When should I replace windscreen wiper blades?

Good visibility is a roadworthiness issue. nidirect says wipers and washers should operate so the driver has a clear view of the road.

Rubber blades can degrade from age, heat, frost and contamination even where annual mileage is low.

Clean the glass and blade edges first; if performance remains poor or the rubber is split, replace the blades.

For 'When should I replace windscreen wiper blades?', treat the issue as a current roadworthiness matter rather than something to leave until the next MOT. A valid MOT does not protect you if the vehicle develops a defect afterwards.

Check the current source for 'When should I replace windscreen wiper blades?' before acting if the relevant rule, policy, fee or eligibility has recently changed. Keep any official confirmation or reference number produced by the process because it can help resolve a later query. This note is specific to answer 474.