Windshield Wipers

[eqlso]

So last fall, I bought some reflex wipers from cdn tire. Had no problems with them so far. Recently, I noticed that they're stuttering a lot on the way downward. Its like its gripping too much and the motor doesn't have enough power. So instead of a smooth glide, the wipers jerk every inch or so until it goes all the way down. The wipers themselves feel fine, like the plastic hasn't harden or anything. Is this a sign to replace the wipers?

[Noisy Crow]

Probably. But also, your windshield does get pitted over time, which in turn takes a toll on the wiper blades.. Using one of the enhanced wiper fluid that leaves a smooth film on the windshield does help.

[PlatMS6]

Had the same happen with my Reflex, at the 8mos mark it got really bad with chattering.
Bought some Michelins (similar design) from Costco that cost less but are better built and have been great for almost a year.

[Donutz]

Yeah, same happened to me. I think it is an indication that it needs to be replaced. A good idea is to remove the gunk from your windshield when you replace the blades. I also use RainX window treatment which seems to help.

[All-Star]

This might not be your problem, but here was my case:

I bought my car used and I noticed that the passenger side wiper would always stutter/skip/jump on the way down. I went out and bought a pair of Viewmax wipers since I thought the old ones sucked. When I replaced them and tried them, to my surprise the right wiper still skipped! I examined it closer and noticed that the wiper sat on the glass at an obtuse angle. This angle didn't affect the upward wipe, only the downward. What I did to fix it was grab two adjustable pliers or wrenches and twist the wiper arm so that the wiper sat pretty much 90 degrees / perpendicular to the glass. No more noise, skipping and streaks. :)

[eqlso]

Hmm I always thought reflex was quality stuff since its more expensive than everything else. Everytime I used the washer fluid, it would stop skipping for about 5-6 swipes, and then it would start skipping again.

I'll try cleaning my windshield and blades again and see if that helps out.

I mainly have skipping on my driver side and less on the passenger side.

[Scottobot]

My uncle swears by those Michelin wipers from Costco. I put them on my wife's car several months ago and they work very nicely. Probably the best wipers I've used. I usually have terrible luck with windshield wipers.

[mit-gee-mui]

Unfortunately the problem in the first post is fairly common, and certain blades just prolong the time it takes for it to occur, or re-occur, or re-re-occur. :complain My white hatch does this all the time. :bang My lovely blue sedan, not so much.

Anyway, here are some links showing the same issue with other members' cars.
http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=13020&highlight=reflex+stutter%2A (http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=13020&highlight=reflex+stutter%2A) starts around post 7
http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=21017&highlight=reflex+chatter (http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=21017&highlight=reflex+chatter)
http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=13948&highlight=reflex around post 11
http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=12009&highlight=reflex


The reflex blades have been hit-and-miss for those who have purchased them on this board. Some don't have problems, some have problems later, and some have problems from the start. Personally, mine worked fine (i.e. streak/chatter/etc. free --> perfect strokes every time) for maybe 3 months, and then after, they started acting very moody (i.e. sometimes perfect strokes, sometimes streaking/chattering/etc.ing).

[All-Star]

Everytime I used the washer fluid, it would stop skipping for about 5-6 swipes, and then it would start skipping again.

Ya, makes sense if there's enough liquid on on the windshield.


I mainly have skipping on my driver side and less on the passenger side.

Again, double check the angle at which the blades are sitting on the windshield.

[jeffcor]

Hello everyone,

I just purchased a 08.5 GT Sport LP about 4 weeks ago. When we purchased it we had the Aquapel treatment done to the windshield, which absolutely love and would recommend, however when i use the wipers they stutter pretty consitently on the up stroke no matter how much water is on the windshield or even after using them for 30 mins straight. I have already had the dealership change them once, but I am wondering if it's better to just go buy better ones? I don't think the Aquapel would be causing this and by the comments on this forum i think it's an issue with the wiper blades themselves. Any other thoughts? Thanks.

By the way, i live in Vancouver, and it rains quite a bit, so this is going to be a problem when September rolls around...

Jeff

[06Touring3]

doesn't hurt to try new blades

[Nick]

think rain x would help out a bit? it might or might not help with the glide of the wiper...