What Causes the Car Wiper to Not Clean Properly?
3 Answers
Car wipers not cleaning properly is due to oil film on the windshield and wiper arm deformation. Detailed explanations are as follows: Oil film on the windshield: When vehicles are exposed to the natural environment, the fine pores on the glass enlarge over time, absorbing exhaust fumes and oil mist from the air to form an oil film. Simply relying on wipers and windshield washer fluid is insufficient to remove the oil film; an oil film remover must be used. Wiper arm deformation: The motor drives the reduction mechanism to rotate, which in turn moves the wiper arm and blade left and right to clean the windshield. If the wiper arm is deformed, the blade cannot adhere tightly to the windshield, failing to remove dirt. In such cases, replacing the wiper is necessary.
It's really annoying when the wipers don't clean properly. I think the most common issue is aging or damaged wiper blades. Over time, I've noticed the rubber hardens or cracks, leaving streaks or missed spots on the glass. The glass surface also needs proper cleaning—I've tried applying glass cleaner to remove oil film, and drying it promptly after washing helps prevent dirt buildup. Another problem is uneven pressure from the wiper arm; I've adjusted it to ensure even contact with the glass. In winter, if the glass is icy or the wiper arm is bent, I replace the blades—they're affordable and easy to install. Regular DIY maintenance makes a big difference, ensuring safer driving in the rain.
The main issues causing wipers to clean poorly lie in the wiper blade condition or windshield. From my experience, when wiper blades wear out, their scraping force decreases, leaving water streaks that affect visibility. Deformed wiper arms result in insufficient pressure – I've tested this by manually pressing to check their elasticity. Windshield oil film is an invisible culprit; applying some degreasing cleaner solves it. Also, the installation angle must be correct; if misaligned, wiping becomes uneven. If the wiper motor is functioning properly, check if the linkage is sticking – I regularly apply lubricant for maintenance. Neglecting these minor issues makes driving in rain extremely dangerous, so they must be addressed promptly.