Wiper judder

Dec 31, 2017 15 Replies

Had a new screen fitted, but didn't need the wipers for some days. On first using them in heavy rain they were juddering and squeaking. Bought some new Bosch blades - and although better, still some judder.



Is there some sort of coating on a new screen that should have been removed by the installer?


try washing the new screen with white vinegar

Do they judder when moving in both directions? or only one? If only one, then twist the wiper arm to make the blade closer to 90 degrees to the screen (use two adjustable spanners to make the twist, which will only be a subtle amount) If both ways then either there is insufficient spring in the arms (curve them to increase pressure), the wiper pivot point is seized, there is play in the mechanism, or maybe there is something odd on the screen, although I have never had that problem on any new screen (probably more than 20)

I use Rainex so most of the time I don't even need the wipers on at all. I also use in in the shower on the inside surfaces of the glass panels. Works wonders!

Interesting. Is that the same as Rain-X? How long does it last before you need to re-apply it?

One of the worst mistakes I ever made was applying that crap to my windscreen. It smeared so badly, and was a nightmare to remove.

It makes water bead, with the idea that the wind then blows it away. Maybe OK for side windows, but absolutely not on a windscreen.

Chris

Dunno. Comes in a yellow spray bottle from BnQ among other places if that helps.

Car windscreen varies according to the weather so not possible to say. Shower cubicle every 6 weeks (clean the glass first of course).

strange, because that is not my experience, and I have used it for at least twenty years.

Same here. You do have to get the screen as clean as possible before applying Rain-X, and follow the instructions precisely. Apply, wait until it forms a haze. Apply again, wait again. Sprinkle with clean water and polish off. I usually polish with newspaper.

Same way for me when using the original rain-x. Recently I have been using the combined cleaner and rain-x, which is more convenient and quick to use, but does not last like the pure stuff.

Much like when using an automatic car wash with the wax option. The windscreen gets waxed causing water to bead and then smear when using the wipers.

Yes, that's exactly what I've experienced, and it's really difficult to remove.

Chris

Hot water and detergent? Meths?

My car was washed as part of its last service. Wax on the windscreen in the rain and the dark was not good, causing extensive smearing. I used glass cleaner (possibly from Lidl) to get the wax off the next day, and all was then OK.

I tried lots of things, including those, but found a slightly abrasive glass cleaner was the best.

Chris

I've never used Rain-X but have recently applied something called Aquapel to all the windows and windscreen. According to some online reviews it may not be quite as good as Rain-X ummediately after application but it lasts a lot longer and is a lot cheaper. It went on last Friday and, driving long distances day and night during the s***ty weather we had over the long weekend, it definitely did what it says on the tin.

Join the Discussion

Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.

Didn't find your answer?

Ask the community — no account required