The noise the wipers make is annoying, distracting to the driver, and annoying to the passengers. There’s no right solution to this problem, but this article will give you some options.
Clean Your Windshield Thoroughly
You can try one of the following products (but don’t use them all at once):
- Windex (product of Johnson & Johnson) glass cleaner
- Vinegar
- Baking soda (sprinkle on dry or wet paper towels)
Replace Wiper Strips Regularly
Wiper strips don’t cost much, so you can buy good quality wiper strips. Replace the strips at least once a year before the rainy season.
Refill Windshield Fluid
A windshield that isn’t wet enough can cause the wipers to skip, so you’ll want to check your windshield fluid level and top it up if necessary.
Make Wipers Softer
Use WD-40 lubricant. Pour a little lubricant onto a paper towel and wipe the noisy wipers. You have to be careful because products containing petroleum, such as WD-40, can corrode rubber and make it dry and brittle. Overuse of these products can cause the rubber to break.
Use rubbing alcohol. Rubbing alcohol will not corrode or damage wipers. Wet one corner of a paper towel with rubbing alcohol and wipe the wipers. This will wipe away dirt and grease. Repeat this step until all dirt is removed.
Look At the Wiper Strip or Wiper Assembly Below
Check to see if the wiper strip or the underlying wiper assembly is too loose or too tight. Too much or too little tension between the glass and the wiper can cause noise.
Replace the Original Product with Regular Car Polish
If you’ve recently used Rain-X products or wax and noticed squeaky wipers, you can replace the product with regular car polish. Rain-X and other waxing products can form a film that causes the wipers to make noise.
Replacing Wiper Components
Wear and tear caused by long-term use will deform the components that support the wipers. If the wipers no longer conform well to the curve of the windshield, it’s time to replace them with new ones.
Tips
- Wipe the wiper edges with alcohol wipes once a month (you can buy alcohol wipes at pharmacies). Doing this will remove grease, debris, and tape debris from the wipers, making them last longer. You may need to wipe them down more often in the winter to remove road salt (anti-icing) or sand that has been spilled on your windshield. If you regularly drive on gravel roads, you need to do this regularly, no matter what time of year. If there is flashing graphite on the strips, this means they are impregnated with graphite powder to reduce noise. Remember to wipe the strips gently to avoid peeling off this layer of graphite.
- Once you find a new wiper strip that fits, remember the product name and type so you don’t have to go through the same hassle next time.
- Make sure the windshield is very clean and free of wax and oil. These two things can make the glass very slippery and prone to problems.
- Do not wax your windshield, as this will cause the glass and wipers to become very slippery and impede your view in harsh weather.
- If the windshield is frosted, do not use the wipers. This can corrode the wipers and even cause them to crack.
- When replacing your wiper strips, it may take a few trials and errors to find the right one. The wiper strip you choose depends on the type of car and how the wiper strip is assembled.
- Do not add dishwashing liquid to the windshield washer fluid. This will leave the glass so clean that it squeaks when rubbed (just like dishes washed with dishwashing liquid).
- Do not follow the car too closely. Substances splashed on the road contain glue, which gradually accumulates on the glass and causes the wipers to make noise. The film on your windshield will accumulate these substances more quickly when it rains.