Drivers are being warned about a £2,500 fine which they could receive if they don't make an easy £10 fix.
While you won't use your windscreen wipers on every outing, they certainly come in handy on wet days and when you need to improve your vision by clearing the windscreen.
If you have damaged or broken windscreen wipers, it's important they're replaced because, as John Hood, the general manager at Auction4Cars.com explains, they can result in a £2,500 fine and three points on your licence.
The vehicle company surveyed 2,000 UK drivers and found that almost a fifth of them (19%) have admitted to driving with broken or damaged windscreen wipers.
Auction4Cars.com said that many drivers get behind the wheel despite their vehicles having common defects.
Mr Hood said: "Autumn is one of the worst times of year for visibility on the road.
"Rainy weather and spray from other vehicles puts more demand on your wipers, so it's important that they work properly.
"If your wipers don't clear your windscreen well, you're putting yourself and other road users at risk.
"Getting caught with worn-out wipers could land you a £2,500 fine and three points on your licence."
How to know if your windscreen wipers need replacing
If you're not sure if your windscreen wipers need replacing, Mr Hood has shared some advice to help you notice when they aren't up to scratch.
He said: "If your wipers leave smears, make a squeaking noise or miss patches on your windscreen, it's usually a sign the blades are worn out.
"Look for fraying or cracks in the rubber – these can stop the blades from clearing water effectively."
How often should you replace your windscreen wipers?
Mr Hood said that, while you'll need to take into account how often the vehicle is used and what the weather has been like, "as a general rule, drivers should replace them every six months to a year".
He said they're usually around £10 to replace and "compared to the cost of an MOT retest or a fine, it's a small price to pay that can make a huge difference to visibility, especially in the autumn months."
The RAC added: "When you lift the wiper off the glass and you see that the rubber looks cracked, split, or is beginning to peel away from the frame, this means that the blades won't make proper contact with the windscreen and need replacing.
"Finally, if you are driving during heavy rain and you have reduced visibility even if the wipers are moving, then it is important not to ignore it.
"This is because worn wipers can seriously compromise safety.
"Regular car maintenance involves checking the blades and cleaning them can extend their life, but once they show visible wear, replacement is the safest option."
How to replace your windscreen wiper blades
The RAC also shared a step-by-step guide for anyone who needs to replace their windscreen wipers.
Lift the wiper arm away from the windscreen so that it locks and is upright, then find the release clip and either press or slide it to take the old wiper blade away.
The RAC warns: "Carefully remove it, making sure the bare metal arm doesn't snap back onto the glass as this could cause several issues."
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Then you'll need to "align the new blade with the hook or connector and push it into place until you hear a click."
Once this is done, you need to "gently" return the wiper arm to the windscreen and then do the same again with the other blade if you're replacing both.
When you have finished adding new blades, test them by using washer fluid so you can see if the wiper blades move over the windscreen correctly.
Did you know windscreen wiper blades should be replaced every six to 12 months? Let us know in the comments below.
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