Why Do My Windshield Wipers Skip? [Causes+Solutions]

Published: 09/14/22 •  6 min read

Windshield wipers are a necessity when driving in the rain. Not only do windshield wipers keep your windshield clear of water, but they also help you see better on the road ahead.

If windshield wipers skip across a windshield, it is important to understand why this happens and what can be done about it. In this post, we will discuss the reasons for skipping windshield wipers and how to fix these issues!

Before we dive in, let’s know Why do Windshield Wipers Skip (in short):

If your new windshield wipers are skipping, it can be because of the following reason(s):

My Windshield Wiper is Skipping (What to do?)

If your windshield wipers are not performing adequately or they skip, streak, or even fall apart, it is essential to diagnose the issue and fix it quickly. There may be many reasons for windshield wipers skipping.

Let us discuss a few steps that you can take to identify the reason for skipping windshield wipers. Next, you can take the necessary measures to correct the problem. 

1. Clean the Windshield

clean windshield
Photo by Anastasia Shuraeva from Pexels

By cleaning the windshield, you can prevent skipping. This is the best way to start troubleshooting the problem and fix it. It will clean the debris on the windshield and solve the problem quickly and easily. Make sure you lift the wiper arms while cleaning. This will allow you to clean the areas where they rest on the glass.

2. Clean the Wiper Blades

Clean the Wiper Blades
Credit: https://www.autozone.com/diy/wipers/how-long-do-windshield-wipers-last

Once you have cleaned the windshield, make sure to clean the wiper blades also.

3. Inspect the Wiper Blades

Inspect the wiper blades for any noticeable wear. Please make sure the angle of the wipers is correct and that they are properly installed. If the blade is not flat against the glass, it indicates an issue with installation. 

It is elementary and straightforward to diagnose a skipping windshield wiper. By cleaning your wipers and windshield regularly, you can prevent any buildup. If the skipping continues after cleaning the blade and window, you may need new blades.

Tips to Prevent Windshield Wiper Skipping

Here are few simple tips to stop windshield wipers from skipping:

Why is the Wiper Not Making Contact with the Windshield?

This could be because of worn-out wiper blades or newly bought wipers. However, there may be other causes, such as:

How Do You Fix a Stuttering Windshield Wiper?

Similar to pinpointing the problem with windshield wipers skipping, there isn’t always one solution to fix windshield wipers. First, identify the problem. After identifying the problem, there are usually three options available: 

How to Clean Windshield Wiper Blades?

Since windshield wipers do the cleaning, it makes sense to clean them. It is worth cleaning the wiper arm as well as the area where the wiper blades rest on your windshield. It will extend the life of your windshield wiper blades from six months to one year.

Cleaning Wiper Blades With Wd40

Why My New Bosch Wiper Blades Skip?

There are no special remedies for smearing windshield wiper blades. Ensure your windshield is clean and clear of dirt, dust, or debris. You should not use your wipers when the

windshield is dry. The windshield should be wet enough to allow the wiper blades to run smoothly. This can lead to skipping and squeaky wipers. 

To eliminate streaks and smears, clean your wiper blades using washer solvent or water. Your windshield glass treatment may cause the wipers to squeak, skip or vibrate. Remove any glass treatment from your windshield if this happens. 

Make sure you check the blades of your wipers to ensure they are in good condition. If your windshield wipers start to split, it is time to replace them. Splitting will only make things worse, resulting in poor wiping performance during rain, snow, or ice driving conditions.

Watch this Video if you are not sure How to fix it?

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Conclusion

If you are diagnosing the “why do wiper skip” problem, make sure to clean the glass and wipe the wiper clean? You can take care of the wipers yourself, whether it’s for cleaning and maintenance or to replace the entire wiper. Although it can seem daunting to replace your wiper blades, once you have done it once, you will find it simple and cost-effective.