Windshield Damage from Wipers; Causes, Prevention, & Repair

Wipers are supposed to make driving safe by providing clear visibility but sometimes they damage the glass and compromise our visibility instead. Unfortunately, windshield damage from wipers is a common issue.

Whether it’s a minor streak or a noticeable crack, we should address the issue and prevent further damage. Besides, the problem with windscreen damage isn’t just impairing the visibility, it can compromise the structural integrity of your vehicle as well.

So, it’s important to know why wipers damage the windshield, what we can do to prevent it, and how to repair the damage. Reading this short article helps you improve driving safety and extend the lifespan of your car’s windshield. 

Windshield issues? No problem! Give us a call and enjoy our mobile auto glass fix-up service in Austin, TX.

5 Causes of Windshield Damage from Wipers

Wipers can cause different kinds of damage to the glass. Here are the most common types of windshield damage from wipers:

• Scratches: They might be very tiny at first but will get bigger and deeper over time due to impact, sunlight, etc. The glare caused by scratches limits the driver’s visibility.
• Streaks: These marks make the driver’s view a bit hazy which can be a problem, especially in bad weather conditions.
• Grooves and indentations: They can cause the glass to become weak and crack more easily.
• Cracks and chips: Windshield cracks and/or chips can significantly reduce visibility and weaken the structural integrity of the glass. If they’re not addressed immediately, they’ll get larger.

But what leads to these different damages by wipers?

1. Worn Wiper Blades

The rubber or the silicone that wiper blades are made of wears out over time due to exposure to sunlight, heat, cold, and moisture. This results in uneven edges, cracks, etc., on the blades.

These kinds of blade damage eventually cause windshield wiper marks on glass, streaks, scratches, and grooves.

2. Accumulation of Debris on the Windshield

If the windshield isn’t clean and dust, dirt, sand, and other debris accumulate on it, they lead to friction and abrasion of the glass when using wipers. This causes windshield scratches.

3. Using Wipers on a Frozen Windshield

In cold seasons, accumulation of snow, frost, and ice on the windshield is a common problem. When you use wipers before the ice and snow have melted completely, the blades start moving with difficulty and put too much pressure on the glass which leads to cracks and chips.

Another problem that arises when using wipers before letting the ice melt is damage to their motor or linkage system. Damaged wipers cause windshield damage even in good weather conditions.

4. Improper Wiper Blade Installation

The pressure the blades exert on the windshield must be distributed evenly. Also, this pressure shouldn’t be more than it’s supposed to be. That’s why, incorrect wiper installation is a common cause of windshield damage from wipers.

For example, sometimes the technician isn’t careful and doesn’t secure the blades tightly. This doesn’t allow the blades to conform to the glass curvature properly. Therefore, the distribution of pressure will be uneven and the contact between the blades and the glass will be inadequate. As a result, you’re in for incomplete cleaning, wiper damage, and windshield damage.

5. Using Wipers on a Dry Glass

Make sure there’s always enough moisture when using wipers. The friction between the blades and dry glass causes streaks and scratches on the windshield and even wears down the wipers.

Overall, any problem with the wipers or how you’re using them can lead to windshield damage from wipers. So, always keep your windshield clean and inspect the wipers for any sign of issue.

Tips on Preventing Windshield Damage from Wipers

Although windscreen damage by wipers is a common problem, there are things we can do to effectively prevent or minimize the damage. Here are a few important tips.

Inspect Wipers to Avoid Windshield Damage

Of course, not all windshield damage is caused by the wipers. So, before anything, you should first find out if it’s really your wipers that are the culprit or if there are some other issues.

Start by checking the windshield for any consistent damage. See if you can find any streaks, scratches, grooves, etc., where wipers come in contact with the glass.

Then, inspect the blades for

• cracks,
• tears,
• uneven edges,
• bent and distortion in the frame,
• and rust.

After that, it’s time to closely observe the performance of the wipers.

• Is there any inadequate contact between the blades and the glass?
• Do the wipers clean the windshield properly?
• Is the pressure evenly distributed?
• Do the wipers leave any streaks behind?
• Do you hear any squeaking, chattering, or any other unusual sounds?

If you notice any physical problems or performance issues, it’s time to have your wipers checked by an experienced technician. They might need to be repaired or replaced.

Keep the Windshield and the Wiper Blades Clean

Remove any dirt and debris from the windshield and the blades regularly. You can use a soft cloth and a mild glass cleaner to clean the windshield.

And, for the wipers, usually a damp cloth is enough. But if dirt has built up, dampen the cloth with soapy water or glass cleaner.

Sometimes it’s not possible to clean them thoroughly. In these situations, at least remove leaves, rocks, twigs, and any other debris before using the wipers.

Besides, if there’s any snow or frost, you should take time to carefully clean and unfreeze the glass and the wipers properly. Read How to Unfreeze Your Windshield Without Damaging It to learn more.

If you have to park outside for a long time, it’s recommended to use a windshield cover. Windshield covers are easy to use and can protect the blades and the glass from sunlight and debris.

Maintain the Wiper Blades Properly

Proper wiper blade maintenance is necessary to prevent damage and extend their lifespans. As damaged wipers lead to scratches or cracks on the glass, it’s also essential to maintain a clear windshield.

• Clean the wipers regularly and thoroughly.
• Never use harsh chemicals when cleaning the wipers.
• Be gentle when inspecting, unfreezing, or cleaning the wipers.
• If there’s a possibility of freezing, lift the blades when your car is parked.
• Inspect the wipers regularly and fix or replace them ASAP if you notice any problems.
• Protect the wipers from excessive heat (prolonged exposure to direct sunlight during hot seasons) by parking in the shade or using windshield covers.

Avoid These Common Mistakes

• Using wipers when the windshield is dry damages the glass and the blades.
• Wipers are not designed to scrape off the snow and ice or to remove debris.
• Some people clean the windshield but forget to clean the wiper blades.
• Ignoring the wipers’ issues and not fixing them promptly.
• Not replacing the blades at least once a year.
• Using wipers when they are frozen damages the blades, the motor, and the linkage which eventually causes damage to the windshield.

Repairing Windshield Damage from Wipers

Fixing windshield wiper scratches, chips, grooves, and cracks is possible. However, to choose the right method to repair them, you need to determine how severe the damage is. So, the first step is to take a close look at them.

If the damage isn’t severe, like small scratches or chips, you can probably fix it yourself. The best DIY method is to buy a windshield repair kit. These easy-to-use kits not only include resin and a suitable applicator (to fill in the scratches or chips), but they also come with instructions. Fixing these minor damages is necessary to prevent them from spreading.

To learn more read Dealing with Windshield Chips and Cracks.

But if the damage is significant, you need to seek professional help. The technicians inspect the damage thoroughly and decide if it can be repaired or needs replacement.

After fixing the windshield, make sure the wipers are in good condition and follow the tips above to prevent windshield wiper damage in the future.

Let us restore your damaged windshield in no time. Call for more information.

FAQs about Dealing with Scratched and Cracked Windshield from Wipers

Now, let’s answer your most frequent questions when it comes to dealing with windshield damage from wipers. We hear these questions every day.

Is There Insurance Coverage for Windshield Wiper Damage?

The answer depends on your auto insurance. Usually, comprehensive car insurance covers such kind of damage that doesn’t happen as a result of an accident but there might be coverage limits. The best way to find out if your insurance covers windshield wiper damage is to consult with your insurance provider.

How Do I Know the Wipers Are Damaging My Car’s Windshield?

You should examine the windshield closely and see if you can find any sign of damage on the wipers’ path. Also, you should check the performance of the wipers to see if they can clean the glass properly and if the pressure is evenly distributed. Then you can decide if the wipers are damaging the windshield or not. You can also ask a trained technician to inspect them for you.

Can I Fix Minor Windshield Scratches or Chips Myself?

Yes. Typically, a windshield repair kit can provide all you need for repairing minor windshield damage rather easily.

Why Should I Replace Both Wiper Blades While Only One of Them Is Damaged?

You might not see any visible sign on one of them but the blades wear down together. Also, for better function and consistency in performance, it’s recommended to change both blades at the same time.

How Often Should Replace Wiper Blades?

It’s necessary to replace them ASAP if you see any sign of damage on the wipers or the windshield due to the wipers. But generally replacing the blades once a year is great.

Professional Windshield Repair After Wiper Damage in Austin, TX

Hopefully, this guide helps you prevent windshield damage from wipers to keep your windshield clear, extend its longevity, and avoid wasting money and time on frequent repairs or replacements.

But if you have any scratches, cracks, chips, etc., on your car’s windshield, we are here for you at Autoglass Solutions. We offer affordable and immediate windshield repair and replacement services in Austin, Texas with experienced technicians.

Call (512) 241-1211 for a quote or to hire our mobile windshield repair services.