Windscreen Wipers

[PoloGTI14]

My windscreen wipers were "non-functioning" when my car was delivered, they didn't move when you used the steering wheel stalk, I was told it could not be a fault prior to delivery as one of the many pre-delivery tasks was to replace the "transport" wiper blades on the car with vastly superior blades with a silicon edge and then test the wipers. After VW managed to get my wipers "operational", the stalk wiring was not even connected, I must say they are some of the best blades I have ever had on a car. Maybe you have the non-silicone blades?

Or maybe it is the windscreen washer additive or lack of?

[nomadx38]

I think the additive can also be supplied as a powder in a sachet. I don't see why it couldn't be supplied as a pre-mix as well, I would guess the different forms would effect concentration, cubes been the best and pre-mix the worst.

All I know is that VW use an approved ammonia additive which they (should) use on all their cars.

[Hillbilly]

What washer additive do you use?

I dont use any it was filled at the last service and has done it since the day we bought it but I forgot to ask about it so a bit late 2 years later It doesnt rain in Brissy so much anyway luckily.

It isnt so bad if I spray the screen its when its raining that they judder and jump. Not so much squeaking.

Its like the blade doesnt roll over at the bottom end of the sweep and then judders till it gets to the top.
Drives me mad.

[alexaescht]

I think the additive can also be supplied as a powder in a sachet. I don't see why it couldn't be supplied as a pre-mix as well, I would guess the different forms would effect concentration, cubes been the best and pre-mix the worst.

All I know is that VW use an approved ammonia additive which they (should) use on all their cars.

Yes, that additive should always be used (its very good stuff in any car btw)
But maybe lemonskin is using a different additive for some reason – I tried some RainX on the Megane once and the wipers wouldn't stop squeaking and skipping.
Emptied the RainX, filled with water + VW stuff, all quiet and good again.

Maybe if you're having problems try the VW stuff, I think it's around $11 for a 1 litre bottle (you use 1-3 capfuls for every tank). It does say in the owners manual that you should/must use it.

[gavs]

When it comes to wiper blades, the absolute best material is 100% natural rubber, silicone being one o the worst.

RainX provides a hydrophobic film on the glass which makes the water bead and sling off, however this makes most wiper blades far less effective at the same time.

To get the best performance out of wipers, I'd try this.

1) buy some Mint APC (All Purpose Cleaner) and dilute a little to degreaser levels. Wash your entire car and let dry.

2) grab a clay bar kit and clay bar the windscreen, it's not only paintwork that gets issues with grime buildup!

3) rinse to wash off your clay lube then dry, then spray with the APC. This will break down any residual greases and oils on the surface. Let it dwell for as long as possible, agitate it a bit and then rinse.

4) go to your local VW stealer and get replacement rubber blades. They will hurt with the price but they are natural rubber.

The reason natural rubber is good is because it's self lubricating, it provides it's own waxy layer across the blade edge to help pull the water away without juddering. You can tell if they are natural rubber by running your finger along the blade, there should be a whitish substance on it that forms into a little ball as you rub it, that is the natural wax in the rubber coming out.

If that doesn't work, your arms might not have the right tension on them...

[ill0gitech]

+1 to the OEMs. Best wipers I've had on any car, and it's not just the additives.
I'll gladly let VW bend me over when they need replacing.

[Lemonskin]

What do you mean "not flash"

The OEM wiper blades are some, if not the best I have ever seen on any car in my life. No sqeeking, skipping nor does it leave any residue, with a perfect wipe everytime without any amount of water volume or wind speed effecting it.

Mine I find leave water streaks, both front and back windows.

[Lemonskin]

Yes, that additive should always be used (its very good stuff in any car btw)
But maybe lemonskin is using a different additive for some reason – I tried some RainX on the Megane once and the wipers wouldn't stop squeaking and skipping.
Emptied the RainX, filled with water + VW stuff, all quiet and good again.

Maybe if you're having problems try the VW stuff, I think it's around $11 for a 1 litre bottle (you use 1-3 capfuls for every tank). It does say in the owners manual that you should/must use it.

Maybe this is my problem... I don't really use any windscreen wiper additive at all? Just water... However I did this with my old Commodore and it was never a problem.

[Hillbilly]

Mine I find leave water streaks, both front and back windows.

Give them a clean then They get dust and stuff along the edges and then ride over it when sweeping Always pull mine up and run a wet cloth along blades when washing car.

Even then the Polo ones are still terrible

[nomadx38]

Agreed, everytime you clean the car make sure you clean the rubbers. Like anything on the outside of a car, they become dirty with dirt (which turns to a hard mud when it gets wet) which sit on the edges of the rubber, thus leaving watermarks. I have been doing it since day one and they are still like brand new.