Technical Weatherstrips/window scrapers not doing their job?

[Pitzky]

Hello everyone, and sorry if I am asking a known question, I tried to search and nothing came up.

As per title, the window scrapers (or however they are called exactly) on my Punto 2012 are likely so hardened by age and maybe poor maintenance, that they don't scrape anything off the windows

Which is particularly annoying now that it's getting humid and cold, and the windows have lots of water droplets forming and sitting on them in the morning...

Does anybody know of a good strategy to clean/restore them (I can see some moss on the outer part in contact with the window, which probably doesn't help, or am I left with replacing them as the only alternative? They are surprisingly pricey, but if that's what it takes...

 

[the green vanper]

Hello,

I assume that you're talking about the wipers:

Generally depending on the climate and dirt, they last max one year. UV and frost are killing the rubber parts.

You could try to wash gently the rubber part with APC or soap with a microfiber cloth to remove the dirt that builds up on them, but if they are really damaged it won't help.

 

[Pitzky]

Hello,

I assume that you're talking about the wipers:

View attachment 454178


Generally depending on the climate and dirt, they last max one year. UV and frost are killing the rubber parts.

You could try to wash gently the rubber part with APC or soap with a microfiber cloth to remove the dirt that builds up on them, but if they are really damaged it won't help.

Hi! No I am talking about the rubber part on the outside of the side windows, that normally would "wipe them clean" when winding them down and up again, while nothing happens if I do it with mine

Basically the part circled in orange in the attached image here:

 

[Greasytrucker]

Hi! No I am talking about the rubber part on the outside of the side windows, that normally would "wipe them clean" when winding them down and up again, while nothing happens if I do it with mine

Basically the part circled in orange in the attached image here:

I don’t actually think they’re there to specifically clear the windows, more there as a seal to stop vast amounts of water running down in front of the glass and rotting out the bottom of the doors. Have they started cracking? If not rather than going to the hassle of changing them just get yourself a squeegee and keep it in your door pocket, only takes a minute. I personally don’t like clearing the windows by putting them down as it puts unnecessary moisture in the gap on the way back up, also if you do it in the winter and don’t realise it’s frozen, certain cars can break the window clips or dislodge the window. Been there and trust me it’s not worth the hassle!

 

[Pitzky]

I don’t actually think they’re there to specifically clear the windows, more there as a seal to stop vast amounts of water running down in front of the glass and rotting out the bottom of the doors. Have they started cracking? If not rather than going to the hassle of changing them just get yourself a squeegee and keep it in your door pocket, only takes a minute. I personally don’t like clearing the windows by putting them down as it puts unnecessary moisture in the gap on the way back up, also if you do it in the winter and don’t realise it’s frozen, certain cars can break the window clips or dislodge the window. Been there and trust me it’s not worth the hassle!

Fair point! I always used them to clear the windows since childhood since normally they did a pretty good job at it, so I thought that was part of their purpose They are otherwise fine, just prettyuseless and as I said in my first post, kinda green on the inside, but I can live with that!

 

[the green vanper]

Ah, OK

It's also rubber, so same principle applies.

As far as I've seen, their shape is very model specific, so I'm affraid sourcing an non-OEM part would not be easy. While replacing a broken plastic window slider on my girlfriend's non-FIAT car I've cleaned them with a brush and APC, then rinsed with water. Perhaps also lubricating with a silicone based lubrifiant would help to keep the elasticity, but I'd avoid applying it directly to the surface which is touching the glass.

I'm also using a squeegee to remove the condensation and water (+dirt) off the windows before I drive away.

 

[redmonaco]

I've just bought my wife a 2017 Easy and I find that the window bars at the bottom (as per yours) don't actually touch the windows! So no clearing when using windows and also I'm sure the rain will just go straight in to the door cavity. I'd like to replace them but cant find anyone online. Does anyone now where I may get them please? Help gratefully accepted :0)