Answer first: test your windscreen wipers with washer fluid before the next storm—not for the first time in heavy rain. If the blades streak, judder, skip, leave an unwiped patch in front of the driver, or have split rubber, clean or replace them. Also confirm that the washer jets spray correctly and the reservoir contains the fluid specified in your owner’s manual.
Information checked: 15 October 2026. Vehicle advice from the Motordeal Premium Editorial Desk.
Spring and summer thunderstorms can turn a dusty windscreen into a smeared, low-visibility screen within seconds. The Automobile Association of South Africa advises motorists to keep the windscreen and wipers in good condition and to check both front and rear wipers where fitted. South Africa’s National Road Traffic Regulations also require a wiper that clears the area directly in front of the driver continuously, evenly and adequately.
A blade can look acceptable while parked yet fail under water. Heat, sunlight, dust and long periods without use can harden the rubber edge. That is why the useful check is a controlled wet test, not running dry blades over dusty glass.
Park on level ground, switch off the engine and make sure the wipers are in their normal parked position. Remove leaves and loose grit by hand, then clean the windscreen with a suitable automotive glass cleaner and a clean microfibre cloth.
Do not operate dry wipers over sand, mud or heavy dust. Abrasive dirt can scratch the glass and damage the blade edge.
Lift each arm only as your owner’s manual permits. Look for split, torn, hardened, twisted or loose rubber. Check that the blade is securely clipped to the arm and that the frame or flexible spine is not bent.
Warning: a spring-loaded wiper arm can snap back and crack the windscreen. Support it carefully and place it down gently. Do not leave an unsupported metal arm standing away from the glass.
Find the washer reservoir by using the owner’s manual rather than guessing between under-bonnet caps. Top up only with a washer fluid and dilution appropriate for the vehicle and local conditions. Do not confuse the washer reservoir with coolant or brake-fluid reservoirs.
Avoid household dishwashing liquid unless the vehicle manufacturer explicitly permits it. It may foam, leave residue or be unsuitable for vehicle finishes and washer components. Never mix chemicals whose compatibility is unknown.
Close the bonnet, start the vehicle if required by its system, and spray washer fluid before operating the wipers. Test low and high speeds, intermittent mode and the rear wiper if fitted. The swept area should clear smoothly without:
If the rubber is intact but the wipe is poor, first clean the glass and blade edges with products approved for the vehicle. Replace blades that remain streaky or show physical damage. Match the correct size, connector and blade type for the exact make, model and year.
Book a qualified technician if the motor is slow or intermittent, the arms collide, a spindle is loose, the fuse repeatedly fails, fluid leaks under the vehicle, or the washer pump does not run. Do not force jammed or obstructed wipers.
There is no single replacement interval that fits every South African vehicle and climate. Inspect them regularly and follow the vehicle and blade manufacturer’s guidance. Replace based on condition and performance, not only age. Strong UV exposure, outdoor parking and dusty roads can shorten useful life.
Combine this check with correct tyre pressure, legal tread depth, working lights and effective demisting. See our guides to checking tyre tread depth and finding the correct tyre pressure.
During a used-car inspection, test the front and rear wipers, every washer jet, the demister and the windscreen for chips or cracks. A small visibility fault can become a serious problem in the first downpour.
Browse our Vanderbijlpark showroom, ask about vehicle finance, or get a trade-in assessment. For help with a specific vehicle, contact Motordeal Premium.
For more practical ownership advice, follow @motordeal_premium and @motordealpremium on Instagram.
Have a rainy-season vehicle question? Join the conversation on the Motordeal Premium Facebook page or send it through our contact page for a future guide.
You must be logged in to post a comment.
