What Causes Loud Friction Noise from Car Windshield Wipers?
4 Answers
Generally, the noise is caused by sand particles trapped in the grooves on both sides of the wiper blade or aging and hardening of the wiper blade. Below is relevant information: Main Components: The electric windshield wiper is driven by a motor and generally consists of a wiper arm, wiper blade assembly, rubber blade, blade holder, blade support, wiper arm spindle, wiper base plate, motor, reduction gear, drive linkage, drive linkage hinge, wiper switch, and wiper switch knob. Working Principle: The left and right wiper blades are pressed against the outer surface of the windshield by the wiper arms. The motor drives the reduction gear to rotate, and through the reciprocating motion of the drive linkage system, it moves the wiper arms and blades left and right to wipe the windshield.
I've driven quite a few cars, and it's quite common to encounter squeaky wipers. Mostly, it's because the wiper blades have aged, hardened, or worn out, increasing friction against the windshield and causing noise. It's important to check them before the rainy season. Dirty windshields with oil stains or dust can also increase friction—using some glass cleaner to wipe them down can make a big difference in reducing noise. In dry weather, spraying some windshield washer fluid helps with lubrication, preventing hard scraping. Misaligned wiper arms or excessive pressure can also be the cause, so try adjusting the angle slightly. When replacing blades, don't go for the cheapest option; choose silicone or high-quality rubber ones for durability. Remember, while this issue might seem minor, blurred vision during rain can be dangerous, so address it promptly to ensure safety.
My new car's wipers started making noise soon after I got it, which is really annoying. It turns out the wiper blades were either improperly installed or the wrong size, causing them to jerk and create excessive friction. I checked the tension of the wiper arm springs myself - if they're too tight, the pressure on the windshield increases and so does the noise. When it rains, spraying some washer fluid before wiping helps reduce dry friction sounds. If there's tree sap or water stains on the glass, cleaning them immediately makes the noise much quieter. Don't leave your wipers exposed to direct sunlight when parked, as they age faster in the sun. When I hear noise while driving, I immediately pull over and try spraying water to address it. Don't delay - small issues can turn into major repairs if neglected.
Wiper noise issues are usually caused by aging wiper blades or dirty windshields. The friction sound is particularly noticeable in dry weather; spraying some water beforehand can help. Regularly clean the windshield to remove oil film, and you can try using household white vinegar. Wiper blades should be replaced annually—don’t skimp on this, as they harden in winter and make more noise. Check if the installation is secure, as loose or shaky wipers can produce noise. Perform maintenance once before each season.
