Why do my windscreen wipers squeak? How to stop it

26 Views

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

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.

    • Length [mm]: 330 Length [mm]330
    • Wiper blade type: Flat wiper blade
    • Condition: New
    Details
    BOSCH Rear wiper blade 3 397 016 507
    BOSCH 3 397 016 507 Rear wiper blade Article № : 3 397 016 507 Rear wiper blade 3 397 016 507
    Car parts maker: BOSCH
    (1)

    In stock

    £ 9,68
    incl. 20% VAT
  • Details
    BOSCH Wiper blade 3 397 014 219
    BOSCH 3 397 014 219 Wiper blade Article № : 3 397 014 219 Wiper blade 3 397 014 219
    Car parts maker: BOSCH
    (13)

    In stock

    £ 19,08
    incl. 20% VAT
    • Length [mm]: 400 Length [mm]400
    • Wiper blade type: Flat wiper blade
    • Condition: New
    Details
    BOSCH Rear wiper blade 3 397 016 509
    BOSCH 3 397 016 509 Rear wiper blade Article № : 3 397 016 509 Rear wiper blade 3 397 016 509
    Car parts maker: BOSCH
    (2)

    In stock

    £ 9,98
    incl. 20% VAT
  • Details
    BOSCH Wiper blade 3 397 014 199
    BOSCH 3 397 014 199 Wiper blade Article № : 3 397 014 199 Wiper blade 3 397 014 199
    Car parts maker: BOSCH
    (14)

    In stock

    £ 26,08
    incl. 20% VAT

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

How to stop windscreen wipers from squeaking

  1. Check the car windscreen washer fluid level in the tank and top up if necessary. Inspect it for contaminants or discolouration.
  2. If no fluid is coming out of the washer jets, check whether there are any blockages. Gently remove dirt from nozzles.
  3. 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.
  4. Wash the windscreen thoroughly if you haven’t already done so.
  5. Check the wiper positions and fasteners. Reposition them or tighten them if necessary.
  6. Inspect the washer jets for signs of clogging or damage. Clean or replace them where required.

TOP products on the subject:

Top products at reduced prices

  • Details
    VALEO Wiper blade 574385
    VALEO 574385 Wiper blade Article № : 574385 Wiper blade 574385
    Car parts maker: VALEO
    (3)

    In stock

    £ 20,58
    incl. 20% VAT
  • Details
    VALEO Wiper blade 575009
    VALEO 575009 Wiper blade Article № : 575009 Wiper blade 575009
    Car parts maker: VALEO
    (36)

    In stock

    £ 10,38
    (Price per item)
    incl. 20% VAT
  • Details
    SWF Wiper blade 132000
    SWF 132000 Wiper blade Article № : 132000 Wiper blade 132000
    Car parts maker: SWF

    In stock

    £ 33,58
    incl. 20% VAT
  • Details
    BOSCH Wiper blade 3 397 118 309
    BOSCH 3 397 118 309 Wiper blade Article № : 3 397 118 309 Wiper blade 3 397 118 309
    Car parts maker: BOSCH
    (3)

    In stock

    £ 20,68
    incl. 20% VAT
    • Length [mm]: 300 Length [mm]300
    • Wiper blade type: Flat wiper blade
    • Condition: New
    Details
    BOSCH Rear wiper blade 3 397 016 513
    BOSCH 3 397 016 513 Rear wiper blade Article № : 3 397 016 513 Rear wiper blade 3 397 016 513
    Car parts maker: BOSCH

    In stock

    £ 9,57
    incl. 20% VAT
  • Details
    BOSCH Wiper blade 3 397 018 199
    BOSCH 3 397 018 199 Wiper blade Article № : 3 397 018 199 Wiper blade 3 397 018 199
    Car parts maker: BOSCH

    In stock

    £ 28,98
    incl. 20% VAT
    • Length [mm]: 380 Length [mm]380
    • Wiper blade type: Flat wiper blade
    • Condition: New
    Details
    BOSCH Rear wiper blade 3 397 016 508
    BOSCH 3 397 016 508 Rear wiper blade Article № : 3 397 016 508 Rear wiper blade 3 397 016 508
    Car parts maker: BOSCH

    In stock

    £ 10,88
    incl. 20% VAT
  • Details
    VALEO Wiper blade 566012
    VALEO 566012 Wiper blade Article № : 566012 Wiper blade 566012
    Car parts maker: VALEO
    (1)

    In stock

    £ 17,48
    incl. 20% VAT
  • Details
    VAICO Wiper Arm Set, window cleaning V10-3463
    VAICO V10-3463 Wiper Arm Set, window cleaning Article № : V10-3463 Wiper Arm Set, window cleaning V10-3463
    Car parts maker: VAICO
    (1)

    In stock

    £ 31,78
    incl. 20% VAT
  • Details
    BOSCH Wiper blade 3 397 118 911
    BOSCH 3 397 118 911 Wiper blade Article № : 3 397 118 911 Wiper blade 3 397 118 911
    Car parts maker: BOSCH
    (35)

    In stock

    £ 24,38
    incl. 20% VAT
    • Length [mm]: 280 Length [mm]280
    • Wiper blade type: Flat wiper blade
    • Condition: New
    Details
    BOSCH Rear wiper blade 3 397 016 506
    BOSCH 3 397 016 506 Rear wiper blade Article № : 3 397 016 506 Rear wiper blade 3 397 016 506
    Car parts maker: BOSCH
    (3)

    In stock

    £ 8,68
    incl. 20% VAT
  • Details
    BOSCH Wiper blade 3 397 014 027
    BOSCH 3 397 014 027 Wiper blade Article № : 3 397 014 027 Wiper blade 3 397 014 027
    Car parts maker: BOSCH

    In stock

    £ 19,48
    incl. 20% VAT
  • Details
    BOSCH Wiper blade 3 397 005 808
    BOSCH 3 397 005 808 Wiper blade Article № : 3 397 005 808 Wiper blade 3 397 005 808
    Car parts maker: BOSCH
    (4)

    In stock

    £ 26,18
    incl. 20% VAT
  • Details
    VALEO Wiper blade 572320
    VALEO 572320 Wiper blade Article № : 572320 Wiper blade 572320
    Car parts maker: VALEO

    In stock

    £ 107,68
    incl. 20% VAT
    • Length [mm]: 240 Length [mm]240
    • Wiper blade type: Flat wiper blade
    • Condition: New
    Details
    BOSCH Rear wiper blade 3 397 016 512
    BOSCH 3 397 016 512 Rear wiper blade Article № : 3 397 016 512 Rear wiper blade 3 397 016 512
    Car parts maker: BOSCH
    (1)

    In stock

    £ 9,98
    incl. 20% VAT
  • Details
    ABAKUS Wiper Arm Set, window cleaning 103-00-103-P
    ABAKUS 103-00-103-P Wiper Arm Set, window cleaning Article № : 103-00-103-P Wiper Arm Set, window cleaning 103-00-103-P
    Car parts maker: ABAKUS
    (3)

    In stock

    £ 11,08
    incl. 20% VAT