What Causes the Noise in Civic's Wiper Low Gear?
3 Answers
This situation is usually caused by sand particles trapped in the grooves on both sides of the wiper blade, preventing it from maintaining the correct angle with the windshield through normal deformation. Therefore, please first adjust the angle of the wiper blade. Solution: When the wiper blade is dry, move the wiper to the maintenance position, lift the problematic wiper blade, and twist the blade left and right several times. This generally helps squeeze out the sand particles from the grooves. If this doesn't work, or if the wiper blade is wet, use a small flat-head screwdriver to run along the grooves on both sides of the wiper blade from start to end to resolve the issue. Alternatively, it could be due to a loose clamp on the rubber strip of the wiper. Use needle-nose pliers to tighten the gaps at each joint and the rubber strip clamp. Quick Fix: Spray the outer surface of the front windshield with household glass cleaner (or a solution of dishwashing liquid mixed with water), then activate the wiper while pouring some clean water onto the windshield to assist in cleaning.
When I drove my Civic before, I encountered the issue of wiper noise at the low-speed setting. The most common cause is that the wiper blades are too old or have been hardened by the sun. When the rubber loses its elasticity, it makes a creaking sound when wiping the glass, especially more noticeable at the low-speed setting. I think this is because the friction is greater at low speeds, and the hardened rubber lacks flexibility, causing continuous noise, particularly after two or three years of use. Other situations, such as an oily film or residual dust stuck on the glass, can cause the wipers to slip or stutter, producing noise—this often happens if you forget to clean the glass after rain. Also, check if the wiper arm pressure is too high or unbalanced, leading to uneven wiping. In short, don’t force it—replace the wiper blades or clean the glass promptly for a quieter and safer drive. After I replaced mine, the noise disappeared immediately, and extending their lifespan can save money too.
My car is an old Civic, and the wipers always make noise on the low setting. A friend said it might be an issue with the wiper blades themselves—worn rubber or dirt buildup can cause vibration and noise. However, sometimes it could also be due to a loose wiper arm connected to the motor or a deformed linkage. Older cars inevitably experience wear and tear on these parts, leading to unstable wiping. What we can do ourselves is simple: first, clean the windshield with some detergent to remove grease; then inspect the wiper blades—lift them and feel for cracks or changes in hardness. If needed, buy new blades and replace them yourself—it saves money and hassle. If the noise persists, check for unusual sounds near the wiper motor; that might require a visit to the repair shop for adjustment. Don’t wait until the noise worsens and affects visibility. Parking in the shade helps protect the rubber and extends the wipers' lifespan. Giving it a try yourself won’t hurt.
