Notices
Maintenance & Repair 350Z up keep and diagnosing/fixing problems

Windshield Wiper Streaking after replacing blades

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 01-23-2013, 10:39 AM
  #1  
albertsZ
Registered User
Thread Starter
 
albertsZ's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Bay Area, CA
Posts: 81
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Windshield Wiper Streaking after replacing blades

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?
Old 01-25-2013, 08:46 PM
  #2  
Jennifer 2
Registered User
 
Jennifer 2's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Vancouver B C
Posts: 1,247
Likes: 0
Received 31 Likes on 20 Posts
Default

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.
Old 01-25-2013, 08:50 PM
  #3  
Suwaidi
Registered User
 
Suwaidi's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Posts: 831
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

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

Last edited by Suwaidi; 01-25-2013 at 08:51 PM.
Old 01-26-2013, 06:16 AM
  #4  
KornerCarver
New Member
iTrader: (2)
 
KornerCarver's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Republic, MO
Posts: 3,387
Received 171 Likes on 76 Posts
Default

You might also think about using a clay bar on your windshield. That will remove all of the contaminants.
Old 01-26-2013, 06:00 PM
  #5  
RMichael
Registered User
 
RMichael's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: east coast
Posts: 10,550
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Jennifer 2
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.
goddamned sometimes you make me laugh. I can see you scrubbing your little @$$ off with newspaper.
Old 01-27-2013, 09:33 AM
  #6  
Waiz
Premier Member
iTrader: (57)
 
Waiz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: SoCal
Posts: 18,465
Likes: 0
Received 9 Likes on 8 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Jennifer 2
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.
Originally Posted by KornerCarver
You might also think about using a clay bar on your windshield. That will remove all of the contaminants.
Good info guys, I need to do both of these things more often
Old 02-06-2013, 10:02 AM
  #7  
albertsZ
Registered User
Thread Starter
 
albertsZ's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Bay Area, CA
Posts: 81
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

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....
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
XM 1
Engine & Drivetrain
29
07-10-2022 07:44 AM
Colombo
Forced Induction
35
11-09-2020 10:27 AM
Rev_Night
Wheels & Tires
30
11-07-2020 06:00 PM
350z82
Exterior & Interior
19
10-01-2015 06:25 PM
pr_350z
Maintenance & Repair
2
10-01-2015 05:03 PM



Quick Reply: Windshield Wiper Streaking after replacing blades



All times are GMT -8. The time now is 02:01 AM.