Common wiper problems and how to fix them
Your windshield wipers are something you need to use most days in the Autumn and Winter months while driving to ensure you have proper visibility, so it’s important to make sure they’re working efficiently.
If you’re finding your wipers are either skipping along your windshield, leaving streaks and smears or simply just not clearing the water off properly, then continue reading this blog where we cover the most common windshield wiper problems and offer some solutions on how you can fix them.
Some of the most common wiper problems you’ll probably encounter as a car owner include:
Chattering
If you find your windshield wipers are chattering, or skipping, across your windshield, and leaving streaks in their path it can be due to buildup on your windscreen. This can be buildup of grease, wax, or oil, so give both your windscreen and wipers a good scrub and wipe down to ensure you get all this excess buildup off.
If that doesn’t fix the problem, your issue could be as a result of a broken wiper blade. If you notice any tears in the blade, or if it doesn’t make full contact with the windshield when operating, then you’ll likely need a new wiper blade.
Smearing
The number one reason why you might be experiencing smearing on your windshield is because of worn wiper blades.
Where wiper blades are made out of rubber, they naturally wear out over time, and usually after about 6 months you need a replacement.
If you’ve only just got a new set of wiper blades though and you’re still experiencing the issue, you could try the following:
-Clean your windshield thoroughly with car shampoo and a mitt
-Clean your wipers with warm, soapy water and then rubbing alcohol
-Invest in a better wiper fluid
-Try treating your windshield with a water repellent
Water Droplets That Won’t Wipe Away
You’ll often find this problem happening if you live in an area with high pollution. This is because the water droplets get stuck to the layer of dirt and grime covering your windshield, instead of beading and running off the glass as they should. This might not sound like much of an issue, but having water droplets stuck on your windscreen can seriously impair your vision while driving, and could lead to a potential accident.
To get rid of any dirt and buildup, thoroughly clean your windshield. To do this, use a windscreen cleaner. Apply some windshield wax after this is finished, then use a fresh microfibre cloth to spread it evenly across your windshield. You should experience longer-lasting water repellent effects as a result.
Learn more about car care and maintenance by exploring some of our other hub articles.