Windshield and wiper issue - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

BauhnBuster · #1 03-17-2004, 07:35 PM

Hey everybody! I have a question that should be easy to solve but it hasn't been. Any tricks or ideas would be great......

My windshield has a film on it that wipes all blurry in the up position and clears it in the down position. I have had a new wiper installed and cleaned the windshield with a glass cleaner. I use regular washer fluid with the teflon in it. It was doing this before as well (thought the tedlon stuff might help). It is hard to see in the rain and when I do a mist, it leaves an ugly film that disappears. I did a search on wipers and found out very little about my issue. The fluid should no be a big deal and my wiper is new. TIA. Cheers!

Shaun

manny · #2 03-17-2004, 08:50 PM

First thing you can do is take the Teflon Fluid, and throw it as far as you can.
I've heard Canadian Tire is being sued about this crap ( believe it has a tendency to remove or damage paint on some vehicles ).
Secondly, to remove a real stubborn build-up of road dirt, get some BonAmi cleaner, wet the windshield & scrub the living daylights out of it.
Last but not least, make sure you buy a top quality windshield wiper blade.
I buy wiper refills at my M-B dealer for about $ 10.00.
They work very well, but I still like to change them twice a year.

Kestas · #3 03-17-2004, 09:21 PM

It also helps to maintain the blade by removing it and cleaning the edge with alcohol periodically.

MTI · #4 03-17-2004, 09:26 PM

alcohol on rubber is probably not a good idea

Kestas · #5 03-17-2004, 10:09 PM

Why not?... Isn't that what's used in windshield washer fluid?

BauhnBuster · #6 03-17-2004, 10:32 PM

I gues I should give the window a real clean, not just a spray on and wipe. The wiper I guess should be cleaned as well. As manny says, I will not use the washer fluid from Crappy Tire.

So no alchohol on the blade? Yes? There has got to be something that can clean the wiper. The wiper is only 1 month old from Mercedes.

Shaun

PaulH · #7 03-17-2004, 11:32 PM

I only clean my wipers with the same stuff that I clean my car with-Turtle Wax (ZIP) car wash. Every 2-3 months or so, I put some Armor All (or similar) on the rubber blades and wipe off the excess after about a minute. AND, the wiper blade inserts are over 10 YEARS OLD! I check them every week, worried that they are dried out. But they look great. The 300SDL is garage kept, sits in the sun during the day, and has only about 72,000 miles on it. As of today, they worked great in the rain and a little sleet. A car guy at work can't believe it. I can't believe it. But, it's true. I bought inserts from the dealer about 7 years ago, but have not needed to change them. My replacement inserts sit on my garage shelf getting brown from oxidation. I do not suggest this to anyone, but it works for me. Also, maybe the car wash coats the glass. All I know is that I don't have to wax the car much, either, and I have a great (not perfect) finish on the car.

MTI · #8 03-18-2004, 01:45 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Kestas
Why not?... Isn't that what's used in windshield washer fluid?

The "active" ingredient in washer fluids is methanol (methyl alcohol, better known as wood alcohol. It's chosen for it's solvent properties and quick drying . . . of the windsheild . . ., not the rubber parts of the wiper blade or the rubber seals of your windshield. The drying properties of the methanol promote the cracking and deterioration of the wiper blades, which are replaceable, but with the proper cleaning with a non-greasy cleaner, could last a lot longer.

BauhnBuster · #9 03-18-2004, 11:19 PM

I cleaned the wiper with a soapy cleaner and made sure it was done well. It streaks a little now (much less) so maybe there is more to be done. I will tackle the window and get it really clean and see if this helps. I really think some sort of gunk like manny said is on there and it needs a little elbow grease. PaulH, I have heard about using very little armour all on wipers. It keeps them soft but if you use too much or don't get it all off, it will give you the "rainbow" streak. Obviously it has worked for you. Nice work!

Shaun

Evan · #10 03-18-2004, 11:40 PM

I have always cleaned my wiper blades with alcohol.... its very thin gets out all the grit quickly and evaporates quickly,, it hasent hurt the rubber on my inserts at all.. works like a dream...

As prior posted... Bon Amis Work fantastic on your windshield..

BauhnBuster · #11 03-19-2004, 04:21 PM

Great replies and great help. Take care and have a great weekend

Shaun