It’s painful when you go on a long car journey because the noise prevents you from relaxing, listening to music, or focusing on the road. How to stop windshield wipers from squeaking? Why do they make this noise in the first place? Follow along!
Why do windshield wipers squeak?
Is there anything more annoying than squeaky windshield wipers while you’re driving? This awful, repetitive noise is distracting and almost impossible to ignore.
There can be several possible reasons that cause windshield wipers to squeak. It could be simple dirty wipers or more complicated issues like a cracked or worn wiper assembly.
The good news is that faulty wipers are not an expensive or tricky fix, but finding the source of the problem requires patience and some trial and error.
How to stop windshield wipers from squeaking?
You should not ignore squeaking wiper blades, as conditions could deteriorate if you don’t fix them at the right time.
Keeping them running will put extra pressure on them, leading to their failure or damaging the expensive windshield.
So, how to stop windshield wipers from squeaking before they lead to something worse? Follow these tips:
1. Regular Cleaning
One of the potential causes of windshield wiper squeaking is the buildup of dirt and grime on the windshield.
A thorough cleaning of the blades and the glass will solve this issue, and you should do it at least once a week to prevent it from recurring.
Use an ammonia-free glass cleaner to clean the windshield glass. Spray it on the surface and wipe it off with a microfiber towel or a squeegee.
You can apply the same solution to the blades or spray rubbing alcohol or warm soapy water. Lift the wiper blades off the surface and rub the solution into every crevice.
2. Wipe Off Windshield Wax
Some people apply a water-repellent product to the glass. It causes raindrops to slide off the windshield and improves visibility in wet weather. If the squeaking started right after applying such a product, you need to remove it.
3. Top Up Windshield Washer Fluid
Lack of moisture on the windshield glass can also cause bad wipers. Refill the windshield washer fluid if it’s low or empty. The blades need proper lubrication to glide over the windshield without making noise.
4. Fixing the Wiper Blades
How to stop windshield wipers from squeaking? Simple! Replace the wiper blades if they are cracked or worn.
Deformed blades cannot slide smoothly over the glass surface. The result is an annoying rattling noise. However, blades are inexpensive and easy to replace.
Sometimes, squeaking can be the result of how the wiper assembly is attached. Screws that are too tight or too loose can cause this screeching sound.
This happens due to temperature changes, snow or ice buildup, and debris deposits. You just need to clean the surface and tighten or loosen the screws as needed.
5. Replace the Assembly or Windshield
If nothing works, the problem is likely with the wiper assembly. Changing the entire fixture will solve the issue.
The windshield could also be the culprit, as its surface can become rough due to weather conditions and dirt on the road. If a thorough cleaning doesn’t fix this, you need to replace the windshield, which is costly.
6. Avoid Using Wipers on a Dry Windshield
In case you didn’t know, a dry windshield should never be cleaned using wipers. Use your wipers sparingly if the rain isn’t heavy enough or if there’s no windshield washer fluid on your windshield.
You will hear a squeak if you do it. Of course, that’s the least of your worries. Since the windshield isn’t lubricated, the rubber can cause long-term damage to your windshield.
In severe circumstances, the windshield will deteriorate to the point where a full replacement is necessary. If you use wipers on a dry windshield, it can also lengthen and deepen pre-existing cracks.
7. Inspect Frozen Fluid Nozzles
The fluid nozzles might not actually be spraying windshield washer fluid onto your windshield, despite what you might believe. This problem frequently occurs when it’s very cold outside and your car is parked outside overnight.
Look at the top of the hood where it meets the windshield. Two small black plastic pieces with holes facing your windshield should be visible. This is where the windshield washer fluid comes from.
Check carefully for frost or signs of freezing. If there is, use my instructions to safely defrost these nozzles.
8. Fix the Attachments
There will be attachments at the bottom of the wiper arm arms and sometimes in the middle of the wiper blade housing. These protect the assembly and ensure nothing rubs against anything else.
You might hear a squeak because these attachments can come loose if you hear that. The next step is to locate the attachment and the appropriate tool to tighten it.
Your automobile and the type of wipers you own will determine the tool you need. You will likely need:
- Can you lubricate wiper blades with WD40 silicone?
The best solution, according to experts, is to use the specialized WD-40 silicone lubricant to solve the problem of underperforming blades.
Simply soak a cloth in the solution, pull out your wipers, generously clean the blades, then stand them upright to dry for a few seconds before putting them back in place.
- Is it possible to use soapy water as windshield washer fluid?
For places where your windshield encounters a lot of mud and gravel, this windshield washer fluid solution is the best. To one gallon of distilled water, add one tablespoon of liquid dish soap.
Dish soap can thicken the solution, so it’s better to err on the side of caution and add just enough rather than too much.
Conclusion
You now know how to stop windshield wipers from squeaking by applying a few expert tips and tricks above.