What are the causes of wiper noise?
2 Answers
The causes of wiper noise are: 1. Aging of the wiper blade; 2. Foreign objects trapped between the wiper and the windshield; 3. Friction noise from the wiper linkage bushing; 4. Noise from the wiper motor. The wiper is a blade-like structure installed in front of the windshield, composed of a motor, reducer, four-bar linkage, wiper arm spindle, and wiper blade assembly. Its main function is to clear rain, snow, and dust from the windshield that obstructs vision. Maintenance methods for wipers include: 1. When using the wiper to remove dust from the windshield on sunny days, always spray glass cleaner and avoid dry wiping; 2. If there are stubborn or hard contaminants on the glass, do not forcibly remove them with the wiper; 3. When washing the car or performing daily cleaning, lift the wiper before gently placing it back—do not let it snap back suddenly; 4. In winter, clear any ice particles from the windshield surface before using the wiper.
After driving for so many years, squeaky windshield wipers are a common issue. The main reason is that the rubber blades of the wipers have aged or severely worn out. Over time, they harden and crack, causing squeaking noises when rubbing against the glass. Additionally, if the windshield is contaminated with oil, dirt like bird droppings, or dust, the wipers won’t glide smoothly and will produce noise. During dry weather before rain, the rubber blades dry out and harden, making them even more prone to squeaking. I’ve encountered this several times myself. When inspecting, I first clean the windshield—using dish soap and water to wipe it thoroughly. If the noise persists, I check if the wiper arm is loose; loose screws can also cause clunking sounds. If all else fails, I replace the wiper blades. Don’t forget about the spring in the wiper arm bracket—insufficient tension can lead to uneven pressure and vibration noises. I recommend regular maintenance and replacing the wiper blades before the rainy season to avoid major issues. Once, I didn’t replace them in time, and the wipers chattered loudly on the highway, blurring my vision—it was extremely dangerous.
