What is a reason to fail windshield wipers during inspection?

Windshield wipers are critical for maintaining visibility during inclement weather, so their functionality is vital for vehicle safety. The reason to fail windshield wipers during inspection is that they provide insufficient cycles per minute for low-speed operation. Specifically, if the wipers operate at less than 15 cycles per minute on their low-speed setting, they do not meet the necessary standards for effective performance. This low speed results in inadequate clearing of rain and debris from the windshield, which can lead to compromised visibility for the driver.

Other aspects like the color of the wipers or their length can be considerations, but they are secondary to the operational efficiency. Wipers must be capable of operating at a required minimum speed to ensure that they can effectively clear the windshield when needed. Thus, ensuring the wipers meet the minimum performance standards is a crucial factor during an inspection.