The 30-Second Check That Could Save You from Driving Blind in a Storm

 

Ever been caught in a heavy downpour and suddenly realised your windscreen wipers are more squeak than sweep? It’s not just annoying, it’s dangerous. Clear visibility in bad weather can mean the difference between a near miss and a serious accident.

The good news? There’s a simple 30-second check you can do right now that could save you from that heart-stopping moment in a storm.

Here’s how to do it and what to do if your wipers fail the test.

 

Step 1: Look at the Blades (15 Seconds)

Pop your wipers up and inspect the rubber. You’re looking for:

  • Cracks, splits, or missing chunks in the blade
  • Hard or brittle rubber that doesn’t flex easily
  • Signs of streaking or uneven wear from previous use

Even if the blades look fine at a glance, damage at the edges can cause smearing and that’s a serious problem when water is pelting down.

Pro Tip: Wiper blades typically last 6–12 months in South African conditions. Heat, UV exposure, and grime all speed up deterioration even if you rarely use them.

 

Step 2: Spray and Swipe (15 Seconds)

Jump in the car, start it up, and use the windscreen washer spray. Activate the wipers and watch how they perform.

Ask yourself:

  • Are they leaving streaks or patches?
  • Are they chattering, squeaking, or skipping?
  • Can you see clearly after two passes?

If the answer to any of those is “no,” your wipers have lost their edge. Literally.

 

Why It Matters

Poor visibility is a leading cause of road accidents in rainy conditions. In a storm, your reaction time is only as good as what you can see and bad wipers give you less time to react, not more.

Replacing your blades isn’t just smart it’s essential for:

  • Safe driving in wet or misty weather
  • Reduced glare at night from dirty windscreens
  • Preserving your windscreen from scratches caused by worn rubber or exposed metal

 

Wiper Blade Replacement at Tyres & More®

Need a quick fix? At Tyres & More®, we stock high-quality Bosch wiper blades for most makes and models, and we’ll fit them for you in minutes while you wait.

  • Choose from OE-spec replacements or upgraded performance blades
  • Get fitment while you’re in for a service or tyre check
  • Ask for a complimentary visibility check, we’ll inspect your wipers and windscreen

 

Final Thought

It only takes 30 seconds to check but failing to act could cost you far more. Before the next storm hits, give your wipers a once-over or better yet, let us take care of it.

Visit your nearest Tyres & More® for fast, professional wiper blade replacement and drive with clarity, rain or shine.  For your nearest store visit www.tyresandmore.com