Why Doesn't the New Wiper Blade Clean Properly?
2 Answers
There are two main reasons why a new wiper blade doesn't clean properly: one is the presence of an oil film on the windshield, and the other is a deformed wiper arm, which prevents the wiper rubber from tightly adhering to the glass. Oil film on the windshield: When a vehicle is exposed to the natural environment, the tiny pores on the glass enlarge over time, absorbing exhaust fumes and oil mist from the air to form an oil film. Simply relying on the wiper blade and windshield washer fluid is insufficient to remove the oil film; a specialized oil film remover must be used. Deformed wiper arm: The motor drives the reduction mechanism to rotate, which in turn causes the wiper arm and blade to swing left and right, cleaning the windshield. If the wiper arm is deformed, the wiper blade cannot press firmly against the windshield, making it unable to remove dirt effectively. In this case, replacing the wiper blade is necessary.
I had the same issue right after changing my wipers, and later found out the main problem was on the windshield. If there's an oil film buildup on the windshield, even the best wipers won't clean it properly. This is especially noticeable for cars that frequently drive on highways, as oil drips from trucks can form a transparent film on the glass, making it very obvious when it rains. Here's a simple trick: thoroughly clean the glass with dish soap mixed with water, or buy a dedicated oil film remover. Another easily overlooked issue is insufficient pressure from the wiper arm; aging springs can prevent the wiper from pressing tightly against the glass. Last time, I went to a repair shop and had the mechanic adjust the pressure, and it worked fine. Also, if the protective film on the new wiper's rubber isn't completely removed, it won't clean properly, so make sure to check carefully during installation.