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Maintenance and tyres , Know your car , Safety and breakdowns · Actualizado el 2026-10-18

Wipers, lights and bulbs: the visibility check

Seeing and being seen are the foundations of safe driving. Autumn brings shorter days, rain, fog and low sun, and that is when worn wipers and failed bulbs become dangerous. A visibility check takes about ten minutes, needs no special skill and can be repeated whenever you wish.

Wiper blades

Wipers are made of rubber, and rubber ages from sun, frost and dirt. Even if the blades are barely used, they harden and crack over time. Signs of tired blades:

• Streaks or smears across the glass.
• Skipping, juddering or squeaking as the blade moves.
• Areas left unwiped, often in the centre or at the edges.
• Visible cracks, splits or a torn edge on the rubber.

Blades are cheap to replace and the job is usually simple. The packaging or a parts catalogue tells you which type and length your car needs; the front left, right and the rear window can all be different. Replace them about once a year or whenever they stop clearing the glass well. Clean the blades and the windscreen with soapy water now and then, because a dirty or greasy screen causes smearing too.

Washer fluid and nozzles

Keep the washer tank filled with a proper screen wash. In cold weather use one that resists freezing, since plain water can freeze in pipes and crack parts. If the jets spray weakly or off target, the nozzle may be blocked. A fine pin can sometimes clear it. Do not run the washer if the tank is empty, as it can burn out the pump. See the cold-weather list in winter preparation.

The windscreen itself

Small chips in the glass can spread into long cracks, especially with temperature changes. Have chips examined early; a quick repair is usually cheaper than replacing the screen. Look through the glass at night and into low sun: a pitted or scratched windscreen scatters light and makes glare worse. Clean the inside too, because a film builds up from plastics and from breath, and it causes misting.

Walk around the lights

You need a second person or a reflective surface such as a shop window or a wall. Check each of these:

• Low beam and high beam headlights.
• Front and rear indicators, and the hazard lights.
• Brake lights, including the centre one if there is one.
• Rear lights and the number plate light.
• Reversing lights and fog lights.
• Daytime running lights, if fitted.

An indicator that blinks much faster than usual often signals a bulb failure on that side. A burnt-out brake light is easy to miss because you cannot see it yourself, yet it greatly increases the risk of being hit from behind.

Headlight condition and aim

Plastic headlight lenses can turn yellow and cloudy with age, which reduces light output. A workshop can polish or restore them. Headlight aim matters: lights that point too high dazzle others, and lights that point too low do not show enough road. Loaded cars may need an adjustment, and many cars have a manual or automatic levelling control. If you replace a headlamp or notice an uneven beam, have the aim checked.

Replacing bulbs

On some cars changing a bulb is a simple job described in the manual. On others, access is difficult or needs part of the bumper removed. Some bulbs, such as xenon or high-voltage types and LED units, should not be handled at home. Practical points if you do it yourself:

• Switch off the lights and ignition, and let the old bulb cool.
• Use the exact type listed for your car.
• Do not touch the glass of some bulbs with bare fingers, as skin oil shortens their life.
• Replace bulbs in pairs for headlights, so brightness and colour match.

If there is any doubt, ask a workshop. Keeping a set of spare bulbs in the car is helpful, and in some countries is expected, so check the rules where you drive.

Driving in poor visibility

Good equipment helps, but habits matter as well. Clean the glass and the lights regularly, slow down in rain and fog, and use your fog lights only when they are needed. Read driving in rain and fog and night driving for more.

Keep a record

When you replace blades or bulbs, note the date and type. In My Garage you can set a yearly reminder for the autumn check.

What to remember

• Replace wipers when they smear, skip or crack, usually once a year.
• Use freeze-resistant washer fluid in cold weather.
• Check every light, especially brake lights you cannot see yourself.
• Fast indicator blinking often means a failed bulb.
• Have headlight aim checked after repairs or if the beam looks wrong.

Beginner Checklist Do it yourself Safety Service history Winter