What Causes Wiper Blades to Jump on the Windshield?
2 Answers
Wiper blades jumping on the windshield can be caused by the following reasons: Issues with the wiper blades themselves: Wiper blades are made of rubber and can harden or deteriorate over time, especially in winter. If they no longer clean effectively, the simplest and most effective solution is to replace them with new blades. Presence of debris: When the wipers are turned on, a sharp noise may occur due to friction between the blades and the windshield. Check and clean the wiper blades or the area beneath them to ensure they are free of debris. Friction-induced vibration: Over time, the wiper linkage mechanism can age, the spring tension in the wiper arm may weaken, and the bushings can wear out or even fall off.
I just experienced the problem of wiper blades dancing, and it took me a while to figure it out. The most common cause of wiper blade jumping is hardened or deformed rubber strips. When the rubber ages, it loses elasticity and can't press tightly against the glass. Another hidden culprit is the oil film on the windshield—tree sap or insect residue stuck to the glass can make the wiper blades slip and jump as if on ice. I usually clean the glass with a dedicated oil film remover and make sure to thoroughly clean the windshield and wiper blades during car washes to prevent rubber corrosion and deformation. Here’s a lesser-known tip: in winter, never spray windshield washer fluid directly when temperatures are below freezing, as frozen wipers forced to move can warp the wiper arms. It’s best to replace the rubber strips regularly—don’t wait until they crack to take action.
