How to make your windscreen wipers last longer

Windscreen wipers may be a small part of your car, but they play an important role in keeping you safe in the rain.

Malaysia's weather can be particularly tough on them. Strong sunlight, high temperatures and sudden heavy downpours can all accelerate the ageing of the rubber, leaving the wipers less effective, noisy or prone to leaving water behind.

Want to keep your wipers working properly for longer and maintain a clearer view when it rains? A few simple habits can help reduce wear and save you from replacing them more often than necessary.

Clean the wiper blades regularly

Malaysia's combination of frequent rain and strong sunlight means dust, tree sap and bird droppings can quickly build up on the windscreen.

Whenever you wash the car, take a moment to wipe the rubber blades with a damp cloth or microfibre towel. This removes fine grit and dirt that can otherwise build up on the rubber.

Keeping the blades clean can help prevent premature hardening and cracking, while also reducing the chance of dirt and grit scratching the windscreen when the wipers are used.

Never use the wipers on a dry windscreen

Avoid switching on the wipers when the windscreen is completely dry.

Under Malaysia's strong sunlight, the glass can become extremely hot. Running the wipers across a dry surface creates a lot of friction, which can wear and deform the rubber more quickly and may even leave scratches on the glass.

If the windscreen is covered in dust, use the washer first and make sure the glass is properly wet before turning on the wipers.

Lift the wipers when parking for long periods

If the car is going to be parked outdoors for an extended period, consider lifting the wiper arms away from the windscreen.

Malaysia's afternoon sun can heat up the windscreen significantly, and that heat is transferred directly to the rubber blades pressed against the glass. Over time, this can accelerate hardening, ageing and even cause the rubber to stick to the windscreen.

Lifting the wipers keeps the rubber away from the hot glass and can help extend their service life.

Keep the windscreen free of oily residue

If your wipers start juddering or leaving patches of water behind, the blades themselves may not always be the problem.

A layer of oily residue can build up on the windscreen over time, caused by exhaust fumes, air pollution and other contaminants. This can make it harder for the wipers to move smoothly across the glass.

Use a dedicated windscreen cleaner or proper screen wash to remove the residue and keep the glass clean and smooth. This also reduces the amount of resistance the wipers have to overcome.

Don't keep the wipers running at full speed when the glass is nearly dry

During heavy rain, adjust the wiper speed to match the amount of water on the windscreen.

If the rain starts to ease and there is not enough water left on the glass, switch to intermittent mode (INT) or a slower setting instead of leaving the wipers running continuously at high speed.

This helps avoid unnecessary friction when the glass is only partly wet.

Check them regularly and replace them when needed

Windscreen wipers are a wear item. In Malaysia's tropical climate, they typically last around six months to one year, depending on usage and exposure to the elements.

Replace them when you notice signs such as:

• Water being left behind after each wipe
• Streaks or patches that remain on the windscreen
• Cracked or damaged rubber edges
• Squeaking or other unusually loud noises

Putting off replacement can reduce visibility in heavy rain and, in more serious cases, a badly worn blade or exposed metal component can scratch the windscreen.

A quick check every now and then can make a surprisingly big difference when the next heavy downpour arrives.