What to Do When Newly Replaced Wiper Blades Leave Water Marks on the Return Stroke?
3 Answers
Newly replaced wiper blades leaving water marks on the return stroke may be due to impurities mixed on the wiper blades, causing scratches between the blades and the windshield. In this case, it is recommended to clean the wiper blades thoroughly. Another possibility is the presence of foreign substances such as insect residue on the windshield surface, preventing a clean wipe. This requires cleaning the windshield thoroughly before conducting a water-wiping test. Additional information is as follows: 1. Basic Introduction: The technical name for wipers is Windshield Wiper. It is a blade-like structure installed in front of the windshield, composed of a motor, reducer, four-bar linkage, wiper arm spindle, wiper blade assembly, etc. Its main function is to clear rain, snow, and dust that obstruct the view on the windshield. 2. Wiper Control System: The wiper control system (wiper-control-system) can achieve not only delay control of the wipers through the electronic control system but also some other complex controls. The electronic control system includes a dual-speed motor and two limit switches, allowing the following functions through a handle switch: washing, wiping, high-speed wiping, low-speed wiping, intermittent wiping, and delay control. More complex electronic control systems can also achieve swing adjustment pressure control and rain-sensing control.
I just replaced my new wiper blades and also encountered the issue of water streaks when wiping back. This is usually caused by misaligned wiper blades or residue stains on the windshield. I remember when I first installed them, I was in such a hurry that I didn’t clean the glass properly, and dust or small particles left marks from the wipers. Try thoroughly scrubbing the windshield with warm water and a dedicated cleaner, especially in the corners where dirt tends to accumulate. Also, check if the wiper arm is balanced—if it's tilted, slightly adjust the fixing screw to make it parallel to the glass. Another method is to clean the wiper blade itself—use a soft cloth with some alcohol to remove oil stains or dust, ensuring a clean and tight fit. Regular maintenance of wipers can extend their lifespan. I make it a habit to wipe them down briefly every week, which effectively reduces water streaks. If these steps don’t solve the problem, consider exchanging them—there might be an issue with the wiper quality. New things always need some breaking-in, so don’t stress too much—just tackle minor issues as they come.
As an experienced driver, I was a bit surprised to see streaks from the new wiper blades, likely due to insufficient windshield cleanliness. I noticed that while the windshield appears clean, there are residual oil films or water stains, which are particularly noticeable in rainy conditions and affect visibility. The best solution is to thoroughly clean the glass, using a degreasing cleaner multiple times instead of just plain water, followed by polishing with a glass cloth to ensure smoothness. Also, check the wiper installation—ensure the fasteners are neither too loose nor too tight, maintaining natural pressure to prevent shaking. Every time I wash the car, I also clean the wiper blades to prevent them from accumulating dirt and worsening the issue. In practice, patiently addressing these steps can eliminate water marks, and the brand of wiper blades also affects performance—choosing reputable products saves hassle. Remember, safety comes first—avoid scratches while the wipers are in operation.
