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Why do windshield wipers skip?

Yesterday, when I was driving home from work, it began to rain. I turned on my windshield wipers, but they sounded awful! They were skipping across the glass, which meant they were not just annoying, but also didn’t clear off the windshield very well. Why do windshield wipers skip?

avatar
Rachel Rigolino · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Oh no—skipping windshield wipers are more than just a noisy nuisance. Thankfully, while there’s no single reason why wipers skip, you should be able to diagnose the problem.
Try these steps:
  • Inspect your wiper blades for wear. If they’re cracked or ripped, replace them. If the rubber is hard and brittle, replace them. If you’ve had them for longer than 6 months—particularly if they’re over a year old—replace them.
  • Clean the windshield. If you have new wipers, it may be that dirt or grit from the road may be causing friction, which can cause skipping. Try cleaning off your windshield.
  • Gently clean your windshield wiper blades as well.
  • If your wiper blades are new and windshield clean, check your wiper angle. You may be able to see if the wiper arms are torqued. In such a case, you may need to replace them.
Hopefully the cause of the skipping will wind up being a simple one.
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