Are Windscreen Wipers Part of the MOT Test?

Mechanic Examining Windscreen Wipers

Most vehicles in the UK over the age of 3 years are required to have the MOT test, which is an annual test of vehicle safety, roadworthiness, and exhaust emissions. This comprehensive test looks at all parts of the vehicle, from internal to external, ultimately marking it as pass or fail. Below we take a look at how important your windscreen wiper blades are to passing the MOT and how to prepare them to avoid any problems.  

Can A Car Fail The MOT Test On Wiper Blades? 

As mentioned, the MOT test involves a thorough look at a vehicle to ensure it’s safe to be driven on the roads. In addition to the more obvious parts of the car, such as brakes and tyres, the testers will also inspect the front wiper blades (the rear wiper is not included in the MOT). 

On inspection, your car may fail its MOT if: 

  • There’s not enough screenwash to clear the windscreen using the wipers.
  • The windscreen wipers are missing, insecure, or in poor condition. 
  • The windscreen is chipped or cracked (includes chips larger than 1 cm in the driver’s field of vision and 4 cm elsewhere). 

Getting Your Wipers Ready For An MOT Test 

If you practice good car maintenance, your vehicle should be as ready as it can be for the MOT test. In terms of your windscreen wipers, this includes: 

  • Ensuring your wipers are cleaned regularly. For tips on how to do this, read our guide: How to Clean Your Windscreen Wipers
  • Checking your front wipers are in full working order with no damage to the wiper arms or rubber blades (while the rear wiper is not included in the MOT, you should still check it’s working properly for your own safety). 
  • Making sure your screenwash levels are maintained, so you always have plenty of wash for your windscreen. We stock ready mixed car screenwash and concentrated screenwash.  
  • Checking your windscreen for any cracks or chips, while also removing any debris that may cause issues with your wipers.

Finding the right wiper blades is easy with our Fast Finder tool. Simply enter your registration number and we’ll filter through thousands of products, offering you options that are compatible with your make and model. We also offer free click and collect at our 250+ stores, UK-wide standard delivery, and free returns.

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