Using a smaller drivers side windshield wiper?

[Racerx22b]

I had chatter on mine (mainly drivers side) from the factory and applied Rain X in hopes of fixing the issue but it only worked for a few minutes then chattered horribly! I then tried wax and various other treatments and nothing worked for more than a few mins. I've used Rain X on every vehicle I've owned and it's never caused an issue (Wasn't aware of the owner manual stating not to do this). I also tried the Icon blades and some Rain X blades. Again, nothing worked. It was so intolerable my wife wanted to sell the car. Keep in mind, we live in Palm Beach so rain during a good portion of the year is nearly a daily activity and the blades dancing around the windshield are very distracting and very embarrassing in a $100k car. To make matters worse, we both travel for work and when we get in a Chevy Cruz and the wipers are flawless it just adds fuel to the fire.

Took it to SC and they replaced blades and claimed to resolve the matter. Again, worked for a few mins then chatter returned. Took it back to SC and they stripped the windshield of all treatments and claimed it was resolved again. I will say that it was much better but not resolved. And it appears in the process they damaged the finish of the windshield. I get really unusual streaking now, especially at sunrise/sunset when the dew is just starting to accumulate. Very disappointing.

I resorted to Auto Geek and asked their advice. They sounded certain that the SC damaged the windshield but suggested the product below. I applied it and the problem is now 95% resolved. The best it's ever been since taking delivery. Still not acceptable but we can live with it. I still haven't decided how to handle the damage to the windshield. I am afraid replacing it might cause another new issue but might not have a choice at some point if the finish gets even worse.

Has anyone replaced drivers side wiper blade with the next size smaller? I've thought about doing this.

DP High Performance Glass Restorer removes etched water spots from auto glass and restores perfect clarity. Apply with a polisher or applicator for

Jason

 

[Gizmotoy]

I wonder what they used to "strip the windshield of all treatments"? A mild diluted dish soap would have taken care of most of the things you mentioned, and wouldn't have done any damage (though would have removed wax from your metal panels in the process). Rain-X makes a remover, X-treme Clean, that will safely remove the silicone-based Rain-X. There's not really much excuse for screwing up the windshield. Perhaps they didn't damage the windshield, but did a really bad job of removing your treatments? In that case a proper clean might fully restore the windshield. You might try that X-treme Clean on top of what you've already used to make sure the Rain-X is truly gone completely.

I just use a glass-safe polish on mine: Zaino Z-CS Clear Seal. Works really well, but seems to get worn off by the windshield wipers after a few dozen rain drives. Might need something more durable for your situation.

The Model S is tricky. The springs holding the wipers to the window seem to be really weak compared to my other vehicles, which is probably why they're more prone to chatter.

 

[Racerx22b]

I wonder what they used to "strip the windshield of all treatments"? A mild diluted dish soap would have taken care of most of the things you mentioned, and wouldn't have done any damage (though would have removed wax from your metal panels in the process). Rain-X makes a remover, X-treme Clean, that will safely remove the silicone-based Rain-X. There's not really much excuse for screwing up the windshield. Perhaps they didn't damage the windshield, but did a really bad job of removing your treatments? In that case a proper clean might fully restore the windshield. You might try that X-treme Clean on top of what you've already used to make sure the Rain-X is truly gone completely.

I just use a glass-safe polish on mine: Zaino Z-CS Clear Seal. Works really well, but seems to get worn off by the windshield wipers after a few dozen rain drives. Might need something more durable for your situation.

The Model S is tricky. The springs holding the wipers to the window seem to be really weak compared to my other vehicles, which is probably why they're more prone to chatter.

My advisor stated they used a rotary tool and compound and had to perform this task several times to get the water to roll of the windshield in a "sheet" versus forming "droplets". I think they went to aggressive and damaged the finish of the windshield. When dry it looks perfectly fine. But when it's a little foggy or when you apply cleaner you see the streaking. It was never there before they did this work. Who knows? I'm dreading bringing this up with them.

Jason

 

[SabrToothSqrl]

I've had chatter after using RAIN-X on other vehicles, so skipped it on the Tesla. I also used high-end wipers...

More recently I went with cheaper wipers, and wouldn't you know it... no noise. Like 99-95% gone. I thought I was going to go nuts w/the chatter from the driver one when it reached the farthest left position...

I'll see if I can find the order. Some places list the passenger as 17", some 18". I have a 17 on now... 18 would have been fine.

 

[Gizmotoy]

My advisor stated they used a rotary tool and compound and had to perform this task several times to get the water to roll of the windshield in a "sheet" versus forming "droplets". I think they went to aggressive and damaged the finish of the windshield. When dry it looks perfectly fine. But when it's a little foggy or when you apply cleaner you see the streaking. It was never there before they did this work. Who knows? I'm dreading bringing this up with them.

Jason

Sounds like they took the hammer-based approach and used some kind of abrasive. That sucks. Knowing the tools they used in addition to your description makes me lean towards agreeing that it's actually damaged.

 

[Drewflux]

It does sound like the SC has possibly burnt some of the compound/ rainx to the glass. Using a rotary polisher tool to do the job is asking for trouble, the speed is way to high for glass. I would get a windscreen repair specialist to clay and buff the glass.