How to Stop Windshield Wipers from Squeaking

If someone asked me what the sounds that can easily make me go crazy are, one of the first ones that would come to my mind would be the squeaking of the windshield wipers.

I don’t think there is anything more annoying than hearing this noise while you are trying to hear your favorite song, listen to your companion or just have a phone conversation.

Or, even worse is hearing this noise while you are trying your best to drive in heavy rain while trying not to crash into someone.

Unfortunately, I had to deal with this problem several times, and as this sound annoyed me so much, I became a true professional for it.

So, guys, here is my “How to stop windshield wipers from squeaking 101”!

I hope it will help you, so you don’t have to put up with this inconvenience anymore! 😊

Sources of the Squeaking Noise

There are several simple and common-sense reasons why you are hearing this noise.

First of all, it could be that your wipers are just dirty, because, let’s be honest – who even pays attention to them until some problem arises?

Also, your windshield might be covered with tiny dust or other particles that create obstacles for the wipers’ movement.

Secondly, it could be that the rubber on the wiper blades is worn out, too stiff or the fasteners are fixed too tight and these create the noise during the wiper’s movement.

Now, let’s cover all these issues and some additional ones more thoroughly.

How to Stop Windshield Wipers from Squeaking

What You'll Be Needing:

1. Remove the Dirt from the Blades

This is the most common reason why your wipers are squeaking and the solution is simple.

All you need to do is to hold the wipers and move them upwards away from the windshield, so they stay still and then take a paper towel soaked with a little bit of water and soap and then clean the rubber of the blades.

If the wipers can’t stand upward then hold each with one hand and clean it with another.

You might get surprised when you see how dirty the paper will be.

Also, you could use alcohol instead of soapy water.

Use the cleaner on a microfiber cloth to clean the windshield and the best way to do this and not create smears is to move your hand vertically - from the top to the bottom of the glass.

In case you can’t obtain a glass cleaner without ammonia, you can simply use concentrated white vinegar the same way. However, please be cautious with it, as the vinegar can damage the paint around the windshield.

TIP: Believe it or not, baking soda can be quite useful outside the kitchen as well, because you can use it as well to remove any unwanted particles from the glass.

Just sprinkle a handful of it on a wet paper towel and use the same hand movement to wipe the glass.

3. Check the Windshield Fluid

Another thing we don’t think about until its too late is the level of the windshield fluid and realizing you are out of it the middle of a drive can be quite annoying and also very dangerous.

This liquid offers a double benefit: first of all the glass stays clean thanks to it and secondly that clean glass enables easy movement of the wipers.

Please be sure to check its level regularly, because a low level means that the glass is not wet as much as it should be and that causes friction and the squeaking noise.

Another good option is WD-40, but please be careful, because if you use to much, you can cause the rubber to get very dry and get damaged easily.

You should apply a smaller amount on a paper towel, apply it into the blade and then remove the remainder.

TIP: In case you are unable to get ArmorAll or WD-40, feel free to use plain alcohol, which you should also apply on a paper towel and rub into the blades.

By following this step you should definitely get rid of the squeaking sound.

6. Check How Tight the Fasteners Are

If there is too much pressure between the wipers and the windshield due to the fasteners being too tight you can rest assured that this will cause the squeaking sound.

You can easily adjust the pressure by using a wrench and turning the fasteners clockwise or counterclockwise depending if you wish to tighten or loosen them.

It is important that after adjusting the fasteners the wipers need to be able to move freely across the windshield, and not stay in place, which is a bad sign.

7. Replace Old Rubber Parts

If everything seems intact and the parts of your blades that aren’t made of rubber, as well as the arm, are in good condition, it means that the rubber inserts are most likely worn out and create the squeaking sound.

This happens often in very hot areas, where the rubber decomposes and breaks easier than in areas with cooler weather.

In this case, you are simply supposed to purchase new rubber parts and replace the old ones.

8. Replace Old Wiper Blades

Not only that you should pay attention to the rubber inserts, but also to the whole blades and replace them with new ones regularly.

Even though it might seem complicated, this is done easily.

Blades are connected with arms with joints that have mechanisms, that when opened let you detach an old blade and insert a new one.

Now, there is also another mechanism that connects blades and arms, such as push-tab or tension hooks.