT Windshield Test
MOTs include a windshield test, which encompasses an examination of the windscreen, wiper blades and washers.
Windshield
Your MOT tester will check the windscreen, driver’s side window and front passenger window for cracks, chips, tinting and discolouration.
Keep in mind that even a small crack in the windscreen can cause a car to fail its MOT. Chips larger than 1 cm in the driver’s field of vision will fail, as will chips 4 cm+ elsewhere in the windscreen.
Washers
Your MOT tester will check your washers to ensure that they work efficiently and that you have sufficient washer fluid.
Wiper Blades
Your MOT tester will check your wiper blades to ensure that they work effectively, clean the entire windshield, are fixed securely to the windscreen and that their overall condition is good. They will also be tested to ensure that they don’t stop or jam in a position that would obscure your view of the road.
The government have recorded windscreen wipers that ineffectively clear the windshield as one of the top three most common MOT failures.
This is why it’s vital that your wipers are in good condition. Find out how to change yours here.
Note: the rear wiper blade is not included in the MOT.
MOT-Worthy Wiper Blades
It’s important to drive with a valid MOT. If you don’t, you could be fined up to £1,000 and invalidate your car insurance.
Read about different wiper blade styles to find the ones that suit you here.
You can read up on the other car parts that will be tested during your MOT here.
Don’t let your wiper blades fail an MOT – replace them in time for your test. Save time by searching your number plate in our car lookup tool. This will tell you exactly which size windscreen wipers you need and recommend a range of reputable branded wipers at the best prices.
All DIY car service parts are manufactured by trusted, high-quality brands. Here are just a few of the brands that we stock.
About DIY Car Service Parts
Whether you’re changing your own car parts or saving costs by providing them to your local garage, DIY Car Service Parts is the ultimate site for easily identifying the vehicle parts that you need.
DIY Car Service Parts isn’t just about accessing car parts from the best brands at the lowest prices. With over 35 years’ experience in the automotive industry, we are experts in the car parts field. Our specialist team is on hand to answer any of your queries and offer valuable advice so that you can understand more about the ways that your car works and get savvy under the bonnet.
