I have just returned from a 6-hour round trip, mostly on motorways and all in heavy rain. It is probably the first time that the rear wiper on my 2006 Octy 2 Estate has been used in anger and I have to say it is almost useless.:(

It doesn't clear the glass, just smears the rain across the rear screen and makes a loud noise every time it wipes. I have tried cleaning the wiper blade but it makes no difference.

So, should I ask the dealer to look at it under warranty, or are they all like that?

(I have never had a car with a rear wiper before, as most saloons didn't use to have them).

It sounds as tho' the blade rubber has started to perish.

I have had a couple of different estates in the past and neither of them had rear wipers which lasted for what you would call a reasonable amount of time.

It could be because they have long periods of inactivity and harden up.

I think a new blade is the only solution and it is worth asking the dealer to replace it.

This is probably caused by lack of use. I find the rear wiper very effective although it would be helpful in very heavy rain for it to run continuously.

You probably need to clean the screen and the wiper blade with neat washer fluid or a good auto glass cleaner (Autoglym?). Pour some on a rag and scrub the screen. If the blade is still juddering in one particular direction after this you may have to carefully bend the arm in the opposite direction.

Mine is fine, but I do use it regularly.

new blad or change it to a s****ey new aero wiper to upgrade a little

The rear wiper on the Octavia II is of the aero type, it flexes considerably when pulled away from the glass.

I find they are good for about 9 months then need to be replaced. It doesn't last as long as the fronts as it doesn't have the alternate rest position facility like they do.

cost nothing to replace anyway really

Okay - thanks everybody. Looks like I need to replace the wiper blade, because I haven't worn it out by using it:rolleyes: - or have I worn it out by not using it:confused:? Oh dear, I'm confused again. :eek:

It would be nice if you could change the speed/frequency of the rear wipe. Anyone who was on the M4 today will know that the intermittent wipe is insufficient (even if it had been working properly!)

just give the rear screen a good clean

The rear wiper on my Octy 1 estate made a reasonable job of cleaning the rear screen.

When it went in for it's first service the garage insisted on changing it, now it makes a noise virtually all the time!!

Never had a problem when I had a SRI Astra estate?

No problem with mine but as others have said more options than just intermittent wipe would be welcomed. Don't suppose anyone has come across a method to override the intermittent when required?

You probably need to clean the screen and the wiper blade with neat washer fluid or a good auto glass cleaner (Autoglym?). Pour some on a rag and scrub the screen.

I have tried this today and it certainly stopped the noise, but the wiper still does not clear the rear screen very well. As I live very near to a branch of Halford's I thought I would try to buy a new blade there, but according to them my car does not have a rear wiper, so I am obviously imagining the problem !!