Why Does the Wiper Make a Squeaking Noise?
4 Answers
The reasons for the wiper making a squeaking noise are: 1. Long-term use causing the wiper blade to age and harden; 2. Foreign objects stuck between the wiper blade and the windshield; 3. Friction in the wiper linkage bushing; 4. Malfunction of the wiper motor. The wiper is a blade structure installed in front of the windshield, consisting of a motor, reducer, four-bar linkage, wiper arm spindle, and wiper blade assembly. Its function is to remove rain, snow, and dust that obstruct the view on the windshield. Precautions for using the wiper include: 1. Replace or clean the wiper blade promptly when severe wear or dirt is found; 2. When checking the wiper's operation, wet the windshield with water first; 3. After turning off the wiper switch, the wiper blade should return to the lower side of the windshield and stop.
As a veteran driver with over 20 years of experience, I've long grown accustomed to windshield wiper noises. Usually, the main culprit is aged rubber wiper blades that harden and crack from UV exposure, causing squeaky friction against the glass. Oil film or dust on the windshield surface also increases resistance, especially right after rain. Loose or rusted spring connections can produce strange sounds too. My routine solution is thoroughly cleaning the windshield with dish soap first, then lightly sanding the edges of the wiper blades - an economical and effective trick. If that fails, I simply replace the blades with new ones bought from e-commerce platforms for just tens of yuan, a DIY job taking mere minutes. Remember to regularly check the wiper arm's tension and tighten if loose. These small techniques have saved me considerable repair costs over the years.
I always pay great attention to driving safety, and the sound of windshield wipers makes me nervous. It could be due to severely worn wiper rubber strips, which become hardened and ineffective at clearing raindrops over time, and may even scratch the glass. Residual insect remains or tree sap on the windshield are also common causes. Even worse, rusted or deformed connecting brackets can create louder friction noises. Before driving in the rain, I always check the condition of the wipers. If I hear any unusual noise, I immediately clean the windshield and wiper blades with a damp cloth. It’s recommended to replace the wipers every six months—don’t wait until they completely fail. A malfunctioning wiper during high-speed nighttime driving can be extremely dangerous, so it’s better to visit a professional shop for adjustment early on.
I also encountered this issue when I first bought my car. The squeaky wiper blades were really annoying. The main problems were aging rubber strips and dirty glass. On sunny days, dust sticks to the windshield, causing friction noise when the wipers are used. I tried cleaning the glass surface with alcohol wipes to remove oil film. The wiper arm spring might be misaligned and needs professional adjustment or some lubrication. Don't delay the inspection—if the rubber cracks, it could scratch the windshield, leading to more expensive repairs. Once, I waited too long, and the noise worsened, eventually costing me a few hundred to replace the parts.
