Windshield Wipers

Sean3565 · October 6, 2016

I spoke to my dealership a couple of weeks ago about a problem I am having with my wipers that has been there since the truck was new and seems to be getting worse (the truck has 4000 miles on it now). The wipers jump and skip terribly, to the point that it seems that if I continue to use them it may cause damage to the wiper mechanics. It is to the point that when it does rain and I absolutely need to run the wipers I would use the windshield washer to quieten the wipers. this seemed to help a little for maybe a mile of so, (I am thinking this is due to the soap in the washer fluid lubricating the windshield). Anyway the guy that I talked to at the dealership told me to try cleaning the wiper blades with window cleaner, which I did and it did not seem to help. He told me that if that didn't help to stop by when I am in the area and he would look further into it. I was off work today and anticipating heavy rain this weekend from hurricane Matthew I decided to take my truck in and get this taken care of. Upon my arrival the service writer met me at my vehicle and asked what he could do for me. I told him that I had spoken to someone about my problem and they had asked me to bring it in when I was in the area. I explained to him what the problem was and his response to me was "all we can do is replace the wiper blades, if that doesn't help there is nothing else we can do for it" At this point he had not even observed how bad the wipers are jumping. He then asked do you have 1 1/2 hours to wait on it? I'm thinking, he already told me that all he can do is replace the wiper blades and he is telling me it is going to be 1 1/2 hours for that! Anyway, after waiting on the truck some kid comes to get me in the waiting area and tells me that they do not have the wiper blades in stock and they will be here tomorrow. I know that a dealership should not be judged by the actions of one person but for what I paid for this truck I should be treated as if I were at the BMW dealership down the street. When I take my wife's BMW in for service those people treat their customers like royalty. I love my truck and I have had zero problems with it other than the wipers. I do not feel like I am asking for anything extraordinary, but I did pay good money for this truck and I expect things to work like they are supposed to and when the do not they should be taken care of without any attitude from anyone. With all of that being said, have any of you here had any problems with your wipers jumping and skipping?

CueBaller · October 6, 2016

I got a recall notice a week or two after I bought my 2016 silverado (couple months ago) that had to do with the wipers. It said no action at this point, I'd be notified when the dealer was ready to do the fix... don't recall exactly what it was for, though.

Might be what's causing your issue?

Silvern Sentry · October 6, 2016

You should be taking a video of it OP.

Your description makes it sound like it is just sticking to the windshield like using it when dry or something.

I would suggest scrubbing and also claybar the windshield. the glass should be perfectly smooth so if you have some sticky film or shit on it it might cause that. Its not like the wiper motor is gone by your description.

Andy Seibel · October 6, 2016

Alpine, I was about to say the same thing. Make sure there's no wax, tar, tree sap, bird crap, or anything else on the glass. There's no reason the wipers should be jumping and skipping on clean wet glass.

LongrangeLauber · October 7, 2016

Yup, clean the window real good. Rain X has a product you use previous to applying the actual rain x beading solution, it is slightly gritty almost like pumice soap but not as bad. Use that to clean the glass real well then put some rain x on that bad boy. I also had a similar issue, maybe not as bad as yours, but mine would stick and chatter. Once I cleaned the windshield and applied rain x I got a set of Michelin hybrid wipers and haven't had an issue since. Best $25 I've spent on the truck. Rain x is one of the best and cheapest "mods" you can do for a vehicle, with no ill effect at that!!

OldBlue61 · October 7, 2016

Yup, clean the window real good. Rain X has a product you use previous to applying the actual rain x beading solution, it is slightly gritty almost like pumice soap but not as bad. Use that to clean the glass real well then put some rain x on that bad boy. I also had a similar issue, maybe not as bad as yours, but mine would stick and chatter. Once I cleaned the windshield and applied rain x I got a set of Michelin hybrid wipers and haven't had an issue since. Best $25 I've spent on the truck. Rain x is one of the best and cheapest "mods" you can do for a vehicle, with no ill effect at that!!

I had the same problem of the blades jumping and skipping. An application of Rain-X and it's gone.

Silverado Steve · October 7, 2016

The OEM blades aren't very good. Many people have replaced their original blades due to chirping, skipping, streaking with Bosch Ivon blades with great results. Another issue is the shape of the windshield.

Donstar · October 7, 2016

It sounds like some good advice with regards to cleaning your windshield, Parking under or near certain trees can make for very sticky windshields! I would also try a fresh set of wiper blades. I tried the Costco Michelin blades on my last truck and they would squawk and complain except in the heaviest of downpours! I switched them for a fresh set from gm and these worked well. I also hold off turning on my wipers for as long as practical when it first starts to rain. This makes for less resistance for your wipers. I doubt there is anything wrong with your truck or the design of the windshield. With some inexpensive experiments you will find a solution!

Silvern Sentry · October 7, 2016

The OEM blades aren't very good. Many people have replaced their original blades due to chirping, skipping, streaking with Bosch Ivon blades with great results. Another issue is the shape of the windshield.

I found the OEM ones decent and have not replaced them yet which is actually saying something because on my previous vehicles I would replace them right away.

NoProblem · October 7, 2016

Bosch ICON wiper blades. I suffered for over a year with OEM blades which worked fine at first but quickly turned into junk.

I put on the Bosch ICONs and now smoooooooth as silk, no streak and quiet wet or dry.

BigBadSierra · October 7, 2016

The factory Blades are garbage the first rain storm we had after I bought the 2014 I stopped right away and bought new ones.

The 2016 does seem to have better ones no issues so far.

Sean3565 · October 7, 2016

My dealership called me this morning and told me that the new wiper blades were in and I could come get them when I was ready. So I went in and had them installed and now everything is quiet and smooth as it should be. The new blades that they installed appear to be different than the old ones. I wonder if they have changed design recently..... My truck was built in March of 2016. If these start to skip and jump I will just go buy some high quality blades myself rather than deal with the hassles of going back to the dealership.