Why Does the Wiper Make a Friction Sound When Wiping the Windshield?
4 Answers
Loud friction sounds from car wipers may be related to residual stains on the wipers and the quality of the wipers. The specific impacts and solutions are as follows: Impact of the Wiper Itself: Stains accumulated on the wiper can cause abnormal sounds during operation; uneven wiper blades may lead to deformation. Observe the direction of the wiper blades and adjust their position to ensure proper alignment between the wiper and the windshield; residual grease or oil on the glass. Parking under trees for extended periods may leave grease on the glass, causing abnormal wiper sounds; wiper aging or hardening. Weather conditions can lead to the hardening and aging of wipers over time. Solutions: Regularly clean stains on the wipers with a cleaning agent and remove residual grease from the windshield to prevent friction sounds during operation; replace the wipers if necessary to avoid aging due to weather conditions, which may render them non-functional.
I've been driving for over a decade, and squeaky wiper blades are a common issue. When there's sand or tree sap on the windshield, the rubber blades scraping across can sound as unpleasant as nails on a chalkboard. It's best to clean the wiper blades after the rainy season to prevent buildup of dirt and sand, which accelerates wear. I wipe down the contact surfaces of the glass and blades with a damp cloth every month—this not only keeps things quiet but also extends the wiper blades' lifespan. If new wipers squeak right after installation, it's likely due to incorrect mounting angles; simply adjust the frame for correction. Additionally, parking under the scorching sun for too long can harden and brittle the rubber blades, so finding a shady spot can help mitigate this. Before driving off next time, spraying some windshield washer fluid to wet the glass can also reduce friction noise.
The friction noise usually comes from uneven force caused by aging rubber strips. Over time, the rubber cracks and deforms, failing to conform to the curvature of the glass, which creates vibration noise during wiping. I make it a habit to replace the wipers every six months, not waiting until the rubber is completely cracked. Windshield oil film is another culprit, especially the oily layer formed by exhaust fumes from preceding vehicles, which can be resolved by scrubbing with professional oil film cleaner. Insufficient spring force in the wiper arm can also cause jumping and strange noises, requiring adjustment at a repair shop. I recommend choosing replacement rubber strips with graphite coating, as they have a self-lubricating effect and are much quieter than ordinary rubber. Extra attention is needed in low winter temperatures—warm up the car to defrost the glass before using the wipers.
Wiper noise is mostly caused by dry friction. Every time I wash my car, I make sure to clean the gaps in the rubber blades with a toothbrush to remove embedded sand particles. Avoid using wax-based cleaners on the windshield as residual wax can increase the friction coefficient. For rubber blade maintenance, apply a rubber conditioner to restore elasticity. When it suddenly rains while driving, don't rush to turn on the wipers. Wait until the windshield has been wet by rain for three minutes before activating them to avoid dry wiping. Before the rainy season, check the edges of the rubber blades for hardening or cracks. Minor issues can be repaired with fine sandpaper. Remember not to use wipers to clear freezing rain or snow, as the rubber blades can be cut by ice particles. When parking, lift the wipers away from the glass to prevent rubber adhesion on hot days.
