Toyota Corolla Water Streaks on Windshield After Rain – Is This Normal?

It sounds like the streaks youre seeing could be due to a couple of factors related to either the wiper blades, the windshield, o r even the type of wiper fluid youre using. Here are a few possible causes and solutions:

Windshield Residue: Sometimes, rainwater can leave behind mineral deposits, especially if youre driving in areas with hard water. These deposits may leave streaks when they dry. A good way to remove this residue is by cleaning the windshield with a mixture of vinegar and water about 50/50 o r using a dedicated glass cleaner that targets hard water spots. After cleaning, be sure to wipe it down with a clean microfiber cloth.

Wiper Blade Condition: Even if the wiper blades appear fine, they may have accumulated grime o r wear over time. Old o r damaged wiper blades often leave streaks behind, especially after a rain. Try wiping the rubber part of the wipers with rubbing alcohol to remove built-up dirt and grime. If the streaking continues, it might be time to replace the wiper blades.

Wiper Fluid: If youre using a cheaper o r older wiper fluid, it might not be effective at cleaning the windshield, and it could leave behind residue. Try switching to a higher-quality wiper fluid o r a specific brand designed for removing hard water spots. Some brands even include additives to prevent streaking.

Wiper Arm Pressure: If the wiper arms aren’t applying even pressure across the windshield, they may not clean the glass properly, leading to streaking. Check if the wiper blades are making full contact with the windshield. If not, you might need to adjust the wiper arms o r replace them if the springs have lost their tension.

Rain Repellent Coatings: If youve applied a rain repellent treatment like Rain-X to the windshield, it could cause streaks as the water beads up. The residue left from the treatment can also cause streaking after rain. In this case, try wiping the windshield with a glass cleaner specifically designed to remove coatings like Rain-X o r use rubbing alcohol to remove the buildup.

Hopefully, one of these solutions clears up the streaking issue. Let me know if you have any other questions!