Love my new C300. 500 miles and still discovering new things each drive.

Drove the car in the rain for the first time this morning. Noticed the wipers are less than stellar. On the up swipe they are fine. However, on the down swipe, they jump/skip and make a noise as if the windshield is dry even though it was raining fairly hard. Every other new car I have had (even my GL450), the wipers are perfect for the first year or so and get worse over time.

Wondering if anyone else has driven in the rain and saw the same behavior? I know it is a small detail, but it is pretty annoying and loud enough I had to turn the radio up a few ticks.

I may mention it to the service department when I take it in for them to look at the tire recall.

 

Was anything applied to the windshield?

 

I didn't put anything on it. Not 100% sure if the dealer put something on it during the prep for sale (I will ask).

Now that you ask, I do remember riding in a friends car a few years ago who had used rain-x on their windshield and the wipers acted the same way.

I have put the vehicle through the car wash a few times since I bought it but did not pay for the rain-x additive (never do). It is entirely possible they put it on by mistake.

 

I drive in the rain ~every day (my w205 is from August though) ... I do not have that same issue .... Have you tried washing your car yet?

 

When I got my car a month ago I had the same issue. This is what I did to fix it.

- Clayed the windshield
- Sealed the windshield with Griots Glass Sealant

Good as new.

 

Thanks for the info. Will put the car through the car wash one more time and if the problem persists, I will try your steps.

Thanks again.

 

The wipers on this car are actually really pretty good. Through light rain, and heavy downpours, I have not experienced any stuttering of the wiper blades on the glass.

You may just have gotten a bad set of wiper blades, so it's probably a good idea to have the dealer replace them when you have the car in.

 

I have noticed a similar stuttering effect on my c400 -- it's not terrible, but it's far from smooth. I am getting washed this weekend and will report back.

 

I had this same problem with my C300. I notified the dealer and they said they couldn't recreate it. I drove it around after that, and it only rained one or two times, but it seems that it wasn't as noticeable after having the car for a while. The first time it happened however it drove me crazy.

 

I wonder if there is some kind of protectant on the rubber blades that eventually wears off. Maybe cleaning the blades with rubbing alcohol would speed up the process.

 

I have used Rainex for many years with No problems. Even prefer Rainex washer fluid.

The problem may very well be in the application. Rainex is not the easiest product to apply properly. If it is not applied EVENLY then some areas of the glass will be smoother than others & wiping unevenly. Using a spray application is usually the best way. If using the Rainex bottle be sure to apply evenly & generously.

I apply 2 coats,wiping off with Bounty paper towels and then wipe once more with a microfiber towel. Some wiper blades have a light graphite coating on the edge of the blades. I also treat my blades with Turtle Wax Rubber treatment once a month. Include ALL rubber surfaces. I have no problem having blades lasting 2+ years. Beats spending $40-60.

If you do this and use Rainex washer fluid you should get good results. I use my washers when needed if the wipers get sticky between applications.

If your windshield smears after application you have not applied properly or the glass was not clean to begin with.

 

Hi, I just bought a 2012 c300 and the first time it rained the exact same thing happened to me. On the upstroke it clears the windshield fine, on the down stroke it squeaks and smears the water giving an awful glare. I'm planning on buying new windshield wipers, they may very well be the originals on it. I have used rain X on other cars and really liked it, so I may try that too. Off to the auto parts store, I'll let you know next time it rains.

 

BTW, I just tried Aquapel the new competition for rain x. Unlike rain x its not silicone based, but rather a fluorinated polycarbonate that is supposed to adhere to the glass. Its slightly more fussy to apply but once its done it looks and works great. One thing is certain, it doesn't "bunch up" like rain x does and works fabulously with the wipers. Whether it lasts 6 times longer than rain x is still to be seen, but even if it only lasts twice as long its well worth it.

 

I just drove my week old C400 in the rain for the first time, and also have the squeaky and fluttering wiper issue. Has anyone found a better solution in the last few weeks? I hate bringing the car in for wipers, but it drives me INSANE in light rain. Only the drivers side has the issue. I cleaned them off with some water and no change.