mechanics.tradeWipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively
This was recorded 821,565 times on cars and light vans in 2025, which makes it number 6 on the list of things that stop a car passing.
821,565recorded in 2025
6on the national list
4.0%of the top forty defects
What the tester is looking at
Wiper blade missing or obviously not clearing the windscreen
What you can do about it
Wiper blades are cheap and quick to change, and they make a real difference in winter.
How serious it counts as
The tester records this as a major defect. What the categories mean.
Other things checked on the wipers
All forty defects, from 42,728,066 MOT tests in 2025.