OK I have relaced my windshield wipers about 5 times in the past year and have used every diff blade at my local auto part store. They all streak immediatelty. What is going on?
They all streak in the same spots too. It's very frustrating. I have searched for any other cause but everything looks fine. They blades sit nicely on the window when not in use and there is no apparent damage to my windshield. Could it be my windshield? I just want the streaks to go away! Help.

If I cannot I will seriously think about a new car. I live in upstate ny and it rains here a lot. It is so annoying. Not to mention, not very safe.


Anyone have the same problem?

 

what brands are you buying? people may not always think so, but the 25-30 dollar blades really are what they are cracked up to be.

 

www.silblade.com

Also, you may have some grime on the windshield. I suggest buying a claybar from the auto store & using that on your windshield. This should remove any built up grime.
Your windshield may also not be completely smooth or straight & causing this. Was the windshield ever replaced?

 

If they all streak in the same place I'd say it has to be the windshield or the arms, not the blades.

If Rain-X was used in the past it can build up and cause streaks. Try cleaning the windshield with a solvent (I use a little acetone on a rag) followed by soap and water to get any contamination off.

Check that the blades are in good contact with the glass in the area of the streak-shut the key off when the blade is there and take a look. It coild be the arm has gotten bent.

FWIW I use ANCO blades from Wal-Mart and they work fine. Cheap enough that I can change them twice a year if needed.

 

yeah, sounds like you have some build up/film. You can either get a razor blade and get some crap off claybar it. maybe even a polish after.

 

I do have some clay bar left over from my Zaino application. I will try that. As far as i know the windshield was never replaced and I have had the car since 30k. Never had this problem till recently. Arms seem to have good pressure. I keep very good care of my car, so you understand why this is bothering me. I am not opposed to spending some extra money on good blades if I can show some promising signs of no streaking for at least a day. Otherwise it just seems like a waste of money. I have tried:

Boshe Micro Edge: probably the worst i have tried. on the return stroke they would "chop" even in heavy rain.

Rain X
Michelin
Trico
Proline

I have conceeded to the cheapest i can find because they all seem to work the same.

I will claybar tonight and see...