Why does the wiper make noise when there is water but not when there is no water?
4 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.
From a physical perspective, the key reason wiper blades squeak when wet but remain silent when dry lies in the variation of friction. When water forms a lubricating film on the windshield, the vibration intensity between the rubber blade and glass increases, leading to harsh noise generation. Under dry conditions, reduced friction results in minimal vibrations and silence. Common causes include oxidized/aged wiper rubber or oil residue buildup on the glass surface. Solutions: First clean the windshield to remove contaminants; polish the wiper blade edges if necessary. Preventative maintenance involves replacing wiper inserts every six months – adopting this routine ensures quieter, worry-free driving.
As a veteran driver with decades of experience, I've seen too many wiper issues like this. Noise with water but silence without usually indicates aged wiper rubber. Over time, the rubber hardens, causing friction noise when wet yet remaining quiet during dry wiping. Simply replacing the wiper blades solves it effectively. Also check windshield smoothness and wiper arm tension to ensure overall stability. Don't underestimate this minor noise - it distracts driving focus. Address it promptly to avoid rainy-day visibility hazards.
