Imagine for a moment you’re driving calmly along the road and, suddenly, the first drops begin to fall. Within seconds, your windshield is covered with water — and when you switch on the wipers, you realise the droplets aren’t clearing completely. What would you do?
The windshield wipers are not just there to remove dirt from the car’s glass. They are also essential for safe driving in adverse conditions.
At Ralarsa, automotive glass specialists, we recommend checking your wipers so you know how to react in an emergency. Keep reading!
Why check your wipers?
Below are some of the benefits that wiper blade replacement offers while driving. Contrary to what many might think, this component is essential on any journey — especially if you get caught in a storm.
Visibility. Good‑condition wipers help you see the road clearly. This is especially important when it rains, as the blades remove water build‑up, enabling safe driving.
Safety. Linked to the above point: wiper blades should be as clean as possible to stop the glass from fogging due to moisture — which would reduce the driver’s field of vision and could lead to an accident. Poor wipers can leave streaks on the windshield.
Compliance. The law requires all vehicles to have wipers in good working order. Otherwise, you could face fines of up to €80, and the authorities may require you to stop driving altogether. At Ralarsa, a timely wiper blade replacement will make sure you pass the MOT without issues.
How to detect worn wipers?
The first sign of wear is streaks on the glass. These appear when the rubber hardens over time or due to exposure to wind, rain, or snow. In extreme cases, badly worn wipers can cause deep scratches. To avoid ending up having to replace your windshield, we recommend regular checks.
The second sign is noise from the blades in operation. This is a clear indicator that the rubber is worn out and they should be changed immediately. At Ralarsa, we suggest replacing wiper blades at least once a year, although this will depend on their quality: cheaper, less efficient blades may only last a few months. Replacing them every 15,000 km is also a good rule of thumb.
Finally, look for residual water on the glass. Even small droplets can impair visibility and spread across the windshield, increasing risk.
How to maintain wipers
Maintaining your wipers in good condition is simple:
Raise the wipers to access the rubber more easily. Moisten a cloth with liquid detergent or a non‑alcoholic cleaning solution to clean and disinfect the rubber thoroughly.
Also decide if you need to replace the windshield before cleaning it. Wash the glass carefully to ensure the wipers don’t get dirty during operation. You can also clean the rear window. We recommend our rain‑repellent treatment, ideal for this spring season.
And remember, you can always rely on the professional service at your nearest Ralarsa automotive glass workshop to get your vehicle ready.
Trust Ralarsa to check your wipers
At Ralarsa, we know how dangerous driving in the rain can be. That’s why we encourage you to check your windshield at one of our 240+ branches nationwide.
In just minutes, we can replace your wiper blades quickly and simply, so you don’t have to worry about a thing. With top‑quality, certified materials and the professionalism of our team, you can drive your vehicle in complete safety.
We’ll also advise you on the type of blades best suited to your car. We look forward to seeing you!
