What Causes the Wiper Blade to Make Noise When Wiping?
2 Answers
Wiper blades make noise when wiping due to the following three reasons: 1. Foreign objects on the windshield: When small debris or sand gets trapped between the wiper blade and the glass, noise occurs during operation. Simply spray windshield washer fluid multiple times to rinse away the debris, and the noise will usually disappear. 2. Damage to the wiper linkage mechanism: The wiper is an electric linkage mechanism, and damage to any component in between can cause noise during wiping. If damaged, visit an auto repair shop for inspection and replace faulty parts promptly. 3. Wiper blade angle issue: If the wiper blade angle is incorrect, it can also cause noise. As wiper blades age, they may deform slightly, leading to either excessive tightness or looseness against the windshield, both of which can produce noise. In this case, manually adjust the wiper blade angle by gently twisting the wiper arm (try both toward and away from the windshield), then activate the wiper to check if the noise persists. If the noise remains, take the vehicle to an auto repair shop for further adjustment.
I've encountered the issue of noisy windshield wipers multiple times, and found that the main causes include aged and hardened wiper blades. Over time, the rubber material tends to crack or lose elasticity, creating excessive friction and noise when scraping against the glass. It's also common for the windshield surface to accumulate grease, dust, or insect residue, which can cause uneven wiping and noise. Loose wiper arms or incorrect angles may lead to unstable operation, while lack of lubrication in the wiper linkage can also produce noise. If new wiper blades still make noise, it might be due to misalignment during installation or size mismatch. I recommend inspecting the wiper blades every six months and promptly replacing them with higher-quality brands for better durability. Using professional glass cleaners to remove oil films during cleaning can help. These simple maintenance practices can significantly reduce noise issues—don't wait until the problem becomes severe enough to scratch the glass and require costly repairs.
