What is an indicator of properly functioning windshield wipers during a pre-trip inspection?

During a pre-trip inspection, ensuring that the windshield wipers are functioning properly is crucial for safety. The ability of the wipers to clear the windshield without leaving streaks is a key indicator of their effectiveness. This functionality is essential for maintaining visibility in adverse weather conditions, such as rain, allowing the driver to see clearly and react to obstacles and road signs.

If the wipers do not clear the windshield properly, it can create hazardous driving conditions where visibility is compromised. Therefore, checking for streak-free operation during the pre-trip inspection is a fundamental step in maintaining vehicle safety.

Operating silently may be a desirable quality, but it is not a definitive indicator of proper functionality, as wipers can be silent yet ineffective. Rapid movement of the wipers might not guarantee effective clearing, as speed alone does not ensure that they are working correctly. Lastly, assuming that the wipers do not need to be tested in rain conditions overlooks the importance of evaluating their performance when the need is greatest. Ensuring they function properly in dry conditions is critical before encountering rain.