A bad windshield wiper is probably the number one way a windshield is scratched. With the use of something other than an ice scraper being number two.
This windshield was scratched by a bad wiper blade.
Regular inspection of your windshield wipers and replacing defective blades can prevent windshield scratches. By insuring your windshield wipers are in good condition you will be insuring good visibility in rain, snow and sleet. Likewise a scratch in your windshield can distort your vision, making for a dangerous situation. It has been found that 90% of driving decisions are based on vision.
When inspecting windshield wiper blades, don't forget to check your windshield at the same time for chips and damage.
Here are some pictures showing what to look for when you inspect your wiper blades.
Replace your wiper blade at the first sign of cracking or tearing. Once they start it takes only a short time to get as bad as this windshield wiper blade.
If the frame of the wiper blade is bent, do not bend it back to shape, replace it. Damage like this can be caused by ice or a car wash.
If you find the rubber popped out like this replace the wiper blade. Bending the metal back in place weakens the metal, resulting in this situation being repeated. This blade caused the damage to the windshield in the top photo of this post.
This plastic windshield wiper blade, has a broken support on the left side of the photo by the thumb. Compare it to the next support in line on the right side.
I find plastic wiper blades break easier than metal wiper blades bend. Inspite of what the windshield wiper blade manufactures say, I've seen just as many windshields scratched by plastic blades that broke.
Another broken plastic windshield wiper blade. The plastic pin that held the support finger bracket in place broke off, causing this failure.
The driver reported the driver's side wiper blade wouldn't sweep clean.
Even a new car can have a bad wiper blade. This was off a 2007 model with only a couple thousand miles.
When I have participated by helping the students at Metro Tech during their twice a year vehicle inspections, it has been found 60 to 80 percent of the autos and trucks inspected have bad windshield wiper blades.
Which is better, replacing the rubber inserts (refills) or total replacement of your wiper blades. I say that while it may cost slightly more, wiper blade replacement is the way to go, here's why.
Two Different Sizes - Today's cars and trucks many times have two different length wiper blades. Refills come in sets of 2; buying 2 sets of refills will cost about the same as 2 wiper blades.
The Fit - While I know the blade and refill companies say their refills will fit, my experience is for the best fit a blade made by company X should be refilled with refills by X. Further I have found many times the blade is slightly bent or worn. Which can lead to the refill coming out and the blade scratching your windshield.
Easier - Replacing the blade is faster and easier than installing refills.
Finally don't forget to check and replace the rear windshield wiper blade.
CAUTION: When replacing your wiper blades do not let the bare wiper arm snap down on the glass. That includes leaving the arms in the locked up position. The lock can slip, allowing the arm to snap back destroying your windshield.
