How to Temporarily Fix Windscreen Wipers

Rain can arrive at the most inconvenient times, and a faulty wiper can turn a short drive into a stressful ordeal. While replacing blades or the whole system is the long-term solution, there are several ways to temporarily restore performance, clear your view, and improve safety until proper windscreen wipers replacement can be done.

This guide provides practical, safe methods Aussie drivers can use to temporarily fix windscreen wiper blades and maintain a functional wiper windscreen setup in urgent situations.

Why Wipers Fail Suddenly

Unexpected failure often occurs due to the combination of Australia’s harsh climate and normal wear.

Common causes:

• Rubber splitting or cracking from sun exposure

• Loose or misaligned arms

• Dust, sand, or grit trapped on the blade

• Debris like tree sap or leaves

• Washer fluid blockages

Being able to identify the cause helps determine which temporary fix will work best.

Signs You Need a Temporary Fix

• Streaking or skipping

• Skipping at high speeds

• Squeaking noises

• Lifting at the edges of the screen

• Partial cleaning of the windscreen

These issues often don’t require immediate replacement and can be managed temporarily.

Quick Cleaning for Immediate Improvement

One of the simplest temporary fixes is a thorough cleaning.

Steps:

• Wash windscreen with glass cleaner

• Wipe blades with a damp cloth

• Remove visible debris from rubber and frame

This reduces streaking and improves contact with the wiper windscreen.

Tighten or Adjust Wiper Arms

Loose arms cause skipping and uneven wiping.

How to adjust:

• Lift the arm carefully from the screen

• Check the base nut or bolt

• Tighten slightly without overdoing it

• Ensure the blade sits flush against the glass

A small adjustment can restore proper performance temporarily.

Temporary Rubber Fixes

If the rubber is slightly hardened but not cracked:

• Use a damp cloth with mild soap to clean

• Apply a light coat of rubber conditioner or glycerine

• Run blades across a clean wet screen to smooth edges

This can soften the rubber enough to improve wiping for short-term use.

Improvised Pressure Solutions

Sometimes blades lift at high speeds. Temporary pressure fixes include:

• Placing a folded cloth between the blade and arm joint to increase tension

• Adjusting the arm slightly to increase contact

These solutions are only for short drives and should be removed once a permanent fix is available.

Temporary Washer Fluid Solutions

If poor fluid flow causes streaks:

• Check for blockages in the jets and clear with a pin

• Fill the reservoir with quality washer fluid

• Avoid using plain water, which leaves film

Proper fluid improves immediate cleaning and reduces blade wear.

When Temporary Fixes Aren’t Enough

Even with temporary adjustments, windscreen wipers replacement may be inevitable. Replace blades if:

• Rubber is cracked, frayed, or hardened

• Frames are bent or rusted

• Blade fails to maintain contact after adjustments

Australian conditions often limit blade life to 6–12 months, making timely replacement essential.

Choosing Replacement Blades

If temporary fixes fail, pick the right windscreen wiper blades:

• Conventional: affordable and basic

• Beam: even pressure and quieter

• Hybrid: stylish, durable, and effective

Check sizes in the car manual and consider quality over cost for better performance.

Maintenance Tips to Avoid Frequent Fixes

• Clean blades monthly

• Wash windscreen weekly

• Inspect arm tension quarterly

• Apply rubber conditioner periodically

• Replace blades at first sign of wear

• Park in shade when possible

Regular maintenance reduces the need for emergency fixes and prolongs life of the wiper windscreen system.

Real-Life Example

A Perth commuter noticed streaking during a sudden rain shower. Instead of stopping the journey, they wiped the blades with a damp cloth, adjusted the arm tension slightly, and cleared the washer jets. The temporary fixes allowed clear visibility for the drive home. Full replacement was scheduled for the next day.

Step-by-Step Quick Visual Guide Clean → Adjust → Condition → Test → Replace Later

Think of it like temporarily patching a tyre—effective for short-term use but not permanent.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Running dry blades on a dusty screen

• Over-tightening arm nuts

• Using harsh chemicals on rubber

• Ignoring small cracks that can worsen

• Skipping temporary adjustments in urgent situations

Addressing issues immediately, even temporarily, prevents accidents and further damage.

Final Thoughts

Temporary fixes for windscreen wipers can keep you safe during sudden weather events. Simple cleaning, minor adjustments, and rubber conditioning improve performance until proper windscreen wipers replacement can be performed. With quality windscreen wiper blades and a well-maintained wiper windscreen setup, Aussie drivers can maintain clear visibility and safer driving in all conditions.

FAQs

1. How long do temporary fixes last?

Temporary fixes generally last a few days or until you can replace or fully service the blades.

2. Can I drive safely with temporary adjustments?

Yes, but always drive cautiously and avoid heavy rain or high-speed conditions until proper windscreen wipers replacement.

3. When should I stop using temporary fixes?

If streaking, skipping, or lifting persists despite adjustments, it’s time to replace the blades to ensure safety.