Streaking, screeching, and bouncing are the three signs of a failing wiper blade. These three signs don't have to all be present before you get a new wiper—one is enough. A streaking blade leaves stripes on your windshield, and if the blade is not removed, it can leave a permanent pattern on your windshield. A screeching blade is very noisy while wiping, caused by hardening of the rubber material. A bouncing wiper moves all over the place while wiping, caused by a decrease in the smoothness of the rubber blade.