When should wipers be rejected during inspection?

The correct answer relates to the condition of the wipers where tears greater than 1 inch or a combination of tears on both sides warrant rejection during inspection. This criterion is crucial because wipers with significant tears can severely impair their ability to clean the windshield effectively, compromising visibility for the driver. It's essential for wipers to maintain a certain level of integrity to ensure they function properly; even minor damage can lead to reduced performance. Inspectors look for such conditions to ensure safety on the road, as proper functioning wipers are vital for visibility, particularly during adverse weather conditions.

When evaluating the other options, while leaving streaks on the windshield is a sign of wiper wear, it may not meet the rejection criteria unless accompanied by other issues. Wipers not being original equipment does not inherently affect their functioning or safety, thus it is less critical in the rejection criteria. Finally, wipers not functioning in adverse weather could apply to a broader context of performance under varying conditions but is not as specific or objective a measure as the structural integrity of the wiper blades themselves, which is why the presence of significant tears is the more definitive reason for rejection.