Car trouble · Wipers & glass

My wipers streak or smear

The wipers leave streaks, smears or skip across the glass. Blades wear out every six to twelve months.

Get to it this week

A starting point, not a diagnosis. Most parts stores read check-engine codes and test batteries for free.

Likely causes — tick the parts you want

Worn wiper blades
most likely · Most people can do this
How to check: Lift each wiper and run a finger along the rubber edge. Cracked, torn, hard or curled rubber means the blades are done.
- Wiper blades (pair)(Ask the counter to put them on — most parts stores will install wiper blades for free.)
- Rear wiper blade
A dirty or waxed windshield
possible · Most people can do this
How to check: Clean the glass well with glass cleaner and wipe the rubber edges with a damp cloth. If the streaks go away, the blades were fine.
- Glass cleaner
A bent or weak wiper arm
less likely · Doable with tools and a free afternoon
How to check: If new blades still skip or miss a strip, look along the wiper arm for a bend and check whether it presses the blade flat against the glass.
- Wiper arm(Tell the counter driver or passenger side.)

Your car — the counter needs this

YearMakeModelEngine (optional)

VIN (optional, most exact)Which parts store (optional)

If the counter doesn’t have a part, your shopper asks them to order it under your name and messages you the order number. When it comes in, send someone to collect it.

Not quite it?

My windshield washer isn’t spraying