Windshield light streaking driver side?

Tiny
ALYLAROSA485
  • MEMBER
  • 2025 KIA FORTE
  • 1,200 MILES
I have noticed with some light downpour or condensation on my windshield there’s light streaking on the driver side as you can kind of see in the close up picture below. However if I pour water directly on my windshield or do a co wiper fluid spray the wipe seems more seamless and less streaky, is this a matter of dirty windshield or wipers or time to replace? Previously had inspection in January and they marked wipers as good so not sure if it’s worth getting new or if it’s just simply dirt buildup
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Tuesday, April 7th, 2026 AT 4:13 PM

9 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 55,450 POSTS
Yep, I would clean the windshield and the wiper first and if that does not fix it install new wipers. Let me know how it goes. This video can help as well

https://youtu.be/w0I-obFmADE?si=VKav16SPpR1OAAr2

Please go over this guide and get back to us.
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Wednesday, April 8th, 2026 AT 10:01 AM
Tiny
ALYLAROSA485
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Okay I will give it a try! Question if the wipers only smear with light rain or condensation but not if I pour water directly on the windshield, does that just indicate dirty wipers rather than ones that need replacing?
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Friday, April 10th, 2026 AT 8:39 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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Yes it could be dirty wipers I would trey cleaning them first then if that doesn't help I would replace them.
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Friday, April 10th, 2026 AT 8:55 AM
Tiny
ALYLAROSA485
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Okay would you recommend frameless trico blades or framed blades for Florida climate?
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Friday, April 10th, 2026 AT 9:06 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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You don't get to much snow or hail in Florida so either will work good for you.
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Saturday, April 11th, 2026 AT 7:42 AM
Tiny
ALYLAROSA485
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Ok and how often are we supposed to clean wipers? Forgive me for my stupidity but I thought wipers were cleaned with the wiper fluid and simultaneously cleaning the windshield too
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Saturday, April 11th, 2026 AT 11:09 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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They can get road grime on them so you can use a soap solution for the windshield and wiper to make sure they are clean. Let me know how it goes.
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Sunday, April 12th, 2026 AT 8:15 AM
Tiny
ALYLAROSA485
  • MEMBER
  • 186 POSTS
Hard to see but any idea what this splotch on the windshield is? Seems to still be there even after cleaning outside glass and after using wiper fluid. Seems like a glare
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Tuesday, April 14th, 2026 AT 1:13 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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It looks like the inside of the windshield needs to be cleaned as well.
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Wednesday, April 15th, 2026 AT 7:33 AM

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