What to Do When Wiper Blades Don't Clean Properly?
4 Answers
Here are the reasons why wiper blades don't clean properly: 1. Dirty windshield: Inadequate cleaning of the windshield during regular car washes can leave sticky particles on the glass, preventing the wiper from cleaning effectively and potentially damaging it. The solution is to visit a car wash for a thorough windshield cleaning. 2. Hardened wiper blades: Aging wiper blades can harden. You can replace them with new ones or clean the wiper with a lubricant. 3. Misaligned wiper arm: Adjust the angle of the wiper arm. Use an adjustment wrench to hold the wiper and gently rotate it to align it properly, or seek professional help at a repair shop. 4. Frozen wiper blades: Wiper blades, usually made of rubber, can freeze and harden in cold winter temperatures. After starting the car, direct some warm air to the windshield to raise its temperature slightly before using the wipers.
I've been driving a ride-hailing car for over a decade, and having windshield wipers that don't clean properly is a common occurrence. Just the other day, it suddenly started raining while I had passengers, and the wipers left streaks of water everywhere, making it almost impossible to see the road clearly. I pulled over and noticed that the rubber blades were cracked. Rubber parts can age and deform when exposed to direct sunlight, especially during the scorching summer heat. My advice is to lift the wipers when parking to avoid direct sun exposure and regularly clean the rubber blades with a damp cloth to remove grit. I always keep a spare set of wipers in my car—they cost about thirty yuan a pair and are easy to replace yourself. If there's an oily film on the windshield, mix dish soap with water and give it a good scrub. If the film is too stubborn, you’ll need a professional glass cleaner. Remember to spray windshield fluid to lubricate the wipers before each use in the rain—it helps extend their lifespan.
As an auto parts store owner, I've seen too many wiper issues. Poor wiping can be categorized into several situations: oil residue on the windshield, aged or deformed rubber blades, or insufficient wiper arm pressure. For regular customers, I always offer free inspections. If the rubber blades become hardened or develop frayed edges, they must be replaced—don't force them to work. When replacing wipers, pay attention to the clip models; installing them backward will cause skipping. For stubborn oil stains, using hot soapy water with newspaper to repeatedly scrub works better than professional cleaners. By the way, for winter driving, never force the wipers when the windshield is frozen—use de-icer spray first. A little-known tip: lightly sanding the edges of the rubber blades with fine sandpaper monthly can extend their lifespan.
An unclean windshield wiper is extremely dangerous. That time I was driving on the highway late at night, the wiper suddenly left streaks of water, which scared me so much that I immediately pulled over to check. The main issue was that the wiper arm was deformed, causing uneven pressure and preventing the rubber blade from fitting snugly against the glass. Trying to bend the arm yourself is risky; it's safer to have a professional adjust it. The lifespan of the rubber blade is only about six months, and in areas with high temperatures and frequent rain during summer, they need to be replaced even more often. Checking the wipers before driving is crucial—spray some windshield washer fluid and test them a couple of times to spot any issues. Try to avoid parking under trees where leaves and sap are abundant, as tree sap seeping into the glass texture is the hardest to clean. Safety is no small matter—don’t skimp on replacing your wipers.
