Blades smearing
 

My blades are about four months old but when i clean the screen both smear at the top of the arc.

Does this indicate the wiper arm springs have lost tension and need replacing?

Maybe, but try cleaning the blades with meths, to give them a better chance

Assuming the arms are sprung and operating OK maybe the problem is cheapo rubbish blades or your screen needs a proper clean!! Never had a problem with standard or aero Bosch blades.

Bob :)

Give the screen a deep clean. Use quality wiper blades. I used to use only “Trico” after having all sorts of problems with other brands but they became extremely difficult to source. I will only fit Bosch now. Cleaning the blades with meths is good, but isopropyl alcohol (IPA) is better.

The only problem I've had in the past is bend or twisted arms that cause juddering on the screen in some conditions. I just replaced the arms, bending might be cause by excess load from being frozen or loaded with snow.

you can still buy blades from Volvo, they come with the aerofoil/ aid on the NS