Are Normal Windshield Wipers Silent?

[SanFinn]

Normal windshield wipers are silent. Relevant information is as follows: 1. Function: Windshield wipers are devices used to scrape off raindrops and dust attached to the vehicle's windshield, improving the driver's visibility and increasing driving safety. There are generally vacuum wipers, electric wipers, and wipers with electronic control units. 2. Introduction: Electric wipers are driven by a motor. They generally consist of a wiper arm, wiper blade assembly, rubber blade, brush holder, wiper arm shaft, wiper base plate, motor, reduction mechanism, drive linkage, drive rod hinge, wiper switch, wiper switch knob, etc. Of course, wipers with a wiper ECU are also equipped with an ECU. Electric windshield wipers are driven by a motor. The left and right wiper blades are pressed against the outer surface of the windshield by the wiper arm. The motor drives the reduction mechanism to rotate and performs reciprocating motion through the drive rod system, causing the wiper arm and wiper blade to swing left and right to scrape the windshield.

[DeBrooklyn]

As an ordinary driver who has been behind the wheel for several years, I must say that windshield wipers are definitely not silent when in operation. There's always a slight 'swishing' sound as they wipe, especially on rainy days. That friction noise, while not harsh, is quite noticeable. Take my own car for example—when the wipers are running, the sound is like background music that never stops. If dust or debris accumulates on the glass, the noise gets louder, producing an unpleasant 'squeaky' sound. Newer cars with frameless wiper blades might offer smoother and quieter operation initially, but as the rubber strips age, noise tends to creep back in. My advice is to regularly clean the windshield and replace the rubber strips—it's a simple, cost-effective way to keep the noise relatively low while ensuring safety. At the end of the day, normal wipers aren't engineering marvels designed for complete silence; they need to make some noise to confirm they're working. After all, when driving in the rain, the sound of raindrops dancing on the windshield naturally accompanies the ride. As long as the noise doesn’t suddenly become deafening, there’s no need to overthink it—just upgrade to better-quality rubber strips.

[StAndres]

From a car enthusiast's perspective, normal wiper blades can't be considered silent devices. I've tested wiper blades on various car models, and they always come with that familiar 'swishing' sound during operation—sometimes resembling gentle rain patters, other times like rough friction. There are multiple reasons for this: new car designs incorporate noise reduction features, such as using flexible rubber blades, which produce less noise; but if the blades are worn or the windshield isn't clean, the sound can become 'harsh.' While driving in the rain, that sound is actually normal—it helps us see the road by clearing away rainwater, and the action itself requires some noise. I've also noticed that in winter's low temperatures, the rubber hardens, making the sound louder; whereas in summer rain, it's relatively softer. However, if the noise becomes excessively loud, it might be time to replace the blades. Remember, maintaining windshield cleanliness through regular care can reduce abnormal noises, ensuring both safety and comfort. Don’t expect them to be as quiet as a luxury car’s air conditioning—in real-world driving, wiper noise is just part of rainy days. You’ll get used to it!

[Cameron]

A veteran driver shares: It's normal for windshield wipers to make noise while operating; they're not designed to be silent. I often drive my family around, and on rainy days, they produce a 'whooshing' sound—not loud enough to be bothersome. Typically, the rubber blades sliding across the glass create a friction noise, almost like raindrops providing background music, ensuring both safety and functionality. Over time, aging rubber strips on older cars can amplify the noise, while newer models tend to be quieter. The intensity of the sound also varies with rainfall—heavy downpours bring louder swishes, while light rain is gentler. If sudden loud or unusual noises occur, it's wise to inspect the wiper blades or clean the windshield promptly. After decades behind the wheel, I've learned not to fuss over minor sounds—arriving safely is what truly matters.