How to fix squeaky wipers
Have you heard the dreaded squeak?
If your wipers have become rather noisy of late, it might have got you wondering how you can get rid of this annoyance. But squeaky windscreen wipers could be telling you something, and should be the prompt you need to take action.
In this article, we’ll explore why wiper blades squeak, how to fix them, and how to tell when it might be time for a fresh set.
The causes & fixes for squeaking wiper blades
There are several reasons why windscreen wipers might squeak. So let’s explore the causes and solutions:
- Dirt: If the glass is grimy, the blades may sweep unevenly over the surface and make noises. The same goes for blades which can also accumulate dirt over time. Try giving your windscreen and the blades a thorough clean and see if that makes a difference.
- Rigid blades: If the blades are rigid with little give, this can cause them to squeak as they run over the glass. This brittleness may stem from overuse and could signal that it’s time for a blade replacement. Before going down the replacement route, first try applying a water and vinegar mix to try and soften the blades up.
- Dry blades: A wiper blade needs a bit of lubrication to operate smoothly. If they are squeaking or juddering, it could be a sign they need more washer fluid. Topping up washer fluid levels will also keep your windscreen nice and clean in general.
- Age: If you’ve had your blades for over a year, it could simply be the age that’s impacting their performance. Make sure you are replacing blades at least annually to keep them performing at their best.
- Incorrect installation: The issue may not be the blade but rather the wiper arm. A rarer but entirely possible cause of squeaking windscreen wipers is the incorrect installation of the wiper itself. If you’ve tried everything else to remedy the situation, take your vehicle to be checked by a professional who can assess the situation, realign the wipers or replace components.
We hope one of the solutions above works for your vehicle, but remember you can always ask for professional advice whenever you wish.
When should you replace wipers?
Windscreen wipers are designed to last no longer than a year. This means you should replace your wiper blades annually. However, if you use your wipers very regularly, replacing them once every six months is often advisable.
Wipers are inspected as part of an MOT so it’s wise to check them before your car is tested. As above, if the performance is not satisfactory, swapping them with new can help.
Rely on Mr Tyre for fast and professional MOTs and vehicle servicing. Established over 50 years ago, we are Central England’s leading chain of autocentres. With excellent workmanship guaranteed, get in touch to see how we can help your car.
