Why does the newly replaced wiper blade leave water streaks and not clean properly?
3 Answers
Newly replaced wiper blades may not clean properly and leave water streaks due to oil film on the windshield or mismatched wiper blades. Here are the detailed explanations: Oil film on the windshield: When a vehicle is exposed to the natural environment, the fine pores on the glass can enlarge over time, absorbing exhaust fumes and oil mist from the air to form an oil film. Simply relying on wiper blades and windshield washer fluid is not enough to remove the oil film; a dedicated oil film cleaner must be used. Mismatched wiper blades: If the wiper blades do not match, they may not fully adhere to the glass. Refer to the vehicle manual to confirm the correct wiper blade model. Also, check whether the connection method between the wiper arm and the blade is compatible.
I just installed new wiper blades, but they leave water streaks with every swipe, which is quite annoying. It might be because the rubber strip wasn't aligned properly during installation or there's a small impurity stuck inside, causing uneven wiping. Another reason could be an unclean windshield, such as residual oil film, dust, or rain marks on the surface, which can make the wipers slide and leave streaks. Additionally, if you bought cheap wiper blades, the poor-quality rubber may deform after just a few uses. I recommend thoroughly cleaning the windshield with glass cleaner first to remove old stains, then checking if the wipers are securely installed without any misalignment. If that doesn't work, try switching to a better brand. Don't ignore this issue—water streaks can blur your vision while driving in the rain and easily lead to accidents. Address it promptly to ensure safety.
Last time after I replaced the wiper blades, water streaks appeared. Upon closer inspection, I found that oil residue had accumulated on the windshield from daily driving, with too much grease and smoke adhering to the glass. When the wiper blades are newly replaced, there might be protective oil left on the rubber surface that wasn't removed, or the pressure from the wiper arm might not be evenly distributed. The cleaning method involves applying household white vinegar or a professional oil film remover to the glass, then rinsing it off with clean water. When choosing wiper blades, pay attention to the material—high-quality silicone blades are less prone to aging and can fit better. If water streaks persist after treatment, it might be due to insufficient rainwater when wiping, causing the water to not disperse properly. Regular maintenance of the windshield can prevent this, ensuring clear driving visibility is crucial. Don't wait—poor visibility during rain increases the risk of sideswiping or hitting walls. Find time to fix it.
