I have replaced my windshield wipers twice. The first time was because my wipers were obviously old. After replacing it with a RainX blade (their budget one) it was still streaking and I thought it was because it was a cheaper blade. So I went out and bought a RainX latitude and i am still getting a streak on the driver side, passenger side is perfect. Does anyone know why I am streaking? Maybe improper installation? I am thinking the whole wiper assembly might have fallen out of place? Anyone else have this problem?

 

I’ve had this same experience a few times before. Typically it’s caused by a micro layer of some waxy substance that has become bonded to the glass. Household glass cleaners won’t touch this stuff. I have some ‘Detailer’s Pro Krystal Glass Cleaner’, but any of the more pro (and expensive) cleaners from an auto supply will work.

I use balled up newspaper and scrub and scrub on the streaky areas. I’m a determined little b!tch, and I’ll go after one little spot for 10 minutes if I have to. I always win, and am rewarded with a perfectly streak free windshield.

 

1. I'd recommend the Bosch Icons over the Rainx Latitudes for future reference. I've ran the Latitudes in the past, and:

a) Rear wiper fell off during the winter - The Bosch Icons have a locking mechanism that prevents this
b) Not as quiet as the Bosch Icon
c) Price is about the same, a bit higher for the Icons

- If you signup to Autozone Rewards you get a $10 off your next $50 purchase.

2. With that being said, as ^ mentioned use a better glass cleaner. I like the Chemical Guys Window Clean (DetailedImage.com is a forum sponsor, check out the detailing section for any promo codes that might pop up), but I've used Stoners Invisible Glass with no issues at the moment (had some streaking before).

Going after one little spot is nothing. Try using your phones flashlight after cleaning your car at night to find any streaks/spots on the windows

 

You might also think about using a clay bar on your windshield. That will remove all of the contaminants.

 

goddamned sometimes you make me laugh. I can see you scrubbing your little @$$ off with newspaper.

 

Good info guys, I need to do both of these things more often

 

Thanks for all of the tips. It couldn't be a problem with the wipers themselves right? I thought they might have been misaligned or something with the windshield. Now that I think about it my windshield isn't OEM and has been replaced....