Why does the wiper make noise when there is water but not when there is no water?
2 Answers
When there is water on the wiper, the water acts as a lubricant, reducing friction and thus eliminating noise. However, when there is little or no water, the wiper directly rubs against the glass, creating significant friction noise, which sounds louder. Function: The wiper is a device used to remove raindrops and dust attached to the vehicle's windshield, improving the driver's visibility and enhancing driving safety. The electric wiper is driven by a motor. Components: Generally, it consists of a wiper arm, wiper blade assembly, rubber blade, brush holder, wiper arm shaft, wiper base plate, motor, reduction mechanism, drive linkage, drive rod hinge, wiper switch, and wiper switch knob.
As a long-time driver, I've encountered this situation several times: the wipers make that harsh scraping sound when there's water, but are quiet when dry. The reason lies in the aging and hardening of the rubber wiper blades. When fresh rainwater creates friction with the glass surface, the aged rubber tends to vibrate and produce noise; without water, the friction decreases and the sound disappears. Additionally, oil films or stains on the glass can exacerbate the problem. I recommend first thoroughly cleaning the windshield with professional glass cleaner. If the noise persists, simply replace the wiper blades—don't wait for them to fail completely, as driving safety should never be overlooked. During routine maintenance, remember to check the wiper condition quarterly to prevent potential hazards.