What Causes the Windshield Wiper to Not Clean Properly?

[VanKeegan]

The reason the windshield wiper does not clean properly is due to the hardening of the wiper rubber blade. Below are the causes and solutions for why the windshield wiper does not clean properly: Reasons for Ineffective Cleaning: The car's wiper blades are made of rubber. When the wiper blades age, they fail to make tight contact with the glass, or the glass surface becomes corroded, causing dust to stick to the glass and preventing proper cleaning. Solutions: To resolve this issue, it is necessary to replace the wiper blades with new ones. When the wiper blades age and deteriorate, they cannot fully adhere to the windshield, which affects their ability to clean water effectively. Additionally, during the wiping process, this may also cause noise.

[McMaya]

When I first started driving, I often encountered issues with the windshield wipers not cleaning properly, leaving water streaks that blurred my vision. The main reason was definitely the aging wiper blades—the rubber had hardened or cracked, causing uneven wiping. Another issue was the buildup of oil film on the glass surface, caused by exhaust fumes or parking under trees, which mixed with dust and rainwater to form a film. Checking it myself was simple: I just felt the wiper blades to see if they were soft and smooth, or observed whether water streaks remained after driving. To fix it, replacing the wiper blades was the basic solution—just buy universal ones and install them, which takes about ten minutes. Additionally, cleaning the glass is crucial. Using a mix of white vinegar and water or commercial glass cleaner to remove the oil film works wonders. It’s good practice to inspect the wiper system every six months or so—don’t wait until it rains and affects safe driving. Poor visibility on highways is extremely dangerous; once, I almost rear-ended someone because I hadn’t addressed this minor issue in time.

[Branden]

If the windshield wipers aren't performing well, I think the issue often lies in the rubber of the wiper blades hardening and deforming over time due to exposure to wind and sunlight. It could also be that the wiper arm springs have loosened, resulting in insufficient pressure to make proper contact with the glass surface. The glass itself might not be clean either, with oil film or fine scratches causing rainwater to form spots. During inspection, observe whether the wiper movement is smooth and if the wiped traces are even. For DIY solutions: replacing a new set of wiper blades isn't expensive, and choosing silicone material can offer better durability. For cleaning the glass, it's recommended to use a neutral cleaner and gently scrub, avoiding hard objects that might scratch the surface. During daily use, avoid roads with a lot of sand and dust, and try not to park under trees to reduce dirt accumulation. Regularly replacing wiper blades every six months helps maintain good performance, and testing their function before driving ensures safe visibility during rainy conditions.

[MilaMarie]

Wipers not cleaning properly can really disrupt daily driving. Common causes include worn wiper blades or oil and dust buildup on the windshield. A simple check: use your finger to feel if the rubber on the wiper is flexible and free of cracks. Cleaning the windshield with water and a cloth can provide initial improvement, while professional degreasing products work even better. Replacing wiper blades is quick and easy, something you can do yourself to avoid extra costs. Safety is particularly crucial—when visibility is poor in rainy conditions, slowing down and pulling over is the wisest approach. Make it a habit to check these small details monthly for peace of mind and hassle-free driving.