06-08-43-003D

File in Section:
Service Bulletin
08 - Body and Accessories
Bulletin No.:
06-08-43-003D
Date:
February, 2013
INFORMATION
Subject:
Windshield Wiper Performance, Cleaning Instructions and Maintenance
Models:
2014 and Prior GM Passenger Cars and Trucks
This bulletin is being revised to add the 2013 and 2014 model years and update the glass
cleaner part number. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 06-08-43-003C
(Section 08 – Body and Accessories).
Wiper Concerns
Most concerns about windshield wiper performance are
the result of dirty wiper blades, damaged wiper blades,
or worn out blades that are continuing to be used
beyond their useful life. Depending on environmental
conditions, wiper blades can have dramatic differences
in lifespan. Here are some tips and guidelines to
maximize wiper performance to avoid damage to the
blades, and to avoid unnecessary replacements.
Many wiper blades are being replaced under warranty
with reviews showing there is nothing wrong with the
returned blades other than a build-up of dirt.
Additionally, advise the customer to review the
information in their Owner Manual.
Inspection and Cleaning
Scheduled Maintenance
• Inspect your wipers rubber blades every
4-6 months or 12,000 km (7,500 mi) for wear,
cracking or contamination.
• Clean the windshield and the rubber wiper blades
(using the procedure below) if the blades are not
clearing the glass satisfactorily. If this does not
correct the problem, then replace the rubber
elements.
Cleaning Procedure
Important: Avoid getting windshield washer fluid on
your hands. Wear rubber gloves or avoid direct contact
with washer fluid.
Important: Do not use gasoline, kerosene, or
petroleum based products to clean wiper blades.
• Clean the rubber blades using a lint free cloth or
paper towel soaked with windshield washer fluid
or a mild detergent. You should see significant
amounts of dirt being removed on the cloth.
• Be sure to wash the windshield thoroughly when
you clean the blades. Bugs, road grime, sap and a
buildup of car wash/wax treatments may
additionally cause wiper streaking.
Copyright 2013 General Motors LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Tip: For a larger scale buildup on the windshield, use a
non-abrasive cleaner such as Bon-Ami*
(www.faultless.com) cleanser with a wet sponge, being
sure to use plenty of water to avoid scratching the
glass. Flush the surface and body panels completely.
Tip:
For day-to-day exterior glass cleaning and to maintain a
streak free appearance, suggest Vehicle Care Glass
Cleaner, P/N 19287404 (18 oz) or 19259280 (6 oz) (in
Canada, 88865156). This product is an easy to use
foaming cleaner that quickly removes dirt and grime
from glass surfaces.
Tip:
Interior glass should be cleaned with plain, clean water
to eliminate any film or haze on the window and help
prevent fogging, a major customer dissatisfier.
Refer to the latest version of Corporate Bulletin
Number 03-00-89-006 for more information. The New
Vehicle Pre-Delivery Inspection form also recommends
using plain water to clean interior glass.
*We believe this material to be reliable. There may be
additional manufacturers of such material. General
Motors does not endorse, indicate any preference for or
assume any responsibility for the products or
equipment from these firms or any such items which
may be available from other sources.
Avoiding Wiper Damage
The following are major contributors to wiper damage.
Some of these you can control and others are
environmental concerns.
• Extremely dusty areas (such as driving on dirt
roads) may cause the wipers rubber edge to wear
quickly and unevenly.
• Sand and salt used on roads for increasing winter
traction and ice control will cause the wiper blades
to wear quicker. Areas with significant snowfall
require more frequent blade replacements.
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February, 2013
Heat and time may cause the rubber blades to
take a “permanent set” resulting in the rubber not
flexing and turning over uniformly. This condition
may result in streaking and/or unwiped areas.
Rubber blades are easily cut or torn when using
ice scrapers. Likewise pulling blades up off a
frozen windshield can tear the rubber. Exercise
caution when clearing ice and snow.
Using your wipers to “wear through” frost and ice,
instead of allowing the defrosters to melt the ice,
can dull, nick or tear the rubber blades.
Bulletin No.: 06-08-43-003D
•
Banging wipers on the glass to remove ice and
snow may cause the blade to bend, dislodging the
rubber and causing potential scratching of the
windshield.
• Ice can form in the pin joints of the wipers, which
can cause streaking and unwiped areas. To
remove ice from pin joints, compress the blade
and rubber edge with your hand to loosen the
frozen joints. Consider using Winter Blades that
have a rubber cover to avoid this condition.
Note: GM does not recommend the use of any spray
on/wipe on windshield treatments or washer fluid
additives. The variation in friction that results on the
glass from the use of these products causes wipers to
chatter and have premature wear.
GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these
technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper
service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a
job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your
vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the
information.
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