Windshield wipers/washer
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 81
Likes: 14
From: Farmington, Ct.
Windshield wipers/washer
Just got a new replacement windshield installed on my 2011 F-150. A stone chip caused a spider crack that grew to over a foot long. It brought to my attention that although the old windshield was in good shape before the stone chip, there were thousands of what I call "micro scratches" in it... A comparison to the new one revealed. Those scratches cause the windshield to "white out" when the sun hits it just right, in some cases cause motorists to slow way down because they can't see, causing backups or worse on the interstates. Given this problem, and knowing that windshield glass is a "soft" glass, prone to scratches, I cringe every time I engage the windshield washer. Because the wiper blades do a half cycle, moving up my windshield BEFORE the washer motor sprays washer fluid on the window. I gotta figure I'm scratching the glass dragging a dry wiper blade over the dirt on the glass. So how to correct this? I haven't a clue. I didn't see any ability to adjust when the washer fluid hits the glass so I'm asking "Is there something I missed? Or is there an aftermarket fix?
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 339
Likes: 93
Just got a new replacement windshield installed on my 2011 F-150. A stone chip caused a spider crack that grew to over a foot long. It brought to my attention that although the old windshield was in good shape before the stone chip, there were thousands of what I call "micro scratches" in it... A comparison to the new one revealed. Those scratches cause the windshield to "white out" when the sun hits it just right, in some cases cause motorists to slow way down because they can't see, causing backups or worse on the interstates. Given this problem, and knowing that windshield glass is a "soft" glass, prone to scratches, I cringe every time I engage the windshield washer. Because the wiper blades do a half cycle, moving up my windshield BEFORE the washer motor sprays washer fluid on the window. I gotta figure I'm scratching the glass dragging a dry wiper blade over the dirt on the glass. So how to correct this? I haven't a clue. I didn't see any ability to adjust when the washer fluid hits the glass so I'm asking "Is there something I missed? Or is there an aftermarket fix?
You are paranoid and/or may have some kind of obsessive compulsive disorder.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 218
Likes: 53
From: New Jersey
You could wire an independent switch to activate the washer pump if it really bothers you that much.
Or you could live with it, the windshields aren't made out of soft glass. A soft rubber wiper blade will not scratch it if moved across it dry for half a second
Or you could live with it, the windshields aren't made out of soft glass. A soft rubber wiper blade will not scratch it if moved across it dry for half a second
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 549
Likes: 141
From: Coastal NC
Every time I get gas & wipe my windshield, I also flip the squeegee over, lift the arm up a bit and give the blades a good scrubbing, too.
A paper towel soaked with Windex works well, too, to keep the blade clean(er).
Windshields aren't made to last forever. If they get that frosted with pitting, etc. you should be able to get a replacement if you have 'comprehensive' insurance.
A paper towel soaked with Windex works well, too, to keep the blade clean(er).
Windshields aren't made to last forever. If they get that frosted with pitting, etc. you should be able to get a replacement if you have 'comprehensive' insurance.