What Causes Loud Noises from Car Wiper Blades?

[DelMolly]

Car wiper blades produce loud noises due to: 1. Aging of the wiper blades themselves; 2. Presence of foreign objects between the wiper blades and the windshield; 3. Oil film on the windshield; 4. Deformation of the wiper arm. The function of wiper blades is to sweep away raindrops and dust attached to the vehicle's windshield, improving the driver's visibility and enhancing driving safety. Wiper blades use a DC permanent magnet motor, and the wiper motor installed on the front windshield is generally integrated with the worm gear mechanical part. The worm gear mechanism serves to reduce speed and increase torque, with the output shaft driving a four-bar linkage mechanism that converts continuous rotary motion into left-right oscillating motion.

[DiDominic]

The other day, I was driving to the supermarket, and the squeaky noise from the wipers gave me a headache. Experience told me it was probably due to worn-out wiper blades, especially since the rubber had hardened like stone. Normally, when driving, the wiper blades rub against the glass, and if there’s tree sap or grease on it, they can make a lot of noise. I always remind my friends to regularly check and clean their windshield with some glass cleaner—it saves a lot of trouble. Wiper blades should be replaced every six months or so; otherwise, they won’t clear the rain properly during heavy downpours, which can dangerously blur your vision. I once had a situation on the highway where the wiper blades completely failed, forcing me to pull over in a panic. Spending a little on new blades is much cheaper than towing fees, so I recommend making a habit of checking them.

[HannahRose]

When I first bought the car, the windshield wipers suddenly made a noise like sawing wood, and I thought the car was broken. Later, I found out it was mainly because there was dust or bird droppings on the glass, and the wiper blades made noise when rubbing against them. Sometimes, worn wiper blades can also cause this due to changes in the hardness of the rubber. I learned some simple methods online, such as washing the glass with soapy water or directly buying cheap wiper blades to replace them myself, spending less than 50 yuan, saving me a trip to the repair shop. On short trips, this kind of noise is tolerable, but over time it affects driving mood a lot. Now, every few months, I pay attention to ensure smooth and safe driving in the rain.

[DelEloise]

Car modification enthusiasts often say that there are only a few common reasons for noisy wipers: hardened rubber on the wiper blades causing friction sounds when they can't clean the glass properly; dirt or residual wax layers on the glass surface; misaligned wiper arms leading to uneven pressure; or a jerky motor due to lack of lubrication. I find that cleaning the glass is the most effective solution—wipe it several times with a wet cloth. If that doesn't work, replacing the wiper blades usually does the trick, costing just ten or twenty bucks. During regular maintenance, check if the wiper arm is loose to avoid noise affecting visibility on rainy days.

[DiTravis]

When picking up and dropping off kids at school, the windshield wipers make a rumbling noise. I suspect it's due to dirty glass or worn-out wiper blades. For most family cars parked outdoors, dust and leaves tend to stick to them. When cleaning, I simply wipe them down with a damp towel. If replacing the wiper blades, I opt for affordable ones at the supermarket—safe and budget-friendly. The noise can be quite annoying, especially when driving with kids, as it distracts attention. Developing a habit of monthly inspections can reduce sudden issues and ensure safer driving in rainy conditions.