How To Fix Your Squeaky Windshield Wipers

Reviewed by

Anthony Harlin, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician

Technical Reviewer at CarParts.com

Written by CarParts.com Research Team - Updated on March 11th, 2024

Reading Time: 4 minutes
Summary
  • To fix your squeaky windshield wipers, you can try cleaning your windshield, replacing worn blades, and applying wiper blade lubricant.
  • A dirty windshield, worn blades, and low wiper fluid can cause your windshield wipers to make squeaky noises.
  • You typically only need to replace your windshield wiper blades every 12 months, but this can vary depending on several factors, including how often you use them and your vehicle’s make, model, and year.

Squeaky windshield wipers aren’t just annoying; they can  also be dangerous. They can be distracting especially when driving in rainy conditions.

As soon as you hear your windshield wipers squeak, try to fix them. That way, you can use your windshield wipers and drive safely in the rain without distraction.

How To Fix Squeaky Windshield Wipers

There are different ways you can fix squeaky windshield wipers, and they’re relatively easy to do on your own. Here are some tips you can try out:

Clean Your Windshield Regularly

When was the last time you cleaned your windshield? If it’s been a while, then this might be the culprit behind your squeaky wipers.

Over time, dirt and grime will build up on your windshield and cause your wipers to squeak. To fix this, just give your windshield a good and thorough cleaning.

Clean Your Wiper Blades

If cleaning your windshield doesn’t work, then you might be dealing with dirty wiper blades. Dirt, debris, and tiny insects can get stuck on the blades, causing them to squeak every time you use them.

Take a clean cloth and wipe your wiper blades down gently. Be careful not to be too harsh when cleaning them or you might end up snapping your wipers in half. Watch out for things like tree sap, as they’ll kill your blades if you don’t immediately wipe them off.

Watch out for things like tree sap, as they will kill your wiper blades.

Anthony Harlin, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician

Replace Worn Blades

Are your windshield wipers still squeaking even after a thorough cleaning? If so, then it might be time to say goodbye to your wiper blades and get new ones.

Wiper blades naturally wear over time, and when they near the end of their lifetime, they’re less likely to function well. Replace them as soon as you can as driving without functioning wipers can be a huge safety risk, especially when it rains.

Apply a Wiper Blade Lubricant

Looking for a quick and easy way to fix noisy windshield wipers? Try applying a small amount of silicone-based lubricant to your wiper blades. This should help reduce friction between the blades and the windshield as well as stop that pesky squeaking.

Tighten the Screws on the Wiper Arm

Usually, windshield wiper arms are held together with a big nut, and the linkage usually has threads and is the mounting point for the arms. Sometimes, the screws holding your wiper assembly together can get loose, causing your windshield wipers to make an annoying squeaking sound.

To fix this, all you have to do is tighten the screws on the wiper arm.

Adjust the Wiper Blade’s Metal Tabs

Have you tried checking on your wiper blade’s metal tabs? They might be the cause of all that squeaking noise if they aren’t in the right position.

This might require a little bit of trial and error, but it’s easy enough to do on your own. Look for the squeaky spot on your wiper blades, and gently bend the metal tab in the opposite direction.

Why Do My Windshield Wipers Squeak?

Unsure of the reason why your windshield wipers keep squeaking? Well, there are a few reasons for that. Here are a few examples:

Dirty Windshield

The most common culprit behind squeaky windshield wipers is a dirty windshield. All that buildup of dirt, sand, and other debris means added friction, creating the squeaky sounds as they pass over the glass.

Dirty Blades

Just like your windshield, your wiper blades can get dirty too. Dirt, debris, and even insects can collect on your blades, so be sure to give those rubber squeegees a thorough cleaning every now and then.

Worn Blades

Over time, the rubber on your wiper blades becomes hard and brittle. It loses its ability to flex, which means it won’t wipe your windshield well and sometimes makes squeaking noises.

Sometimes, worn blades can also fail to make full contact with the windshield, which can result in squeaking noises whenever you use your wipers.

Dry Wiping

If you wipe your screen while it’s dry, you’re likely to hear squeaking noises. Make sure there’s enough moisture on your windshield before wiping.

Squirting some washer fluid onto your windshield is usually enough to solve this issue.

When Should You Replace Your Windshield Wipers?

While replacing your wipers can certainly help get rid of that squeaky sound, it shouldn’t be the first solution you turn to. Squeaky windshield wipers don’t automatically mean your vehicle needs new wipers, but it is a good time to check on their condition.

If you notice any damage, then it’s probably time to replace them. Ideally, however, you only need to replace your wiper blades every 12 months. Of course, this can vary depending on several factors, including how often you use them and your vehicle’s year, make, and model.

It also depends on what type of wiper blades you have on. Some are metal frames with a rubber insert, and some are completely plastic with rubber.

Where to Get New Windshield Wipers for Your Vehicle

Having squeaky windshield wipers might not seem like a big deal 一 until the rain pours, and they’re squeaking so loud they’re drowning out the tunes from your radio. 

If you’re looking to replace your noisy wipers, you’ve come to the right place. Here at CarParts.com, we have a great selection of OE-grade windshield wipers that passed the highest quality control standards from the most trusted names in the industry.

Get the right part by entering your vehicle’s year, make, and model into our vehicle selector to narrow down the catalog to compatible windshield wipers. You can also use the search filters to find a windshield wiper that suits your preferences.

Shop now, and check out securely in a matter of minutes. Thanks to our strategically located warehouses across the US, you can get your order delivered straight to your doorstep in as fast as two business days.

Here at CarParts.com, we take pride in offering our customers the best products at the lowest prices. All our products come with a lifetime replacement and low-price guarantee to help you get the best value for your money.

Check out our windshield wipers today!

About The Authors
Reviewed By Anthony Harlin, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician

Technical Reviewer at CarParts.com

Tony Harlin is a Master Gas and Diesel Diagnostic Technician with over 18 years of experience. He works full-time at a large independent automotive shop as a driveability and repair technician working on all types of vehicles with a focus on diesels. ASE certifications include A1-A9, L1 and L2, as well as X1.

Written By CarParts.com Research Team

Automotive and Tech Writers

The CarParts.com Research Team is composed of experienced automotive and tech writers working with (ASE)-certified automobile technicians and automotive journalists to bring up-to-date, helpful information to car owners in the US. Guided by CarParts.com's thorough editorial process, our team strives to produce guides and resources DIYers and casual car owners can trust.

Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.

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Published by
CarParts.com Research Team and Anthony Harlin, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician
Tags: wiper-blade