How do I change my windscreen wiper blades? Six simple steps to ensure your car passes an MOT

BEFORE you take your car for its annual MOT, manufacturers main dealers recommend carrying out a number of quick and easy visual checks.

Here's some simple steps to ensure your car passes its MOT, including how to change your windscreen wiper blades.

With winter putting them through their paces, your windscreen wipers could soon be due for a change.

They are a vital piece of equipment on your motor, ensuring you have a clear view of the road.

To avoid forking out the extra fee for your mechanic to change your blades, you can easily swap them yourself without using any tools.

Here's what you need to know to stop rain and snow from blocking your view this winter.

How do I change my windscreen wiper blades?

1. Pull your wiper arms away from the windscreen and check for cracks in the rubber blade.
2. You can release the wiper blade from its arm by pulling the central retaining clip or popping open the locking tab.
3. Slide out the rubber wiper and hold the arm in place, ensuring it doesn't snap back onto the windscreen.
4. Attach the new rubber blade, making sure you lock it back into place.
5. If your windscreen wipers don't have a retaining clip, you can simply pull the rubber blade free and slide the replacement through.
6. Gently lower the wiper arms back down on to the windscreen.

How much do they cost?

You can buy your replacement wiper blades for anywhere from £3 to £12 for a single or from £14 for a front pair.

They can be purchased from most auto stores, mechanics and online.

Using sites like Halfords and Euro Car Parts, you can find the exact wiper blade you need by entering your vehicle registration into the search tool.

How often should they be replaced?

You should change your wipers at least every 12 months.

This may vary depending on how often you use your wipers and the weather conditions you regularly drive in, and in some cases they may need to be replaced after six months.

You'll know it's time to change your wipers when they start to smear the water on your windscreen.

Another tell-tale sign it's time to change your blades is when the rubber blades starts to pull off the metal arm of the wipers.