When you head out on the road, you look forward to a relaxing and enjoyable trip. However, if it’s raining, it could instead be a miserable experience if your windshield wiper blades squeak and squeal.
In this article, I discuss why windshield wipers squeak and how to get them to stop. I also look at the cost of windshield wiper replacements.
Why Do Windshield Wipers Squeak?
#1. Contamination.
As you drive, your car’s windshield will pick up dust and road debris. The contaminants are there even when you can’t see them.
When the windshield wipers are turned on, these will jump and drag on the glass, and there can also be debris build-up on the wipers.
#2. Bad Installation.
If you have the guys at the auto parts store, put your wipers on, then it might not be done right. Although you could avoid having to do the job, not all of them have the basic knowledge to finish the installation.
They are not trained technicians that are working at the auto parts store. If your car has complex wiper assembly, you are better off having a professional do the job.
#3. Worn-out Rubber.
Even if you cross your fingers that you maintain your wiper blades properly, the rubber on the blades will wear out, and it will happen under dirty conditions more frequently.
The rubber can also start to crack. Not only will this squeak when you use your wipers, but they will also leave streaks.
#4. Defects.
If you haven’t bought your wipers from a reputable manufacturer, they may have defects. If your wipers are squeaking from day one, then they have defects.
The reason may be that the wipers sat on the shelf too long and the rubber hardened. Or they came from a cheap manufacture and can simply can’t get the job done.
How to Fix Squeaky Wiper Blades?
#1. Clean the Blade.
The simplest fix is to clean the blades. Eventually, the windshield wiper is going to pick up grime. Fortunately for you, all you need to clean the rubber is a few products around the house. First clean the windshield with a glass cleaner.
You’re going to use a squeegee to remove the cleaner when finished, so grab that and finish the windshield. After the windshield is cleaned up, you can take that same cleaner and use it on the wiper blade.
Use a clean cloth to remove the cleaner all along the length of the blade. While you are at it, inspect the blade to ensure it hasn’t deteriorated.
#2. Fill Windshield Washer Fluid.
If there is not enough lubrication on the windshield, you could get a little extra noise from the blades moving around. To fix: make sure the windshield washer reservoir is full of washer fluid and use it liberally.
Find the reservoir under the hood and fill with a funnel. Once it is full, spray a few times to lubricate the windshield.
#3. Soften the Blade.
If the blade has been sitting for a while it could be weak. With some finesse, it is not difficult to soften the blade up a little. Use some rubbing alcohol or some WD-40 on a paper towel and move that across the wiper blade.
Dry the blade off with a clean cloth – you don’t want either of these items on your windshield.
#4. Remove Wax Coating.
If you have recently washed your car and used Rain-X (or a similar product), you may need to remove some it. Dampen a clean cloth, but make sure it is not sopping wet.
Gently wipe the cloth on the windshield. Next, use some glass polish and rub the windshield in small circular motions. Be sure to polish the whole windshield. Rinse the windshield with water!
#5. Adjust Wiper Assembly.
The tightness of the wiper assembly may need to be calibrated. It may have become too loose or too tight.
Using a flathead screwdriver, ratchet, and socket wrench, you can adjust the nut and bolt that holds the wipers in place.
This will be one of the last steps of trial and error as you determine just the right amount of pressure to apply.
#6. Replace Wiper Blades.
If the wiper blades are old, cracked, or torn, you will need to replace them. The unusable edges are not going to glide across the glass like they are supposed to.
To replace the blade, pull the wiper arm straight up. Then pull the blade out and then insert the new one. Make sure the blade is locked in or use the retaining clips that are on the assembly.
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement Cost
Windshield wiper blades typically cost $50 or less for a pair, unless you drive a larger vehicle or luxury vehicle, which may be slightly more.
You can usually install the blades yourself, or have someone install them for you at an auto parts store if you want to avoid having to pay a labor fee.
Some windshield wiper assembly may be complicated, and paying a technician to replace may be worth it, too, at approximately $25-40.