Almost nothing is more annoying than the sound of squeaking windshield wipers. That beeping can turn any rain shower into a nightmare for your ears. Often the squeaking is caused by dirt on the windshield or wiper blades. A thorough cleaning can then be enough to stop the squeaking. If that doesn't help, there are a few more common causes of squeaks. For example, dried out rubber or a loose fastening nut. However, if the wiper blades are warped, falling apart or brittle, it is time to replace them with a new set.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Cleaning the windshield and wipers
Step 1. Remove any accumulated debris from the wiper blades
Lift the windshield wipers so that they point upwards. Take a piece of kitchen paper and wet it with warm water and soapy water. You can also use a little rubbing alcohol. Now wipe the wiper blades until no more dirt remains on the kitchen paper.
- Don't forget to clean the metal arm and hinged parts as well. Build-up of dirt on the wiper hinges can prevent them from turning smoothly. That too can lead to squeaking.
- If a lot of dirt has built up on the windshield wipers, you may need more paper towels. Fold thin paper towels in half before wiping the wiper blades. You can also use an old cloth.
- If the wipers do not stay up on their own, hold them up with your free hand. Now clean them one by one.
Step 2. Clean the windshield thoroughly with glass cleaner
Spray the windshield with a generous amount of glass cleaner. After this, wipe the windscreen with a lint-free cloth, such as a microfibre cloth. Wipe from top to bottom until the windshield is completely clean.
- Undiluted white vinegar can also be used in place of glass cleaner. Put the vinegar in a spray bottle and use it in the same way as the glass cleaner. Avoid getting vinegar on the car's paint.
- Ammonia-based cleaners can damage tinted glass. In addition, they can damage plastic parts on a car. The cleaning agent label should clearly state that it is ammonia-free.
Step 3. Clean a heavily soiled windshield with soda
Sprinkle a generous amount of soda on a damp paper towel to thoroughly clean the windshield. Then wipe the windscreen from top to bottom for a radiant result.
Step 4. Eliminate squeaks along the way with alcohol wipes
If the windshield wipers suddenly start beeping while on the road, you probably don't have the cleaning products as described above. It is therefore useful to keep some alcohol wipes or cleaning wipes in the car. When squeaking, wipe the rubber of both wiper blades with a cloth.
Method 2 of 3: Fix common causes of beeps
Step 1. Top up the windshield washer fluid
Windshield wipers may squeak because the windshield is too dry. Check regularly that there is still enough windshield washer fluid in the system and top up as needed. This means that the nozzles are always ready to help make the windscreen extra wet in the event of an unwanted squeak.
Step 2. Adjust the position of the wiper blades as needed
The blades are designed to follow the movement of the wiper arm. Over time, the wiper blades can become a bit stiff. As a result, they can no longer properly follow the back and forth movement of the wiper. Move the blades back and forth by hand so that they can move smoothly again.
- Wiper blades that are too stiff cannot move back and forth smoothly. This can cause squeaking and squeaking of the windshield wiper.
- The wiper blades should never appear as if they 'dig' themselves into the windshield or as if they are standing straight as they move back and forth across the windshield.
Step 3. Smooth the wiper blades
Stiff wiper blades can cause chattering and squeaking. Sometimes new wiper blades are stiff or sometimes they become stiff over time due to being exposed to the weather. Wiper blades older than one year should be replaced. Blades less than a year old can be made flexible with:
- ArmorAll. Place a generous amount of ArmorAll on a paper towel. Work the ArmorAll into the rubber of the windshield wipers in circular motions to make them smoother.
- Cleaning alcohol. Put a little bit of rubbing alcohol on a piece of kitchen paper. Gently rub the wiper blades with the damp kitchen paper.
- WD-40. Do not use this medicine too often. WD-40 can dry out rubber. Spray a small amount of WD-40 on a paper towel. Apply the WD-40 to the rubber and then wipe the blades dry with a clean paper towel.
Step 4. Adjust the mounting nut
Check that the wiper blades and the entire wiper are not too loose or too tight. Too little or too much friction between the windshield and the wiper can also cause a chatter or squeak.
- In general, you'll tighten the mounting nut more clockwise and less anti-clockwise.
- Experiment with the tightness of the mounting nut. Ideally, the wipers will be held firmly in place, but still loose enough to move smoothly back and forth.
Step 5. Remove friction-increasing window film
Anti rain film, Anti rain spray such as Rain-X or certain types of wax can cause squeaking and squeaking. Remove the product and use a normal type of window cleaner to reduce irritating noises.
The film left behind by some car polishes can increase the friction between the wipers and the windshield. This may cause unpleasant noises such as squeaking
Method 3 of 3: Replacing wiper parts
Step 1. Install new rubber inserts
When all parts that are not made of rubber are still in good condition, they do not need to be replaced. However, it can sometimes happen that the rubber parts of the wipers wear faster than the non-rubber parts (especially in a lot of sun). If so, remove and replace the rubber wiper inserts.
Step 2. Replace the wiper blades regularly
Raise the wiper arm so that it points upwards. Where the wiper blade attaches to the arm should be a hinge. Here you will also find the mechanism to remove the wiper blade from the wiper arm. Open the mechanism and remove the old wiper blade. Install the new wiper blade and close the mechanism.
- Some cars have a push-on tab or tension hook that secures the wiper blades to the wiper arm. These tabs can be loosened by hand to remove the wiper blade.
- Some experts recommend replacing the wiper blades every six months or every other year. In any case, it's a smart idea to do it before it rains a lot, like in the fall.
Step 3. Replace the entire windshield wiper
Follow the wiper arm to the bottom where it is attached to the car. Here you should see a nut. Loosen the nut with a wrench. Now you should be able to remove the entire windshield wiper from the car. Install the correct replacement wiper arm and retighten the nut. Everything should now work perfectly again.
Over time and depending on use, the entire wiper can become deformed or lose all its flexibility. This contributes to annoying beeping noises
Tips
When you have found the perfect parts for the windshield wipers of your car, write down the brand and model number. So you never have to look for the right parts again
Warnings
- Dirt built up on the windshield, such as mud, can cause squeaking. Try to avoid large puddles during rain showers so that there is as little mud as possible on the windscreen.
- Never add detergent to the windshield washer fluid. This will only cause the windshield to squeak more.
- Replacing wiper blades can involve some trial and error. Different car models also have different shape and size wiper blades.
- Never use car wax on the windshield. Wax on the windshield can cause the windshield and wiper blades to become very slippery. In severe weather this can lead to reduced visibility and very dangerous situations.
- Do not operate the wipers with ice on the windshield. This can lead to extra wear or even cracks in the rubber.