What Causes Car Wipers to Not Clean Properly?
2 Answers
There are several reasons why car wipers may not clean properly: 1. Oil film on the windshield, causing the wipers to not clean effectively: The simplest way to remove oil film is to use an oil film cleaner, but it's important to apply it evenly. 2. Foreign objects between the wiper blade and the windshield: If you hear a sharp friction sound when using the wipers, check and remove any debris from the wiper blade or underneath it to ensure nothing is interfering with the contact between the blade and the windshield. 3. Damaged wiper blades: Car parts have a lifespan, and wipers are no exception. If the wipers make metallic noises and fail to adhere properly to the windshield, the wiper may be deformed or its internal spring may have aged. In such cases, it's best to visit a 4S shop for replacement with genuine parts. 4. Aging wipers: Wipers are primarily made of CR chloroprene rubber, natural rubber, and EPDM ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber. Rubber has a limited lifespan, and prolonged exposure to wind, sun, and rain inevitably leads to hardening and aging.
I just encountered an issue with my wipers not cleaning properly and spent a long time researching it. The main problem was the aging of the wiper blade rubber, especially after more than two years of use—exposure to wind and sun hardens and cracks the rubber. There was also a greasy film on the windshield, and sticky substances like tree sap or bug residue couldn’t be removed with regular windshield washer fluid. Additionally, if the wiper arm spring is loose and doesn’t press firmly against the glass, or if the connecting bracket is bent, it can affect wiping performance. In winter, hastily scraping ice off after snowfall can also damage the rubber blades. Remember not to operate the wipers on a dry windshield, and clean the glass regularly. Replacing wiper blades is actually quite simple. If the rubber is only slightly worn, sanding it down can serve as a temporary fix. In short, neglecting these small issues can be especially dangerous when driving in the rain with blurred vision, so remember to address them promptly.
