mechanics.tradeWindscreen wipers
Windscreen wipers came up 1,365,838 times at the MOT during 2025, the 5th most recorded defect on the list.
1,365,838recorded in 2025
4.4%of all recorded defects
5thon the national list
What it is
The test is simply whether the wipers clear the glass properly in front of the driver. Torn rubber, a blade that chatters, or a smear left across the swept area will all be written down.
What the tester can write down
What the tester writes depends on how serious it is: major and minor.
| Wording on the certificate | Category | Recorded in 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Wiper blade missing or obviously not clearing the windscreen | Major | 821,565 |
| Wiper blade defective | Minor | 517,242 |
What you can do about it
Blades are among the few MOT items most owners can change themselves in a few minutes, and they are inexpensive. Rubber hardens with age and sunlight, so replace them roughly once a year.
Nearby on the list
Every defect on the list, from 42,728,066 MOT tests in 2025.