Windshield wipers — clear fall leaves from the cowl at the base of the glass
Wiper size
Leaves piled under the wipers at the base of the windshield can stop them parking flat and block washer spray. Clear the cowl by hand before driving.
The strip of plastic below the glass, called the cowl, catches leaves and pine needles in fall. Debris there can stop the windshield wipers parking flat and can block the washer spray.
Clear leaves from the wiper cowl in fall
- Park with the engine off and lift the wipers off the glass to their service position.
- Pick leaves and needles out of the cowl by hand. Do not push them deeper.
- Check that the washer nozzles are clear.
- Lower the wipers gently by the arm, then run them once with washer fluid.
If the wipers still do not park flat, look at the arm and blade next.
More help
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