How to Fix Windshield Wipers
There are several different issues that a pair of windshield wipers may exhibit. While buying a new set may sometimes be your only option, you’d be surprised at just how many of these issues can be fixed for free. Here are some common windshield wiper problems that can easily be fixed at home.
YOUR WINDSHIELD WIPERS WON’T REMOVE WATER
The main purpose of a windshield wiper is to remove water from a windshield. As such, nothing is more frustrating than when a substantial amount of water gets left behind. The solution; however, is anything but frustrating.
Because windshield wipers are very gentle (so as to not scratch your windshield), they don’t always remove all of the dirt from the glass they clean. Even if your windshield looks clean, it may still have an invisible layer of dirt built up. The dirt in question is responsible for your wipers’ apparent inability to wipe raindrops off of the window.
To fix this, you’ll want to manually clean your windshield with a cleaning agent and a wash cloth. While you can buy cleaning agents made specifically for windshields, any old product will work, whether it be Windex or a tub and tile cleaner. Make sure to put a bit of elbow grease into cleaning, so as to ensure you get every last bit of the invisible dirt off of the glass.
YOUR WINDSHIELD WIPERS MERELY PUSH DIRT AROUND
If you find that your windshield wipers push mud (or any other visible substance) around instead of removing it completely, your windshield wipers likely need a good cleaning, as they probably have a buildup of dirt which is preventing them from doing their job properly.
To clean your windshield wipers, you may simply use a wash cloth and the cleaning agent of your choice. If you have the time to spare, you might find it beneficial to actually allow the wipers to soak in a bucket of said cleaning agent overnight. This will not only prove more effective, but will likely make the process a whole lot easier overall.
YOUR WINDSHIELD WIPERS ARE LOUDER THAN USUAL
This one is a bit tricky. Before fixing this issue, you’ll need to find out what’s causing it in the first place. Often, when you hear your wipers making a lot of noise, only one wiper is to blame. Of course, it can be hard to tell which one is the culprit. Open your wipers’ arms and compare the two. Does one look bent? If so, this is likely the root of the issue. By straightening it out to its original state, the issue should go away. However, be sure you know what you’re doing when fixing the arm, lest you break it and have an even bigger issue to worry about.
NONE OF THE ABOVE SOLUTIONS WORK
If this is the case, you may very well be forced to replace the windshield wipers entirely. But first, make sure the wipers are the problem. If you find they have a hard time moving, or won’t move at all, then the arms are likely the issue, in which case you’ll need to take a trip down to the mechanic. Otherwise, it may be time to grab a new set of wipers.
