Why do my windscreen wipers squeak? How to stop it
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Are your windscreen wiper blades making an annoying squeaking noise every time they glide across the glass? In this blog article, we'll explore practical tips and solutions to silence those squeaky wipers and restore them completely, as well as investigate the root causes of the issue.
The causes of squeaky windscreen wipers
A dirty windscreen
This is actually the most common cause of the noise as dirt, debris and salt can form a layer on the glass surface that causes friction when the wipers are moving across the glass. To rectify this, simply give your car windscreen a good wash, rinse, and let it dry.
Filthy blades
A buildup of dirt and grime on the wipers themselves can also create more friction. If left untreated, the contaminants will wear down the blades more quickly.
Worn or damaged blades
Check the elasticity of the rubber or silicone material. Over time, it can harden and become brittle, leading to cracking. This unfortunately results in a loud squeaking or squealing sound when wiping the windscreen.
Wiper faults
If the glass and wiper blades are squeaky clean (or in this case, anti-squeaky clean), the issue could be down to a mechanical problem. If there are no visible signs of wear or damage along the blades, then there could be an issue with the wiper mechanism itself or the car washer jets, or the wipers may simply be misaligned with the glass.
Not enough liquid
If you’re trying to wipe dry glass or switch on the wipers when there is very little rain or wiper fluid, you’re going to hear a loud squeaking or squealing sound, even if the components are in perfect condition. This is due to the excessive friction between the surfaces resulting from a lack of lubrication.
Why do my brand new wiper blades squeak?
Again, make sure to check whether the windscreen glass is clean and remove any stubborn dirt or grime before using the new windscreen wipers. Then check whether the blades have been installed correctly to ensure that they are touching the glass at the right angle. If they are loose or aren’t touching the glass properly, they may make noises.
Another possible reason is cold weather conditions. In freezing temperatures, the blades can stiffen up slightly, making them less elastic and causing squeaking or juddering.
How to stop windscreen wipers from squeaking
Check the car windscreen washer fluid level in the tank and top up if necessary. Inspect it for contaminants or discolouration.
If no fluid is coming out of the washer jets, check whether there are any blockages. Gently remove dirt from nozzles.
Check the condition of the elasticity of the wipers. If they look dirty, you can wash them with a solution of warm soapy water or warm water with washer fluid. You can use a small amount of rubbing alcohol to remove any soapy residues. To stop the windscreen wipers from squeaking, old, stiff and brittle blades will need to be replaced with compatible, new ones. Popular aftermarket products include HELLA, Bosch and Valeo wiper blades.
Wash the windscreen thoroughly if you haven’t already done so.
Check the wiper positions and fasteners. Reposition them or tighten them if necessary.
Inspect the washer jets for signs of clogging or damage. Clean or replace them where required.
