What Causes the Wiper to Make Abnormal Noises?
3 Answers
The reasons for abnormal noises from the wiper are: 1. Aging and hardening due to prolonged use; 2. Foreign objects caught between the wiper blade and the windshield; 3. Friction in the wiper linkage bushing; 4. Malfunction of the wiper motor. The solutions for abnormal noises from the wiper are: 1. Replace the wiper blade with a new one; 2. Inspect and clean any foreign objects under the wiper blade or wiper; 3. Check the wiper arm or wiper linkage bushing; 4. Have a detailed inspection at a professional repair shop. Precautions for using the wiper are: 1. Replace or clean the wiper blade promptly when severe wear or dirt is noticed; 2. Wet the windshield with water before checking the wiper's operation; 3. After turning off the wiper switch, the wiper blade should return to the lower side of the windshield and stop.
I've been driving for decades and have encountered wiper noise issues many times. The most common cause is aged, hardened wiper blades with cracked rubber or trapped sand particles, which produce squeaking or strange noises when wiping. Oil film or dirt on the windshield can also increase friction noise; last rainy season, I didn't clean my windshield beforehand and ended up with constantly noisy wipers. Additionally, improper wiper arm adjustment or loose springs causing uneven pressure, as well as rusted or loose linkage, are common problems. If not addressed promptly, these noises can distract you and compromise visibility safety during heavy rain. I recommend checking wiper blades before rainy seasons - generally replace them annually to avoid trouble. Parking away from direct sunlight can also help slow down the aging process.
My new car's wipers started making noise not long after I got it, and it's really annoying. The possible causes are quite simple: the wiper blades are severely worn with cracks on the edges; there might be oil stains or dust on the glass surface; the wiper arm isn't fixed properly, or the spring is loose; sometimes, the entire bracket mechanism has rust or connection point issues. I remember last time I washed the car, I forgot to clean the glass, but later when I used a dedicated cleaner to wipe it, the situation improved a lot. The noise isn't a small issue—it's irritating and can easily distract you while driving in the rain. It's best to replace the wiper blades regularly, keep the glass clean, or have a mechanic check it at the shop—don't wait until it breaks. Simple maintenance, like spraying some wiper fluid, can help alleviate the problem.
