Why Doesn't the Wiper Blade Clean Properly?
3 Answers
Reasons why the wiper blade doesn't clean properly: 1. Oil film on the windshield; 2. Hardened wiper blade; 3. Incorrect angle of the wiper arm. Solutions for improper wiper cleaning: Lift the wiper blade away from the windshield to check for damage. Replace it immediately if damaged. If not damaged, soak the wiper blade in water and sand it back and forth several times with water sandpaper, then rinse with clean water. Avoid using the wiper to clean dust or stains on the windshield whenever possible. Unknown stains on the glass may cause the wiper rubber blade to age and wear, reducing the wiper's lifespan. When not in use, lower the wiper to its lowest position and clean the lower part of the wiper to prevent foreign objects from causing long-term pressure deformation of the wiper blade.
The issue of wipers not cleaning properly, from my years of driving experience, isn’t complicated at all. The most common reason is aged wiper blades—after all, rubber materials harden and crack when exposed to sunlight for too long, making it impossible to wipe away rainwater effectively. Another cause is the buildup of oil film or dust on the windshield, especially for cars parked under trees where bird droppings or tree sap stick to the glass, which regular wipers can’t handle. I remember last summer during the rainy season, my car had the same problem, and blurred vision while driving was quite dangerous. Since then, I’ve replaced the wiper blades every six months and occasionally used glass cleaner to wipe the windshield, which made a big difference. Also, parking conditions matter—avoid spots with lots of dust. For maintenance, don’t just rinse the car with water; regularly check if the wiper arms are loose to save a lot of trouble. In short, this affects driving safety, so timely action is key.
I've found several main reasons why windshield wipers don't clean effectively. First, the rubber wiper blades may have hardened or become damaged, which happens more easily in cold weather. Second, there could be stubborn stains on the glass surface, such as asphalt film accumulated from highways. Third, uneven pressure from the wiper arms or loose installation can result in poor wiping performance. These issues may obstruct driving visibility and increase accident risks. I recommend checking before the rainy season - replacing blades is inexpensive and simple. I've experienced this myself - driving in rain felt like wearing foggy glasses. Now I clean the edges of my wipers every two months to prevent dust buildup. Long-term neglect may lead to bigger problems like glass corrosion, which would be more costly to repair. Safe driving requires clear visibility, so early maintenance brings peace of mind.
