Why does the windshield wiper leave streaks after wiping?

[Enid]

Streaky wiping by car windshield wipers is mostly caused by frayed wiper blades or oil film and dirt on the windshield. Here are solutions for streaky windshield wipers: 1. Frayed wiper blades: Sand the wiper blades with sandpaper; after sanding, reinstall them for significantly improved performance. 2. Oil film and dirt on the windshield: Feel the glass surface with your hand—if it's not smooth, it indicates dirt. Wipe the windshield with warm water, or use windshield washer fluid for better results. For oil film on the glass, use a professional oil film remover to quickly eliminate it.

[Cathy]

I've encountered this situation before too. It's really annoying when the wipers still leave the windshield blurry after wiping. I thought about it and figured out a few main reasons: First, the wiper blades have aged. After two or three years of use, the rubber hardens and deforms, so it doesn't stick to the glass properly when wiping. Another reason could be the buildup of oily film on the windshield, especially after frequent highway driving where it picks up all kinds of grease, smoke, and insect remains—ordinary wipers just can't handle it. Additionally, it might be due to loose wiper arms or aging springs causing insufficient pressure. Personally, I used a specialized glass degreaser to thoroughly clean the windshield and replaced the wiper blades, which finally solved the problem. Driving in bad weather requires extra caution—don't force it if your visibility is poor.

[OHector]

It's really frustrating when the windshield wipers don't clean properly. Common issues include worn or cracked rubber blades, or sticky substances like tree sap or insect droppings if the car is parked under trees. Another often overlooked problem is the washer fluid - using dish soap instead of professional glass cleaner can actually make the windshield more blurry. I recommend paying special attention to cleaning the windshield during each car wash, using dedicated oil film cleaners. If the blade edges develop jagged cracks, they must be replaced immediately. Try to avoid prolonged sun exposure to extend blade lifespan, ensuring safe and reliable visibility while driving.

[MacCollin]

A while ago, my car had the same issue—the wipers were squeaking and leaving streaks all over the windshield, which was really annoying. At first, I thought the wipers were worn out, but even after replacing them, the problem persisted. Later, I realized there was an oily film on the windshield, almost like a layer of grease. This film forms from a mix of road exhaust, cooking fumes, and mineral deposits. I used kitchen paper towels with toothpaste to scrub the glass repeatedly, then sprayed a dedicated degreaser to clean it thoroughly. Finally, the problem was solved. If left untreated, driving in the rain becomes extremely dangerous—headlights from other cars just appear as blurry smears.

[DiMaya]

The reasons for watermarks left by wiper blades can be categorized as follows: aging rubber strips may leave fan-shaped water streaks, while oily film on the windshield results in a uniformly hazy appearance. Insufficient pressure from the wiper arm or rusted pivot joints causing skipping could also be culprits. Additionally, residual rubber debris from old wiper blades on the glass can create scratches. For resolution, start by thoroughly cleaning with glass polish, then inspect the wiper arm for rust or deformation, and finally replace with high-quality wiper blades. Remember, conducting a comprehensive inspection before the rainy season is essential—driving safety is no trivial matter.