Chronic windshield wiper "jumping/skipping" issue

[austin1346]

Since I've bought my car over a year ago I've been dealing with this weird issue where my windshield wipers jump/skip on the windshield in the rain, it makes driving during it almost unbearable. I've tried 3 brands of wipers and they all seem to produce the same problem.

Video of the issue: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Xto4mQ1DuJo

The wipers do this strange jumping/skipping thing on every return swipe when the windshield is just slightly wet or damp, like from a light mist rain. Interestingly, setting the wiper speed to maximum does not produce the issue.

I have tried Bosch Aerotwins, Valeo, and Original Audi wiper blades (twice). Unfortunately, the Bosch wipers made it worse, the Valeo's were fine for a few days and then caused the issue again, and the Audi Originals worked perfectly for a month and then fell victim to the same problem.

I have also tried Stoner's glass cleaner, NuFinish polish, Meguiar's polish, Rain-x, and using a clay bar. Stoner's invisible glass fixes it for about 1-2 days but the issue always returns.

Also, squirting some windshield washer fluid fixes it temporarily for a few swipes, but it comes back quickly.



Do I need a new windshield? Maybe my wiper arms, arm springs, or wiper motor is bad? Or maybe my windshield is just so dirty I need to use a razor blade or steel wool (is that safe?). I have had people tell me it might be too clean and the rubber wipers are sticking on.

I think I will try #0000 steel wool while lubricating with soapy water. If that ruins the windshield then I'll just get a new one I guess. I'm willing to try anything at this point.


Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated, thanks in advance for your help.