Windshield wipers are one of the most important parts of your car. They do much more than wiping rain and debris off your windshield; they also help you see by clearing the water, dust, pollen, and other particles from your vision. But not all wiper blades are the same.
Some wiper blades work better than others in certain conditions, while others may cause more problems than they solve. Here’s how to fix the most common windshield wiper problems.
Windshield Wiper Problems
1) The Wiper Won’t Move at All
This is perhaps the most frustrating problem that can occur with a windshield wiper system. If yours doesn’t seem to be working properly, check to see if the wiper screws are loose or missing.
Make sure there are no obstructions blocking the movement of the wipers, such as bugs or dirt. Also, make sure you are using the correct type of wiper blade for the model year and weather conditions.
Finally, if you have recently changed the windshield washer fluid, try wiping it off first. A dirty wiper arm will operate erratically in poor conditions.
2) It Keeps Getting Stuck
When this happens, the wiper arms may not have enough space between them and the glass when the wiper blades are fully extended. To fix this problem, use an adjustable wiper bracket (or buy a new one).
Adjustable brackets allow the wiper arms to pivot up and down to compensate for small gaps. You should also adjust the rubber around the wiper rod to fit snugly against the windshield frame.
If these adjustments do not solve the problem, replace the wiper arms with ones made specifically for your vehicle.
3) You Have Difficulty Turning The Wiper Lever
If the wipers keep coming off accidentally, it could be because the gears are worn or damaged.
Check each gear carefully for cracks or chips, which can prevent the wipers from operating smoothly.
You can check the operation of the wipers yourself by slowly turning the gearshift counterclockwise and then clockwise.
If the wipers come off easily, consider replacing the entire assembly.
4) Streaks After Wiping
Your wipers may be too aggressive, causing streaks to appear after wiping. Try to reduce their intensity. Another reason may be a leaky gasket.
Look under the wiper arm for signs of moisture where it meets the glass. If the area appears to be dry but streaks still appear, tighten the screws that hold the wiper arm to the motor housing. This should eliminate the leaks.
5) The Wiper Has Stopped Working Completely
If the wiper blades stop moving, the wiper motor may need to be serviced. Turn off the ignition and disconnect the battery cable for five seconds before attempting to restart the car.
Once the motor is operating normally, inspect the wiper mechanism for anything unusual. If everything seems fine, check for corroded, rusted, or damaged connections. Contact your local auto repair shop for assistance.
6) Wiper Blades Don’t Clean Rainwater Well
Although we expect our windshield wipers to work on rainy days, sometimes they fail us. Sometimes it happens even after the storm clouds have passed and everything seems fine. This indicates that perhaps the wiper blades are not removing enough moisture. Or maybe the blades are unable to handle the amount of water running down the roads.
In either case, you shouldn’t leave home without checking your wiper blades thoroughly before setting out on your next trip. Inspecting the wiper blades for tears or fraying can determine if they are in working condition again. If you discover any problems with your wiper blades, you should consider replacing the entire unit immediately.
7) Windshield Wipers Make A Squeaking Noise
You may never think about windshield wiper noise until you hear it above the sound of your engine. But if you have a late-model car, chances are your windshield wipers make a grating noise every time you turn left or right. This is because modern cars have variable speed wipers that allow drivers to adjust the intensity of the wipers according to road conditions.
Unfortunately, this can lead to uneven wiping and unnecessary strain on the wiper mechanism. Fortunately, you can solve this problem by adjusting your wiper settings to the highest speed available. However, for those who prefer manual control over electronic adjustment, you may want to purchase a specific remote start kit. These come equipped with special sensors that automatically activate the wipers based on road conditions.
Although they tend to break down quite often, windshield wipers are essential to help drivers maintain visibility at night or in bad weather. And if you ever encounter an unexpected problem, don’t hesitate to call a professional service provider. With proper maintenance, your windshield wipers can operate smoothly for many years.
