Imagine driving down the highway when suddenly, the skies open up. Rain pelts your windshield in sheets, but as you flip on your wipers, something’s not right. Instead of smoothly sweeping away the water, they stutter and jump, leaving streaks that obscure your vision.
This scenario is all too common for many motorists. Whether it’s a mild annoyance or a major safety hazard, skipping windshield wipers need attention. Let’s look at the most common causes behind this issue and their respective solutions.
Related: 10 Reasons You Have Loud Windshield Wipers
What Is Windshield Wiper Skipping?
Windshield wiper skipping occurs when wipers don’t glide SMOOTHLY across the glass. They hop and jump, leaving streaks and uncleared areas. You might hear a chattering sound as they move.
This isn’t just annoying – it’s dangerous. Skipping wipers can’t clear your view properly, especially in heavy rain or snow. This puts you, your passengers, and other drivers at risk.
Why It Happens
1. Worn Wiper Blades
Over time, wiper blades wear out. The rubber edge gets hard and cracks. It might also develop uneven spots. Silicone blades may last longer but still wear out. When this happens, the blade can’t make good contact with your windshield. The result? Skipping and streaking.
Solution: Replace your wiper blades. I suggest doing this every 6 to 12 months, depending on use and climate. When you buy new blades, make sure they’re the right size for your car (search this site for your specific model to help with that). Installation is usually quick and easy.
2. Dirty Windshield
Sometimes, the problem isn’t the wipers – it’s the windshield. A layer of grime can build up over time. This makes it hard for wipers to move smoothly. Road salt, tree sap, and bug splatter are common reasons for a not-so-smooth windshield.
Solution: Give your windshield a good cleaning. Use a good glass cleaner (like Invisible Glass or Sprayway) and a microfiber cloth (but paper towels will work as well). Don’t forget the area where the wipers rest when not in use. This spot often collects dirt.
While there, do a quick wipe on the rubber blade insert itself which probably has some dirt attached to it from the windshield.
3. Wrong Wiper Blade Sizes
Using the wrong size wiper blades can absolutely cause skipping. If they’re too short, they won’t cover the whole windshield. If they’re too long, they might hit the edges of the windshield or each other. This can lead to uneven pressure, skipping, and even deform the wiper blades over time.
Solution: Check our site, your car’s manual, or ask at an auto parts store for the correct blade size. Replace your wipers with the right fit. Most vehicles need different sizes for the driver and passenger sides. If your vehicle has a rear wiper, confirm the correct size there and replace if needed.
4. Bent Wiper Arms
Wiper arms can bend from snow, ice, older automatic car washes, and rough handling. A bent arm won’t apply even pressure across the blade. This can cause skipping in certain spots on your windshield.
Solution: Carefully inspect your wiper arms. If they’re bent, try gently bending them back into shape but be careful not to break them. If the arms are severely bent, it’s best to replace the arms (it’s not that difficult in many cases), but if you’d rather have someone else do it, contact your mechanic or dealership.
5. Faulty Wiper Motor or Linkage
Sometimes, the problem lies deeper in the wiper system. A weak motor might not move the wipers fast enough. Worn linkage can cause jerky movements. Both can lead to skipping.
Solution: In most cases, this is a job best left for the pros. Take your car to a mechanic if you suspect motor or linkage issues. They can diagnose and fix the problem correctly.
6. Extreme Weather Conditions
Very hot or cold weather can affect wiper performance. Heat can soften the rubber, while cold can make it stiff and brittle. Both can lead to skipping. This helps explain why drivers living in states like Arizona and Michigan may need to replace their wiper blades a bit more often than those in milder climates.
Solution: In hot weather, park in your garage or a shaded area when possible. In winter, clear ice and snow from your windshield before using wipers. Consider using winter-specific wiper blades during cold months.
Diagnosing the Issue
To find the cause of skipping, start with a visual check.
- Look at your wiper blades for wear or damage.
- Check if they’re the right size.
- Inspect the wiper arms for bends.
- Clean your windshield thoroughly.
If these steps don’t solve the problem, listen to your wipers. A chattering sound often means worn blades. A grinding noise could indicate a motor or linkage issue.
For tougher problems, you might need a few tools. A flashlight can help you see wear on the blades. A ruler can check if your blades are the right size.
Preventive Maintenance
- Regular checks can prevent wiper skipping. Make it a goal to inspect your wipers monthly; it only takes seconds. A good time to do so is while filling up at the gas station. Look for cracks, splits, or missing pieces in the rubber.
- Clean your windshield weekly with glass cleaner to remove any dirt and grime that can cause skipping. Foam cleaners such as Invisible Glass or Sprayway are my favorites but good ‘ol Windex works also.
- Replace your wiper blades every 6 to 12 months. If you live in a harsh climate, you might need to do this more often. When you get an oil change, ask the mechanic to check your wipers too.
- In winter, consider lifting your wipers off the windshield when parking outside. This stops them from freezing to the glass. In summer, try to park in your garage or a shaded area whenever possible as this helps protect the rubber from heat damage.
When to Get Professional Help
Sometimes, DIY fixes aren’t enough. If you’ve tried replacing the blades and cleaning the windshield but still have issues, it’s time to see a pro. Other signs you need expert help:
- Your wipers move erratically or at odd speeds
- You hear grinding noises when the wipers move
- The wipers won’t turn off
- The wipers stop working altogether
A mechanic can spot problems you might miss. They have tools to check the motor and linkage. They can also make sure your wiper system is working safely.
How Vehicle Type Affects Wiper Skipping
Different vehicles have different wiper needs. A small car might use shorter blades than an SUV, while trucks often have larger windshields that need much longer wipers.
Curved windshields, common in newer cars, need specific blade types. These “beam” style blades conform better to the curve. Using the wrong type can lead to skipping.
Some vehicles have a third, smaller wiper for the rear window. This wiper can skip too. In most cases, this blade will be much smaller than the front wipers.