A skipping windshield wiper might not seem like a pressing issue, but it’s actually a matter of safety. Wipers clear off rain and other debris from your windshield, clearing your view of the road ahead. If your wipers are malfunctioning, you’re likely to end up witblh a dirty windshield that’s hard to see through.
Figuring out the culprit behind skipping wiper blades shouldn’t be too hard. There are only a few issues that can cause it, such as the following:
For windshield wipers to work properly, there should be enough moisture between the blade and the glass. If your wiper blades are skipping, then they probably need a splash of washer fluid.
If your windshield wipers are also smearing all over the glass, then it might be time to clean them. Dirty blades will cause your wipers to smear, skip, and chatter against your windshield. Not only are they useless against the rainy weather, they can also be very distracting.
Most wiper blades are typically made of rubber. They’re cost-effective, readily available, and effective against rain, dust, and light snow. However, they also have a pretty short lifespan compared to other types, such as silicone wiper blades.
If the rubber on your wiper blades is worn, damaged, or hardened, they won’t be able to conform to the glass properly. They’ll likely skip and chatter whenever you use them. One way this happens is if there’s a stick or some sort of debris that gets caught under your wiper blade. If it stays there for too long, then the blade itself wears.
A bent wiper arm is also likely to cause your windshield wipers to skip. If the wiper arm isn’t holding the wiper blade at the correct angle, the wiper won’t work as expected. You’ll have to angle the bent arm correctly or replace it with a new one.
Preventing wiper skipping is a lot easier than most people think. All you have to do is keep up with your windshield wiper’s maintenance. Here are a few tips to consider if you want to prevent your wipers from skipping:
Clean windshield wipers are less likely to malfunction than dirty ones. Your manufacturer might recommend a specific way of cleaning your wipers, but the process is similar for most vehicles.
You typically have to lift and secure the wipers and wipe the edge with a clean, lint-free cloth to get rid of dirt and debris. Then, apply some washer fluid on another cloth, and wipe the edge of the blade until it stops leaving residue on the cloth.
After cleaning your wipers, don’t forget to lubricate them too. Spraying a small amount of silicone lubricant on the pivot of the wiper arm and the hinges of the blade length ought to do the trick. Be sure to follow the directions on the package.
If your wipers are skipping even after cleaning them, then they might not be the issue in the first place. A buildup of dirt and grime on your windshield can cause friction, forcing your wipers to skip. Consider giving your windshield a good clean before replacing your wipers.
In some cases, cleaning and lubricating your windshield wipers aren’t enough to solve the issue. You might have to replace them, which means you’ll have to choose the right kind of wiper blades for your vehicle.
You can go for the most cost-effective choice, which is a beam-style blade. Beam blades are also a great option because they’re more effective than conventional blades, but they can also be much more expensive. If you’re looking for something in the middle, you can also try hybrid blades, which combine the designs of traditional and beam wipers.
Beam style wiper blades are more expensive, but they can last longer.
–Anthony Harlin, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician
To keep your new windshield wipers from skipping, you’ll have to make sure they’re installed correctly. Be careful not to mix blade types as this can interfere with their performance. Unless you’re fine with accidentally bending the blade, avoid pushing or tugging on it too hard.
Consider inspecting the angle of your wiper blade. Is the blade’s edge perpendicular to the windshield? If it isn’t, then you might have to adjust or replace the arm to make sure it’s angled properly.
Answering the question “how do I clean my windshield wiper blades?” isn’t as easy as it seems. This is because different weather conditions will call for different kinds of maintenance. Consider some of these tips:
Wiper blades tend to wear faster when it’s hot, so you might want to check on them more often. Look for any cracks or fraying in the rubber, and clean your windshield regularly to keep dirt from catching on the blade.
If you live in an area where it snows often, then you know how annoying it is when your wiper blades are stuck to the windshield because of ice. Avoid this by lifting your wiper blades away from the glass before leaving your car.
You can also switch to wiper blades that have a protective covering over their frames to prevent ice buildup.
Contrary to popular belief, the rain won’t wash away your dirty windshield. All that dirt and rainwater are bound to affect your wiper’s performance. Once the rain clears, consider giving your windshield and wiper blades a good clean to get rid of any sludge.
There’s not much you can do to control the weather, so you’ll have to be creative if you want to keep your wiper blades in top condition. If it’s super hot and dry, consider using a sunshade to protect your windshield and blades from the sun. If you live in an area where it constantly rains or snows, frequently check your wiper blades for any ice-related damage.
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