Simple automatic wiper fix

[Nano]

I have a 23 R1S with 35k miles and live in the rainy PNW. This fall as the rain came my automatic wipers would frequently jump to max speed even if it wasn’t raining hard. It was super annoying!!

I thought it must be an update bug or bad sensor and then thought I still have the OEM wipers which were streaking so I bought a pair from Otto.

Super easy to change them out and it fixed my issue! I love it when the fixes are this simple.

Another wiper hack I use is putting rubbing alcohol on a paper towel and running it down the wiper blade. It will clean it and make it work like new much of the time. That and HUGE fan of aquapel treatment each year for all my cars.

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[VandalSibs]

The automatic wipers do have multiple levels of 'automatic-ness' (for lack of a better term). What was yours set it?

 

[tragicmonkey049]

I will try your alcohol trick, and then try replacing my wipers.

I drive in the PNW a lot also. My 2023 Gen 1 R1S has the following 3 levels of windshield wiper 'automatic-ness' : 3-bars = Automatically wipe 3 seconds after visibility is completely lost due to rain accumulation; 2-bars = automatically wipe exceedingly fast for 2 minutes, making accelerator pedal shake, then stop wiping even though rain accumulation has not changed; 1-bar = automatically wipe 1 time and then ignore further rain accumulation. Even with old & streaky wiper blades, my 2019 Prius did a much better job of automatically wiping.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

Yes, blades need to be cleaned periodically to maintain best performance. And "old" blades that aren't too far gone can be trimmed to extend service life. You can find the trimmers at auto parts store or online/Amazon. And some popular windshield treatments are actually bad for rubber blades (like Rain-X). Hard blades aren't compliant and will streak and skip. And if you'd rather not replace the entire front blade assemblies, the rubber blades can be refilled. Example: From your local Mazda dealership parts counter, parts BBP2-67-333 and BHS3-67-333. The factory blade frames can be rejuvenated to look new again with Cerakote's Trim Coat.

 

[MountainBikeDude]

I have a 23 R1S with 35k miles and live in the rainy PNW. This fall as the rain came my automatic wipers would frequently jump to max speed even if it wasn’t raining hard. It was super annoying!!

I thought it must be an update bug or bad sensor and then thought I still have the OEM wipers which were streaking so I bought a pair from Otto.

Super easy to change them out and it fixed my issue! I love it when the fixes are this simple.

Another wiper hack I use is putting rubbing alcohol on a paper towel and running it down the wiper blade. It will clean it and make it work like new much of the time. That and HUGE fan of aquapel treatment each year for all my cars.

I was at my house this weekend and came across a brand new set of wiper blades I had bought for my Nissan Xterra, but forgot to give them to the guy that bought it from me. I brought them back with me in the off chance they are the same sizing etc. Turns out, exactly the same replacement sizing and set.

So if anyone out here has a set of Xterra wipers kicking around, Win win!

 

[Nano]

The automatic wipers do have multiple levels of 'automatic-ness' (for lack of a better term). What was yours set it?

Yes having the car for 2+ yrs in the PNW I know all the rain settings. =) it was set for the lowest setting on Auto and was still running like a bandit.

 

[VandalSibs]

Just wanted to check - it's the IT Tech in me. So many of the people I have to support either don't know about, or forget to check the features and settings that are available.

 

[Oldsmobile_Mike]

I bought the PIAA silicone blades May of last year and they're still working great. Pricey, but worth it, imo. Although I'm not in the PNW.

Amazon may say "these don't fit" but they do. At least, they fit my '23 R1T, LOL.

24": https://amzn.to/4plHEsx

18": https://amzn.to/3XA2iZQ

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

I bought the PIAA silicone blades May of last year and they're still working great. Pricey, but worth it, imo. Although I'm not in the PNW.

Amazon may say "these don't fit" but they do. At least, they fit my '23 R1T, LOL.

24": https://amzn.to/4plHEsx

18": https://amzn.to/3XA2iZQ

I almost went that route, but read silicon blades skip on windshield protection film (which I had at the time).

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