Wipers are streaking the windshield

[John Berger]

No matter what I do, I can't seem to get rid of them. I used distilled water in the reservoir. Helps with window spots. The wiper blades are what were on the truck when new. I replaced them yesterday and cleaned the windows. I washed them this morning, and still have the streaks. I can't feel any grooves or scratches, so I'm wondering what the solution may be. Any help is appreciated.

 

[Lsfarm]

Streaking Wipers

I've found that the edge of the wiper blade gets small pieces of grit or ?? stuck to it. This can happen even overnight!



Every time I wash the windhield, I wipe the wiper blade wiping edge with a paper towel, and you wouldn't believe the stuff that comes off!!



So if you want to reduce the streaking just try to wipe the wiper blade off, each morning if needed.



Depending on where you live, there are a lot of pollutants, some manmade, some from nature [pollen, dust etc. ] any of these items land on the windshield, drift down to the top of the wiper and make the wiper blade streak.



I hope this helps, Greg L

 

[thepipe1]

Hi, John:



I've had that problem before... easy fix. Scrub the windshield with a stiff paste made from Bon Ami cleanser and water. Then change your wiper blades (even if they're new but still streaking) and it'll be like new.



Important: DO NOT use another, more aggressive cleanser.



Hope this helps, dp

 

[georgej]

To add to these suggestions , check the area where the wipers rest and see if there is'nt some overspray of some sort. On my 01 there was some and it took me two sets of blades to find out.

 

[zman]

john -



I use a windshield stripper/polish to remove all of the gunk that builds up on the windshield and causes streaking. After I strip the windshield, the streaks are virtually gone. I don't remember what it is called, but I picked the stuff up at AutoZone.



Steve

 

[EScott]

This brings up an interesting point...



Has anyone else found wiper blades that last as long as the OEM ones? I have half a mind to go down the dealer (egads) and buy some...

 

[JGK]

EScott,



No, but then I replace mine each fall since the summer sun pretty much kills them.



I've been using the Bosch blades from Schucks and have had decent luck, but some here have reported less satisfaction.



Jay

 

[EScott]

Originally posted by JGK

EScott,



No, but then I replace mine each fall since the summer sun pretty much kills them.



I've been using the Bosch blades from Schucks and have had decent luck, but some here have reported less satisfaction.



Jay

I swear I can get two years of service out of the OEM ones but like you said a single summer on the aftermarket ones is all she wrote... .

 

[Mactruck]

I've had great luck with the "Bosch Micro edge" brand.

They seem to last a long time. My OEM wipers haven't lasted a year and I'm about to replace them.

 

[MidwestMotorman]

pinching blades

If the blade refills go in tight, they arms will pinch the blade slightly and cause them to streak. My replacements have made it six months, and they are so bad that you can see where the blade is actually off of the glass due to the blade being pinched by the arm. I guess I will have to buy OEM or complete blade and holder replacements.



I also mentioned something about the angle of the blades in another thread about lifting wiper arms. Sometimes the arms will be tweaked at the ends due to winter damage because of icy buildup or frozen blades. You have to twist the wiper arms to keep the blades at the correct angle.

 

[DarrellB]

To fix the wipers

First go to the frig and get a cold beer. Next get the Rubbing alcohol out of the cabinet and wipe the edge of the wiper with the alcohol and a paper towel. Then wipe down the hole windsheild with the alcohol. This will make the wipers work great and the alcohol will get the worst of the bug gutts off the windsheild.



WARNING

Do not drink the rubbing alcohol.



Big D

 

[MidwestMotorman]

stinky stuff

Vinegar works good too. But do not get it all over into the cowl, as it will smell unless washed off.

 

[swamp rat]

A lot of good info above, bu tnot one post about Rain-X. If you use Rain-X, or the STP version thereof, you rarely even need to use the wipers in the first place. But cleaning the wiper blade with anything is better than nothing. I use plain ole Windex w/Ammonia-D. The towel turns as black as my truck when I clean the wiper blades with it, but I haven't replaced wiper blades but once since I bought the truck new in '95 and then with el cheapo rubber inserts which I modified to work with the 2 piece factory blade retainers.

 

[DennyDay]

Windshield Streaks

It seems everybody is having similar problems, and much of the problem is the lack of VOC's (volitave organic compounds) the the EPA has required the manufacturers remove from most consumer products. A second problem is there is some kind of a coating on most paper towels that seems to cause a film to be left on the windshied. Try newsprint to eliminate this. I found a good source (without the print is the boxes of plain paper sold at U Haul for packing. There is also a product called Invisible Glass that is sold mail order (add in Trailer Life) that works very well.



Denny

 

[zman]

This is the stuff I use to clean the windshield. Auto Glass Stripper (scroll down just a bit on this page) This stuff works great for removing silicone and oils that cause streaking. I also use it to remove buildup of Rain-X. It works great!



Steve

 

[Leon R]

Another old trick for cleaning glass is good old fashioned toothpaste. a newer product that VW supplied free for cleaning streaky windshields is Perfect-it 111 Cleaner Clay by 3M.

 

[WCrovo]

While on the subject/ my drivers side blade lifts up in the center in windy rainy weather makeing it a nightmare, I have been to the dealer and they replaced the arm after I replaced the blades, problem still there, I replaced the windsheild, still not fixed. I have no bug gaurds or anything like that. My 99 never did this. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Ron Bissett]

After cleaning wiper blade, try running blade with fine grade sand paper or emery paper on a flat block on bottem to make edge sharp , then clean one more time before use will seem like new. Ron in Louisville KY

 

[Ron Bissett]

Originally posted by WCrovo

While on the subject/ my drivers side blade lifts up in the center in windy rainy weather makeing it a nightmare, I have been to the dealer and they replaced the arm after I replaced the blades, problem still there, I replaced the windsheild, still not fixed. I have no bug gaurds or anything like that. My 99 never did this. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

You can get a set of plastic wiper blade hold downs they look like flat squars in line some are curved but work same as you travle down the road wind will push down on the flats and press the blades to windshield . You should find in auto stors or walley world . LOL Ron in Louisville KY

 

[Whitmore]

I just saw a car program a couple weeks ago that sugested using some fine grit sand paper on your blades a couple times a year. I have never tried it but will when they dont work so good any more