Wiper Blades Troubleshooting Guide

The windshield wiper assembly is generally a trouble-free, reliable unit. The most common problems that arise when the wiper blades are not working properly. Wiper blades are exposed to weather extremes, rain, dust, snow and debris, apart from a host of other pollutants. They are generally made of a rubber-based compound which over a period of time becomes hard and brittle. When the wiper blades reach this stage they are unable to clear the windshield properly resulting in a streaky or dirty windshield. Another problem is that hard wiper blades can cause irreparable damage by scratching the windshield. Here is a list of common complaints relating to wiper blades:
Problems That Can Happen With Wiper Blades
Streaking of the windshield happens when the rubber of the wiper blade has dried, hardened or cracked.
Worn rubber which can be seen as rounding of the leading edge of the wiper blade. This indicates that the blades have served their useful life.
Chattering of the wiper blade along with a juddering motion happens when the rubber has developed a ‘permanent set’ or ‘curve’. A permanent set indicates that the blades have become warped as a result of having been parked too long and not used.
Split and torn blades are the effect of ozone and ultraviolet rays on the rubber of the wiper blades. The rubber becomes brittle and develops cracks which split and tear after some time.
Shredded rubber blades happen when there is excessive play because of worn or loose fitting adaptors.
If you are experiencing any of the problems described above, the solution is to replace your wiper blades.
Repair Windshield Wiper Blades
Another common irritant is excessive noise when the wipers are in operation. The way to tackle this is to inspect your wipers. Very often the problem might be as simple as dirty wiper blades. The answer is to clean the wiper blades with a solution of baking soda and liquid washing soap in warm water which generally takes care of the noise.
If the noise continues, check that the wiper blades are properly seated in the adaptors. If you have recently changed your wiper blades check that they have been properly installed using the correct adaptors. If there is a problem here you might have to replace the wiper blades or use the proper adaptors.
If you are still experiencing problems with your wiper assembly it could be because of a damaged or bent wiper arm or improper pressure between the wiper blades and the windshield. You might like to check the arm assembly and the linkage to identify the source of the problem. If the arm is bent or the wiper blade is broken, your only solution is to replace the assembly.
Even the Best Wiper Blades will succumb to the external elements. Therefore, it is advisable to replace wiper blades at least once every year though most motorists don’t do this.