DIY: Identifying and Fixing Wiper Problems
Back here in the north of the Peninsula, the weather has been rather gloomy with the more than occasional thunderstorms for the past couple of weeks. While that normally signals snail-paced traffic, rainy weather also has a way of reminding us just how bad a shape our wipers often are.
Like many other components of our car, windshield wipers do require care and periodic replacement. Vehicle maintenance specialists recommend a year’s usage although some might last another 12 months or much more depending on the conditions.
Here’s some of the most common signs that those simple rubber or silicone blades are due.
1. Streaking
Art in this case but not if its raining heavily
Description: Each wipe leaves a consistent streak pattern
Causes: Hardened or cracked wiper blades due to wear and tear, elements of nature.
Suggested Solution: Replace wiper/blade
2. Chattering/Skipping
Right wiper of the vehicle displays signs of skipping
Description: The wiper skips or vibrates along its path
Causes: Sometimes resulted from outside temperatures, extended period of non-use, curved blades or even a greasy windscreen surface. A bent wiper arm or weak tension spring causing insufficient pressure across the swipe and wiper blade may also be the culprit.
Suggested Solution: Consider giving both the wiper blade and windshield a good cleaning and rub down. Replace wiper/blade if still persists. A bent wiper arm can be inspected by having it at mid-span, with a full contact of the blade on the glass.
3. Smearing
Not really considered as an effective wipe
Description: Rather than a clean surface, a layer of water is left after each wipe which momentarily blurs the vision
Causes: Wiper blade tip is already worn, thus no longer fine or sharp. Might also be a result from oil residue on the windshield.
Suggested Solution: Consider giving both the wiper blade and windshield a good cleaning and rub down. Replace wiper/blade if still persists.
4. Split/torn blade
Only 1 fix for this – replacement
Description: Usually happens at the ends of the wiper blade, resulting a poor wipe job especially at the edges where the least amount of pressure is applied
Cause: Aged after wear and tear or damage
Suggested Solution: Replace wiper/blade
5. Squeaking (especially when the wiper changes direction)
Causes: Dirty windshield or worn wiper blades
Suggested Solution: Consider giving both the wiper blade and windshield a good cleaning and rub down. Replace wiper/blade if still persists.
*Pictures from Suinaliath.deviantart.com, Picture from Blogcdn.com, ArtofManliness.com & LegacyGT.com
car tips Chattering rain Skipping Smearing Split/torn blade Squeeking Streaking windshield wiper wipers
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