Why Doesn't the Car Wiper Clean Properly?
4 Answers
Here are the reasons why car wipers don't clean properly: 1. Wiper arm angle issue If the wiper itself is intact but still doesn't clean properly, it might be due to the angle of the wiper arm. Adjusting the wiper arm can solve this problem. If the spring is too tight, you can loosen the distance between the springs. 2. Wiper blade hardening Long-term exposure to sunlight, wind, and rain can cause the rubber strip of the wiper blade to age. When the wiper doesn't clean properly, it's often due to the aging of the rubber strip, in which case you may need to replace the rubber strip depending on the situation. Additionally, there might be dirt on the wiper, so check and clean it. 3. Oil film on the glass If the wiper is ineffective, the problem could either be with the wiper itself or the windshield. One possible issue is the presence of an oil film on the windshield. This oil film comes from vehicle exhaust emissions on the road, and no matter how much you use the wiper, it won't help. You can easily identify the oil film by splashing some water on the windshield. To clean the oily film, kitchen degreasers work well. 4. Foreign objects between the wiper blade and windshield When you turn on the wiper and hear a sharp friction sound between the wiper blade and the windshield, check for any foreign objects under or on the wiper blade to ensure nothing is affecting the cleaning. If the windshield is too dirty, such as after driving on muddy roads or in rain when the glass is covered in mud or snow, you should first wipe off part of the dirt or remove the snow with a cloth. When wiping, lift the wiper and wait a while before using the wiper with water.
I've been driving for several years, and it's quite common for wipers to not clean properly. It's mainly due to the aging of the rubber blades. The rubber material hardens and cracks after prolonged exposure to the sun, leaving water streaks when wiping. Also, if the spring in the wiper arm loosens, it won't provide enough pressure, causing the wiper to not adhere tightly to the windshield. Forcing the wipers to work when they're frozen in winter can also easily damage the rubber blades. Last time I dealt with this, I first used glass cleaner to thoroughly wash the windshield to remove grease, then checked the wiper blades. If they were worn out, I simply replaced them with new ones. Now driving in the rain is much safer.
There are several possible reasons why wipers don't clean effectively. The primary cause is aging rubber strips - prolonged exposure to UV rays causes rubber to harden and crack. Oil film or dirt on the windshield can also affect performance, especially when parked roadside for extended periods accumulating dust. Improper wiper installation or size mismatch may cause uneven blade movement. Additionally, insufficient spring tension leads to inadequate pressure. I regularly check the rubber strip condition, clean the windshield surface when dirty, and ensure proper wiper function. This relates directly to driving safety - never delay addressing any issues.
When I first bought my car, the wipers didn't clear the windshield well. Later, a friend told me that there might be oil stains or dust accumulation on the glass, especially when parking in the city where it's easy to get dirty from exhaust fumes. Worn rubber blades are also one of the reasons. If there's a skipping sound or water streaks when wiping, it's time to replace them. Before each rain, I simply clean the glass and then use the wipers, and the effect is much better.
