What to Do When Wiper Blades Feel Stiff?
3 Answers
You can rotate the entire wiper bracket 180 degrees. Adjust the pressure of the wiper arm on the glass by simply bending the swing arm by hand. The windshield may not be clean enough; regular cleaning should resolve this. It's possible that the wiper blades have reached the end of their service life and can no longer be used, requiring replacement of the wiper blades.
That morning it was raining heavily, and when I drove to work, the windshield wipers were scraping particularly rough, making a squeaky sound that was really annoying. This is a problem I often encounter, mostly caused by aging wiper blades or a dirty windshield. Over time, the rubber strips on the wiper blades harden, develop cracks on the surface, and don’t glide smoothly; if there’s an oily film or dust on the glass, the wipers can get stuck. I usually pull over to inspect the wiper blades first—if I notice severe wear or broken rubber strips, I replace them immediately. Buying a matching model online is very convenient. Then, I clean the windshield with a professional degreaser, spray it on, and wipe it clean with a towel to prevent oil residue. With poor visibility during rain, sticky wipers are especially dangerous—if an accident happens, regret won’t help. So now I’ve developed a habit of visually checking the wipers every month and fixing any issues. When it’s lightly raining, I test the wipers a few times to ensure they move smoothly. If I really can’t handle it myself, I go straight to the repair shop to check the wiper arms or transmission mechanism—never wait until a major problem arises.
When I first started learning to drive, the windshield wipers always felt stiff and sticky, as if something was stuck to them, which made me nervous. Later, I got smarter and realized the checks were quite simple: First, inspect the wiper blades for cracks or dust buildup. If there’s any, gently clean them with a damp cloth—don’t press too hard to avoid damage. Then, try applying lubricant, like motor oil or silicone spray specifically for wipers, to the wiper arm joints. Wiggle them a few times to smooth out the movement. Also, make sure the windshield washer fluid is full—it helps clean the surface. These steps were taught by my driving instructor, and it only takes about ten minutes to do. If you’re unsure about the wiper model, check the car manual or search online for compatible wipers for your vehicle. Remember, visibility is crucial in rainy conditions, and stiff wipers could delay reaction time. I recommend new drivers keep some basic tools handy, test the wipers a few times before parking, and address any issues promptly—don’t wait until an emergency to panic. Safe driving starts with cultivating good habits through small details.
