Windshield wiper center no-contact issue

[Cpt. Picard]

Driving in a windy condition today, 20-30mph headwinds, and some issues came up with the wiper that I hadn’t seen before.

The center arches up and does not maintain contact with the glass, causing a problem with the windshield not getting wiped in the center.

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[Cpt. Picard]

Here is what happens if the windshield is not wet enough. The arch in the middle creates too much friction at the tip, causing the blade to flip on itself.

 

[Jhodgesatmb]

:-(

 

[CyberGus]

I initially had the "mid-BAW smear" but it diminished over time.

Also, I treated the windscreen with RainX, which cuts friction significantly.

 

[Cpt. Picard]

I initially had the "mid-BAW smear" but it diminished over time.

Also, I treated the windscreen with RainX, which cuts friction significantly.

Did you do something to the blade, or does it just need some time to wear out at the tips? In any case it shouldn’t come out of the factory with this issue.

 

[tmeyer3]

Oh yeah, this is classic new wiper friction issues. Your glass is too clean and the wiper is too new. I second the rainx recommendation from @CyberGus .

I had this issue recently on my bmw when I got a new windshield. It didn't flip like that, but it did pull the blades weird and fail to wipe. But they also aren't 4' long. The Safelite guy said to try not to run the wipers dry, especially when new. Does this happen in the rain also?

 

[CyberGus]

Did you do something to the blade, or does it just need some time to wear out at the tips? In any case it shouldn’t come out of the factory with this issue.

I made no blade modifications, it simply stopped. ?‍

The RainX probably helps?

 

[tmeyer3]

I made no blade modifications, it simply stopped. ?‍

The RainX probably helps?

Well rainx adds a hydrophobic layer, so it should help at least with how often you need the wipers at a minimum ?

 

[HaulingAss]

I'm impressed with the wiping action of the big-ass wiper. I've had many opportunities to use it and I haven't seen anything amiss, even when the windshield was dry.

 

[mbrockus]

I'm impressed with the wiping action of the big-ass wiper. I've had many opportunities to use it and I haven't seen anything amiss, even when the windshield was dry.

This past week when we had that hard rain the wipers did a solid job. Rain X certainly helps.

 

[Jackson0810]

I recall reading in the Model 3/Y manual that Tesla specifically said not to use Rain-X. Not sure if it’s still the case though.

 

[Stuck4ger]

I recall reading in the Model 3/Y manual that Tesla specifically said not to use Rain-X. Not sure if it’s still the case though.

yep, that's the official Tesla position but I've yet to see anyone say they used Rain-X on their Tesla windshield and regretted it. I hope they'd speak up now, if that was the case.

 

[Jackson0810]

yep, that's the official Tesla position but I've yet to see anyone say they used Rain-X on their Tesla windshield and regretted it. I hope they'd speak up now, if that was the case.

I’ve actually used it on my 3/Y/CT but avoided the camera area. Haven’t had any issues.

 

[jf64k]

I recall reading in the Model 3/Y manual that Tesla specifically said not to use Rain-X. Not sure if it’s still the case though.

The CT Owners Manual mentions “hydrophobic coatings”:

To add a hydrophobic coating to your vehicle's windows, apply the coating only to the side and rear windows, not the front windshield—doing so may affect the visibility of the autopilot cameras. Follow the hydrophobic coating manufacturer’s instructions for application details.

https://www.tesla.com/ownersmanual/...C1F-86F2-44E8-A8BC-8A12E7E00A40.html#D1E15976

The concern from Tesla is the AP cameras. If one were to avoid coating that area, seems like it’s ok??

 

[Jackson0810]

The CT Owners Manual mentions “hydrophobic coatings”:



https://www.tesla.com/ownersmanual/...C1F-86F2-44E8-A8BC-8A12E7E00A40.html#D1E15976

The concern from Tesla is the AP cameras. If one were to avoid coating that area, seems like it’s ok??

my thoughts exactly

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