How To Stop Your Windscreen Wipers From Squeaking

There are few things more irritating than having to contend with squeaky windscreen wipers when you’re driving.

There are multiple reasons to explain why your windscreen wipers squeak but there are also several measures you can take to stop this from happening so you can go back to having a calm and quiet time behind the wheel.

First and foremost, though, if your windscreen wipers are squeaking, be sure to rectify the issue promptly as the sound could become a distraction and divert your attention away from the road.

Squeaking windscreen wipers might also be an indication of a greater issue that could cause them to fail and leave you in an unsafe situation when out on the road.

Not to worry though, here Wiperblades.co.uk explores the reasons for why your windscreen wipers are squeaking and advise exactly how to stop it from happening.

Why Are My Windscreen Wipers Squeaking?

1.    You Need New Wiper Blades

Put simply, the most likely cause of squeaking windscreen wipers is the rubber on the blade has worn down so as to necessitate a replacement.

The squeak, which is caused by the rubber blade degrading naturally over the course of its lifespan leading to an unbalanced wiping action, might be preceded by the component noticeably failing to clear the windscreen as evenly as it did when new.

2.    Debris In The Blades

Windscreen wipers are exposed to the elements the entire time they are affixed to your vehicle, regardless of whether they are in use. As such, debris and dirt can accumulate from a variety of different sources, such as leaves, grit and ice (especially during winter months), but also from tree sap and slick oil during warmer summer months.

A build-up of debris could cause your blades to flex across the windscreen, an unevenness that might prompt a squeak when in use. 

3.    Dirty Windscreen

While windscreen wipers are designed to keep a windscreen clear during wet conditions, since they are always not in use, windscreens can become coated in debris whether you’re driving or parked.

If your windscreen is dirty before using windscreen wipers, accumulated debris on the screen might therefore affect the wiper blades when they are in motion and create a squeaking sound.

4.    No Screenwash Lubrication

It’s very likely that you’ll only be aware that you need to top up your screenwash the moment you attempt to lucbricate the screen and nothing comes out.

In this instance, it is important to consider stopping to top up the screenwash fluid as soon as possible. If you don’t, using your wiper blades in rainy conditions on a windscreen that can’t be splashed with washer fluid beforehand, could damage them and cause them to squeak

5.    Using Windscreen Wipers On A Dry Screen

While the summer months bring better weather, it often means long periods of not having to use your windscreen wipers.

In that time, it is likely that your windscreen will accumulate debris. While the grime might be minor enough to allow you to drive unobstructed, it could become problematic when the time comes to use your windscreen wipers.

As an example, imagine a windscreen that has debris from bugs during the summer months. While small enough not to be a problem in dry conditions, using wiper blades on a bug-filled screen could prove damaging for the wiper blades.

6.    Installed Incorrectly

If you’ve recently installed new wiper blades, there is a chance you might have installed them incorrectly.

If so, the wiper blades won’t be performing exactly as the manufacturer has intended and this could lead to issues, such as squeaking. In this instance, simply remove the wiper blades and reinstall them.

7.    Defect

On rare occasions, a squeak might be the result of a fault with the wiper blades or the mechanism.

If you think there is a defect, you’ll need to contact the retailer you purchased the wiper blades from or the manufacturer of your vehicle.

How To Stop Your Windscreen Wipers Squeaking

1.   Replace Your Wiper Blades

Wiper blades undergo a lot of stress during their lifespan so a time will come when it is necessary to change them, just as you would replace tyres when they have become worn.

Provided the mechanism isn’t at fault, replacing your windscreen wiper blades should rectify the problem with the squeaking.

If you suspect the time has come for you to update your wiper blades, Wiperblades.co.uk can help. 

With Wiperblades.co.uk you can purchase the wiper blades that are guaranteed to fit your vehicle, all at great value prices, even among top name brands like Bosch, Michelin and Lucas.

Plus, with our easy-to-follow fitment videos and expert guidance, you can install them in under a minute - keeping your windscreen spotless with minimal effort.

2.    Clean Your Wipers Blades

If you are confident your wiper blades are not worn so as to necessitate being replaced, cleaning your wiper blades will both remove any debris that might have accumulated and help prolong the life of them.

Use warm soapy water and cloths to clean the wiper blade with gentle wiping motion. Be sure not to scrub them vigorously as doing so might damage the rubber. If necessary, use several cloths and repeat until the wiper blade is clean.

3.    Use Plenty of Screenwash

Even if it hasn’t rained for some time, it is useful to utilise your screenwash to keep your windscreen clean even in dry conditions.

Doing so will remove blemishes and debris, such as bugs, from the screen and help prevent a build-up of grime and dirt over time that might cause your wiper blades to squeak when in use.