What Causes New Wiper Blades to Skip?
3 Answers
Wiper blades skipping is mainly due to unclean wiper blades or dirt on the windshield. Here is relevant information: 1. Introduction: Wiper blades, also known as windshield wipers, are devices used to wipe away raindrops and dust attached to the vehicle's windshield, thereby improving the driver's visibility and enhancing driving safety. 2. Usage: On rainy days, when raindrops fall on the windshield, the view ahead quickly becomes obstructed, making vehicles, pedestrians, and scenery appear blurry. At this point, turning on the wiper blades will restore clear visibility ahead.
As a DIY-loving novice driver, I just installed new wiper blades and noticed they skip and jump annoyingly during use. This is mostly due to an unclean windshield or a layer of oil film buildup, preventing proper adhesion of the new wiper blades. When the glass surface has dust or oil residue, the rubber blade can't grip properly and skips. Other possible causes include a loose wiper arm with insufficient pressure, or new blades being too stiff and needing time to soften. My simple fix: Park the car, thoroughly clean the glass with a damp cloth using dish soap or alcohol to remove grease and dirt, then test the wipers with washer fluid. Sometimes improper installation is the issue—just reseat the clips firmly. Regular windshield cleaning prevents this; adopting this habit saves hassle, money, and enhances safety.
As a former auto mechanic, I've encountered many car owners experiencing wiper blade skipping issues after installing new wipers. The common causes are uneven windshield surfaces or fine scratches that create uneven pressure distribution on the wiper blade, causing it to jump. Alternatively, incorrect wiper arm tension - too loose to maintain proper contact or too tight causing blade rebound - can be the culprit. New rubber blades may initially be stiff and require a few days of temperature exposure to soften. I'd recommend owners inspect the windshield for surface imperfections and thoroughly clean it with professional degreaser. Then check the wiper arm tension by slightly tightening the bolt, but avoid over-tightening. If problems persist, consider potential wiper blade quality issues or incorrect installation, and address promptly to prevent windshield damage.
