Windshield Wipers & Washer System

It's such a simple thing: flip on the windshield wiper switch and you assume the wipers will do their job. Press the button for the washer fluid and it sprays out, dissolving dust and bug anatomy, so the wipers can whisk it all away. Vision is restored, safety improved. You probably take this deceptively simple system for granted, but what do you do when it doesn't function properly? Here are some preventative steps to keep it working smoothly.

System Basics
First, the basics of the wiper system: The power behind the windshield wipers is generated by a small electric motor with a linkage that converts the motor output to the action of the wipers. There's also an electronic circuit that maintains power to the wipers while the blades act essentially like squeegees, dragging across the windshield and clearing the water. The motor is engineered to operate at a variety of speeds from high to intermittent.

Blade Replacement
As the blade ages, nicks or cracks can form. When these defects pick up road grime, the tight seal between blade and windshield erodes causing streaks. Wiping the blade clean can give you a few extra rainstorms of visibility, but now is the best time to replace the blades. The most economical fix-it is to simply replace the wiper refill (figure on doing this at least once a year). If that doesn't stop the streaking, try replacing the wiper blade assembly. Clean, quiet wiper action is as dependent on solid pressure as well as the condition of the rubber.


Aftermarket upgrades for a stock wiper include a blade that features a change-your-blade warning system with a yellow strip along the blade visible to the driver. Or you can opt for high-performance blades with a triple edge or a sporty-looking spoiler designed to increase downward force against the windshield at high speeds (and look cool, too). Before you head out to the auto parts store, check the length of the blade, especially if you drive something a little exotic.


To replace the blade, lift the wiper arm to a position perpendicular to the windshield (not all systems have this much travel, however). Remove the old blade, preferably without mangling the fasteners on the assembly. The owner's manual may provide some useful tips to help this job go more easily, since it's sometimes harder than it looks. The new blade will usually snap into a hook or fastener at the end of the wiper arm.