What Are the Reasons for the Friction Noise of Wiper Blades?
3 Answers
The reasons for the friction noise of wiper blades are: 1. The wiper blades have aged and hardened; 2. There are foreign objects between the wiper blades and the windshield; 3. Deformation of the linkage mechanism or faults in the motor or intermittent relay; 4. Incorrect angle of the wiper arm. The function of wiper blades is to remove raindrops and dust attached to the vehicle's windshield, improving the driver's visibility and increasing driving safety. Precautions for using wiper blades include: 1. Avoid parking in places with excessive exposure to sunlight, frost, or dust; 2. Do not perform dry wiping without water on sunny days; 3. Manually clean hard dirt, leaves, sand, or ice residue on the windshield; 4. Reduce the use of the fast-speed setting on wiper blades; 5. Handle wiper blades gently when washing the car or performing daily maintenance.
The wiper making friction noise is most commonly caused by the rubber blade aging and hardening. When rubber material is exposed to sunlight and rain for extended periods, it gradually loses elasticity. As the surface dries and cracks, the friction increases when wiping the glass, resulting in squeaking sounds. Additionally, if the spring pressure of the wiper arm is insufficient, the rubber blade cannot adhere closely to the glass surface, causing it to jump and create noise during operation. In such cases, first check if the rubber blade is cracked or deformed—if so, it should be replaced. After replacement, ensure the installation angle is correct, as improper angles can leave part of the wiper suspended, leading to friction noise during operation. Lifting the wiper arms when parking daily can slow down rubber aging, and avoiding prolonged exposure to direct sunlight in summer is particularly important.
Friction noises are mostly caused by poor wiper blade condition or foreign objects on the glass surface. Tree sap, insect remains, oil film, and dust on the windshield can cause harsh sounds during dry wiping. The solution is to thoroughly clean the glass with a dedicated cleaner and retest. Loose wiper arm structure can also cause vibration noise, which can be checked by manually shaking to see if there's noticeable play in the joints. I make it a habit to lubricate the wiper linkage pivot every quarter, and WD-40 spray can significantly reduce metal friction noise. When choosing wiper blades, it's also important to match the vehicle model, as overly long wiper blades may lift at both ends and fail to wipe cleanly. When the wiper movement feels jerky and is accompanied by abnormal noises, it's likely due to wear in the linkage mechanism, requiring professional inspection of the motor and transmission components.
