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What’s the Cause of Smudges on Your Windscreen?
Reading time 3 minutes
Categories Cleaning & Maintenance »
We are hiring! Are you an experienced technician? Join our outstanding team »
What’s the Cause of Smudges on Your Windscreen?
Reading time 3 minutes
Categories Cleaning & Maintenance »
Do you get annoyed because whenever you turn on your windscreen wipers, they leave smudgy trails? It’s a common issue making things difficult for drivers all around the world and it leaves most wondering what causes the smudging. This can happen due to a number of reasons and it may take a bit of time before you could identify and fix the issue.
Here are a few reasons why your windscreen wipers are causing streaks, smudges, or smears.
Smearing in Both Directions
Are you seeing smears in both directions as the blades move back and forth?
If that is the case, take a closer look at your vehicle’s wipers for problems like a dirty blade, dirty windscreen, worn blade(s), or low-quality windscreen wiper fluid.
Consider replacing your wiper fluid first to see if it resolves the issue. Buy a good screen wash and add it to the water bottle. You may also want to clean the wiper blades and your windscreen as well. The smudging is usually dead insects, dirt, etc., on your windscreen.
Clean thoroughly – you could use a lemon cut in half to clean the blades of the wiper. You can use white spirit on a cloth to clean the screen, but avoid using it on the paintwork. Using rubbing alcohol directly on the edge of the blade may also help reduce streaks on your windscreen.
Smearing in One Direction
When smears appear in only one direction, especially in cold weather, it usually means you may have to replace your wiper blades. Examine blades closely for any tears or bits missing. Check if they are old and hard, or are the wrong size for your vehicle. If you find any of these issues, buy new wiper blades.
Water Beads That Persist
It’s the job of your wiper blades to remove water from your screen. If that’s not the case and persistent water obscures your vision, it’s probably because you live in a highly polluted area with grime and dust in the air.
This residue accumulates and causes water droplets to stick to the screen. Clean your windscreen first and then treat it with a cleaning agent that repels water. Sometimes, only a wax remover may do the trick.
Other Issues
In addition to these basic issues, you may find other problems with your windscreen wipers that prevent them from working properly. For instance, you need to ensure that washer fluid pump is working fine, there is no leakage in the tubes and tank, and the spray nozzles aren’t clogged.
The Windscreen Company
It’s essential you investigate any issues with your wiper blades and rectify any problems as soon as possible. If left to deteriorate, a damaged wiper blade or an accumulation of grit on the screen can cause scratches or chips to appear on the windscreen itself. Not to mention, that smudges and smears will obscure your vision, and if it rains heavily and your wipers don’t work effectively it will make driving very dangerous.
If you cannot seem to pinpoint the issue or have already damaged your windscreen, it’s time to call in a professional windscreen repair company. Here at The Windscreen Company, we have years of experience providing effective and affordable windscreen repairs, and would be happy to advise you on the cause of the problem, to prevent further damage to your windscreen.
The Windscreen Company, has over 20 years of experience in windscreen repair and replacement. Since 1998, they have been at the forefront of industry innovation, leveraging the latest technology to ensure customer safety and satisfaction.
The Windscreen Company's, help-and-advice pages offer valuable tips and guidance on maintaining vehicle safety through quality windscreen care, while also featuring updated industry realted content.
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