The piercing screech emitted by the windshield wipers makes any storm a truly unpleasant experience. This noise is often caused by dirt on the windshield or wiper blades, so you need to clean them thoroughly. If you don't get satisfactory results, try to fix common problems like stiffened rubber strips or loose bolts; however, if the rubber blades are deformed, broken or brittle, you will need to replace them.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Clean the Brushes and Windshield
Step 1. Remove any material that has accumulated on the brush blades
Lift them so they are oriented away from the crystal. Dampen a few sheets of kitchen paper with a small amount of very hot soapy water or rubbing alcohol and scrub the blades until they are perfectly clean.
- Remember to also clean the arm and the hinged parts; the latter can become stiff due to dust and dirt, contributing to noise.
- If the brushes are really very dirty, you need to use several pieces of kitchen paper; if this is rather thin and inconsistent, use two or more sheets folded on themselves or switch to a rag of fabric.
- If the blades don't hold their position when you lift them off the windshield, hold them steady with one hand as you wipe them one at a time with the other.
Step 2. Clean the windshield thoroughly with glass cleaner
Spray a generous amount of ammonia-free product on the crystal and rub with a soft, lint-free cloth, such as a microfiber rag; scrub from top to bottom until the entire surface is clean.
- You can use pure white vinegar instead of the cleanser. Pour it into a spray bottle and use it as you would the commercial product; however, avoid applying it to the painted areas of the bodywork.
- Ammonia-based cleaners can damage the tint of the windshield and rapidly degrade plastic elements; products that do not contain this substance should clearly indicate this on the label.
Step 3. Use baking soda for a very dirty windshield
Sprinkle a generous amount on damp kitchen paper for a more intense abrasive action; rub the crystal from top to bottom.
Step 4. Resolve screeching when out and about with alcohol-based wet wipes
If the brushes start to make noise while you are driving, you certainly don't have all the household products available. However, keep some wet wipes in the car; when you start to hear the annoying squeaks, use them to scrub both sides of the rubber blades.
Method 2 of 3: Resolve the Common Causes of Noise
Step 1. Refill wiper fluid
Many windshield brushes slip and screech because the glass is not wet enough. Inspect the level of the detergent and add more if you deem it necessary; this way the sprayers can do their job when you hear the noise.
Step 2. Change the position of the rubber blades if necessary
These elements are designed to follow the movement of the arms to which they are connected; if they are too tight and do not support the forward and backward swing, move them slightly by hand to unlock them.
- The blades that are stuck on the crystal are unable to follow the alternating movement of the arms smoothly, causing vibrations and squeaks.
- They should never be squeezed on the windshield or stand upright while scrubbing it.
Step 3. Soften the rubber parts of the wiper blades
Hardened ones can cause noise and "bounce" over the glass when in action. Some may be stiff when brand new, but others become stiff due to exposure to the elements. You should replace them after a year, while new but rather hard ones can be softened with:
- The black tires. Apply the amount you think appropriate on a sheet of kitchen paper and rub it on the rubber blades with circular movements to make them more malleable.
- Denatured alcohol. Use it to moisten some paper towels with which to rub the wiper blades later.
- WD-40. Use it very sparingly - an overdose of this product can dry out the gum. Spray it on the kitchen paper and apply a thin layer to the wiper blade; when finished, dry with a clean cloth.
Step 4. Adjust the bolts
Observe if the arms or the brushes themselves are too loose or tight; too much or too little tension between the glass and the rubber blade can cause hopping or screeching.
- Bolts or nuts can usually be adjusted with a wrench by turning them clockwise to tighten them and counterclockwise to loosen them.
- It may take several tries and some trials to adjust the best tightening torque for the type of brushes fitted to your car. In theory they should be firmly in place, but they should have some slack to be able to move on the crystal.
Step 5. Eliminate friction-increasing films
Protective products commonly used on motor vehicles, such as Rain-X, or certain types of wax, can cause noises and erratic wiper movements; remove these substances and get rid of annoying noises by applying simple car polish.
The film left by certain protective products can increase the friction between the rubber blades and the windshield by generating noises such as squeaking
Method 3 of 3: Replace the wiper blade parts
Step 1. Fit new rubber blades
If the arms and brush structure are still in good condition, there is obviously no need to change them. Sometimes, however, the rubber strip degrades more rapidly than the other elements made of different materials (especially in sunny areas); you must then remove and replace it.
Step 2. Replace the brushes regularly
Pull the metal arm away from the windshield. You should notice a joint where the brush engages with the arm; the release mechanism is located in this area. Open the system, remove the old brush, insert the new one and close the mechanism again.
- Some car models have a push tab or a live hook that secures the brush to the arm; open this kind of mechanism with your hands and slide the brush to disassemble it.
- Someone may advise you to change your wiper blades every 6 months or 1 year, but it is best to proceed before each rainy season.
Step 3. Replace the arm
Follow the wiper blade up to the arm and the base of the same, you should notice a nut sticking out of the hood; unscrew it with a wrench and lift the arm. Insert the spare and tighten the nut; the new piece is ready to be used.
Over time and use, the elements supporting the brushes may lose flexibility or deform, both of which contribute to noise
Advice
Once you've found the perfect set of replacement rubber strips for your wipers, remember to write down their make and model so you don't have to repeat the search process
Warnings
- Accumulated foreign material, such as dirt, can cause the screech as it lands on the car. When it rains, avoid large puddles or large splashes coming from other vehicles.
- Never add dish soap to the squeegee liquid as it may even aggravate the problem.
- Do not activate the wipers when the windshield is covered with ice: you will prematurely damage the rubber blades and tear them apart.
- Never apply wax to the windshield as the product makes the glass and brushes very slippery, preventing you from seeing well in adverse weather conditions.
- When replacing the rubber strips, you have to proceed by trial and error; different car models need wipers of different sizes and shapes.
