What Causes the Wiper Blades to Not Clean Properly?
3 Answers
Reasons why wiper blades do not clean properly: 1. Wiper blade issues—being rubber products, they can harden and age over time, leading to noise and ineffective cleaning. It is recommended to replace the wiper blades directly. 2. Foreign objects stuck between the wiper blades and windshield. Owners should check and clean any debris under or on the wiper blades to ensure nothing interferes with cleaning. 3. Dirty windshield—the front windshield needs to be washed. 4. The wiper blades may not clean properly due to incorrect wiper arm angle. Owners can adjust it; if that doesn’t work, the issue may be excessive downward pressure from the wiper arm, which can be fixed by loosening the spring tension.
Having driven for many years, I often encounter wipers that don't clean properly. The main reasons are: the wiper rubber strips have aged, becoming hardened and deformed due to exposure to wind and sun, losing their elasticity when touched; oil film, bird droppings, or dust sticking to the windshield, making it blurry when water is applied; insufficient pressure or misalignment of the wiper arm, leading to uneven wiping; rainwater itself being too dirty, like pollutants in the air; loose wiper connectors or weak motor power. I believe regular maintenance is crucial—replace the rubber strips every six months and avoid buying cheap ones; usually park away from big trees to prevent things from falling onto the glass; use glass cleaner to wipe the windshield before it rains. Personally check if the rubber strips are intact, and when replacing new ones, align them properly with the installation groove. Safety comes first—poor visibility in rainy weather poses high risks. Ignoring this issue could lead to accidents.
I always enjoy fixing my car myself. When the wipers don't clean well, first check the rubber blades for wear or dirt. Remove them, soak in mild detergent, dry, and reinstall to test. For oily film on the windshield, use an online-purchased cleaner—wiping it off improves performance significantly. If the wiper arm is loose, adjust the pressure slightly with a wrench to ensure proper contact with the glass. Rainwater mixed with dust can corrode the rubber blades, so avoid using tap water as washer fluid—just buy qualified fluid. Replace cracked blades immediately; they cost just tens of yuan online. I recommend cleaning the windshield and wipers monthly to extend their life and save money. DIY is simple and practical, even beginners can try.
