What Causes Excessive Dry Friction on a Car's Windshield?
4 Answers
The reason for excessive dry friction on a car's windshield is the poor quality of the wiper blades. There are four maintenance methods for wipers: 1. Dust: On sunny days, use the wipers to remove dust from the windshield surface. When removing dust, always spray windshield washer fluid and avoid dry wiping. 2. Damaged Blades: If there are stubborn or hard contaminants on the glass, clean them manually. These contaminants can easily damage the wiper blades, leading to ineffective wiping and, in severe cases, affecting the wiper motor. 3. Wiper Blades: When lifting the wiper blades during car washing or routine cleaning, hold them by the spine. Gently place them back instead of snapping them into position. 4. Winter Use: In winter, first use an ice scraper to remove ice chips from the windshield to avoid overburdening the wipers. Proper cleaning of the wipers is essential; neglecting this can accelerate wear and tear.
Once during a long drive, I noticed the windshield felt dry and the wipers weren’t gliding smoothly, creating excessive friction. It was especially glaring under sunlight. The reason might be a buildup of oil film on the glass surface—such as from tree sap or airborne pollutants—which reduces smoothness. Wiper blades also tend to degrade over time, with rubber strips hardening and causing friction during operation, increasing noise and resistance. Additionally, if low-quality cleaners were used previously, residues can leave the glass dry and streaky. This issue is not only annoying but also compromises visibility and safety, especially during rainy nights when the road is hard to see. I usually recommend first rinsing the glass with mild soapy water. If that doesn’t help, check the wiper blades’ lifespan. Generally, wiper blades should be replaced annually—don’t wait until they fail to clear the windshield properly. Regular maintenance, like a simple monthly cleaning of the windshield, can prevent this problem.
After decades of driving, I've found there are many reasons for increased windshield friction, mainly surface cleanliness issues. Dirt like dust, insect remains, or oil buildup forms a film on the glass, roughening the surface. Wiper rubber blade aging is equally critical - hardening with prolonged use causes squeaky wiping. Urban air pollutants worsen this, as fine particles adhere deeply. My regular DIY solution: gently wipe with a microfiber cloth dipped in warm water or specialized glass cleaner (avoid ammonia-based cleaners which damage rubber seals). Checking wiper blades is crucial - lift them to inspect for cracks. When replacing, choose soft rubber brands to maintain flexibility. Avoid direct water spraying and wiping in dry, hot conditions to minimize friction. Regular maintenance restores glass smoothness.
Increased friction on the windshield is simple: wiper blades age, rubber hardens causing stronger friction, and jerky movement when wiping. Accumulated dirt and oil films roughen the surface, while improper cleaning leaves chemical residues, making it worse. These factors easily lead to blurred vision in rainy weather, posing significant hazards. Act quickly: test-clean the glass with soapy water, and replace wiper blades as prevention. Safety first—prompt maintenance is key.
