Streaks on the windshield and new wipers
Streaks on a car window are fragments of water or liquid that have not been collected by the wiper blades. They are most often a sign of wiper wear. Due to difficult weather conditions, such as rain, snow, or low and high temperatures, the rubber in the wiper blade loses its properties and is not flexible enough to collect water from the glass pane. When we see and hear the first signs of wiper wear, we think about replacing them. We expect that after this change, visibility on the road will improve dramatically. And what if you have replaced the wipers, and there are still streaks on the glass? Are the wipers really to blame? Or maybe something else? Check what has an impact!
Make sure you have the right fit for your car model.
One of the reasons may be poorly fitted wipers. Too short or too long they will not work properly. The first thing to look for when choosing new wipers is choosing the right blade lengths. You can measure the old ones and choose the new ones based on that or use the search engine on our website. All you need to know is the make, model and year of manufacture of your car. You will find all the necessary information in the registration certificate. In addition, our search engine will show you the nearest point of sale. You can also get a discount coupon.
Clean the glass of any greasy deposits and sand.
You have checked the lengths and the wipers are suitable. Now it is time to take care of the glass. Greasy deposits or sand can destroy the glass and wipers. In addition to cleaning the glass with windshield washer fluid, it is worth using a dedicated glass fluid to thoroughly wash and degrease the glass and the blades themselves. We should always do this before replacing the wiper with a new one, but not only then. It is very important to clean both the glass and the wipers after or before each trip, or at least wipe the blade with a regular tissue. For cleaning, it is good to stock up on a good microfibre cloth and a chamois for dry wiping. You can find such accessories in the ALPINO store, for example.
Change the cheap windshield washer fluid. Good fluid means longer wiper life!
Have you used a new windshield washer fluid? Cheap windshield washer fluids are usually of poor quality. Their properties are not able to remove dirt properly. Some fluids may have a negative effect on the operation of the wipers. They may contain harmful substances, which damage plastic and rubber elements. When choosing the right windshield washer fluid, it is worth paying attention to the quality of ethyl alcohol. In summer fluid it is 5%, while in winter fluid it is 30% to 35%. In winter fluid, the crystallization temperature should be at least -20˚C, and additionally it should have good washing properties and moisturize the rubber wiper blades well. A good fluid means a longer life for the wipers!
Check if the arm presses the wiper properly against the windshield!
The last problem that affects the operation of the wipers is improper arm adjustment. CHECK that the arm is pressing the wiper properly against the glass! Weak pressure will not provide proper removal of moisture and dirt. A worn spring in the arm can cause an improper level of pressure on the glass. Check if it is not rusty or cracked.
To sum up the above considerations, we can say that the cause of the problem with streaks on the windshield is not always faulty wipers. Remember that good visibility is safety. That is why it is worth regularly checking the condition of the arm, wiper blades and the windshield. Regardless of the season, you should clean the windshield after every trip. Dry and degrease the wiper blades after the car wash. In winter, take care of the wipers with the right accessories. By installing a good anti-frost mat on the windshield or wiper covers, you will avoid the blades from being torn off the surface. The above treatments will not only extend the life of the wipers, but also save you some money.
