contents
- Why are my wipers making noise?
- Tips against squeaky wipers
- Home remedies for squeaky windshield wipers
- What to do if the wipers smear?
- What to do if windshield wipers rattle?
- Replacing wipers: when is it necessary?
- How long should a windshield wiper last?
- Maintain wipers properly
- Conclusion: Keep the perspective
Why are my wipers making noise?
When wipers start to squeak or rub, the majority of vehicle owners simply get a new pair. But has that eliminated the cause? In fact, there are many reasons for squeaky wipers:
- Porous or hard wiper blades
- Defective windshield wiper bracket
- Damaged rubber lips
- Dirty wipers
- Incorrectly set tilt angle
- Dirt or leaves between the windshield and hood
- Dry or dirty windshield
- Mixing ratio of the cleaning water
Tips against squeaky wipers
Before you replace the old wiper blades, we have put together some useful tips for you so that you can quickly get rid of the annoying noise.
Clean wipers
Sounds banal, but cleaning the windscreen wipers should be the first step to eliminating annoying squeaking. Dirty wiper blades can usually be easily wiped off with a damp cloth. Especially the rubber lips are to be cleaned thoroughly if heavily soiled. In addition, conventional washing-up liquid can help. This should be gentle.
Clean windshield
Dirty wipers are not always to blame for the noise. If these are clean, it is advisable to also clean the windscreen with water, a cloth and, if necessary, washing-up liquid or glass cleaner. Dirty windows can also be responsible for squeaking wipers.
If the windscreen wipers are still squeaking after a thorough cleaning of the windscreen, it is advisable a silicone cleaner to use. This can thoroughly remove waxes or fats. Afterwards, a cotton cloth is recommended for polishing the windshield.
Use the right mop water
To keep your windshield clean, you should always refill the windshield washer system. The mixing ratio of the cleaning water is also very important. Supermarkets and petrol stations offer cleaning water for sale. If you want, you can simply make the windscreen washer fluid yourself. You can do this by mixing clean water with glass cleaner in a 1:1 ratio. Then the cleaning water only has to be filled into the container.
Adjust windshield wipers correctly
Wrongly adjusted windscreen wipers can easily lead to squeaking noises. Normally, the wipers should be positioned at a 90 degree angle to the windshield. If this is not the case, the wiper blades can be brought into the correct position by carefully pushing them. When using pliers, it is advisable to wrap them in a cloth so as not to damage the vehicle’s paintwork.
Recut wipers
Windscreen wipers become brittle over time and can cause streaks. In order not to have to replace the wiper blades right away, you can use suitable tools to trim the wipers.
Equipped with a blade, so-called trimmers enable the rubber lips of the wipers to be sharpened.
Replace rubber lips
Before replacing the complete windscreen wipers, it is also possible to replace the rubber lips of the windscreen wipers, which is easy on the wallet at the same time:
- Set up the windshield wipers first.
- Then pull off the cover cap and bend the securing tab upwards.
- Take out the old rubber and replace it with the new one.
- If necessary, trim the elastic if it is too long.
- Replace the cap and place the wiper blades on the window.
Home remedies for squeaky windshield wipers
Digging into your wallet is not always the best solution, because support can usually be found at home. Even everyday home remedies can treat squeaky wipers efficiently.
potatoes
When windshield wipers squeak, a simple potato can do wonders. Simply cut a potato in half and rub it over the windshield and wipers. Then wipe off with water and a cloth.
sandpaper
The use of sandpaper also promises a high degree of effectiveness. Fine sandpaper can sand off bumps on the rubber lips of the windscreen wipers and increase their wiping power. To do this, carefully run the sandpaper over the lips to smooth the rubber.
softener
Fabric softener can help effectively with brittle rubber lips. The rubber lips can be rubbed with fabric softener, which makes them supple and allows them to ride better over the windshield.
What to do if the wipers smear?
If windscreen wipers smear, this can have two causes. Either the wipers are too worn or too dirty. If the latter is the case, lubricating is quick by simply cleaning the wipers as well as the windshield
eliminated. Often it is pollen that settles on the rubber lips. A damp cloth and, if necessary, a mild detergent are sufficient for cleaning.
What to do if windshield wipers rattle?
With rattling windshield wipers, it can often be the case that the wiper arm slightly twisted or damaged. In this case, the wiper blade does not sit properly on the windshield, which can cause a slight shaking and rattling.
As soon as the rubber lips are not at a 90 degree angle, the lips can point against the wiping movement, causing small cracks on the windshield when the wipers are in motion.
Replacing wipers: when is it necessary?
If the wipers are still squeaking, smearing or rattling after any attempts, it is advisable to replace the wipers with new ones. If windshield wipers do not work properly, this can ultimately severely limit visibility and thus traffic safety.
By then, at the latest, the old windscreen wipers will have had their day. Before buying a new pair, there are still a few things to consider.
Buy the right wipers
There are two types of windshield wipers: bow wipers and blade wipers. Flat bar wipers can usually be found on newer models of vehicles. They are more adaptable and last longer. Basically, vehicle owners can decide for themselves which wiper they want to use, but it should still be suitable for the vehicle in question.
How much do new wipers cost?
If you install the windscreen wipers yourself, you only have to reckon with material costs. They usually amount to 10 – 35 euros. If a workshop is commissioned to change the windscreen wipers, the required working time must be remunerated accordingly. A total of around 50 euros can be expected here.
How long should a windshield wiper last?
Windshield wipers usually last around two years, where the service life depends heavily on the quality. Proper care also plays an important role in durability. Vehicle owners who neglect their wipers can shorten their lifespan
for example, shorten it to 1 year. Proper care of the wipers is all the more important to prevent premature wear.
Maintain wipers properly
Frequent care is essential to prolong the life of the windscreen wipers and prevent premature wear.
Clean regularly
Cleaning the windshield wipers should not wait until defects such as squeaking noises occur. It is important to regularly clean the windshield, including the wipers. Wear and damage can thus be delayed for longer.
Use the right cleaning agent
Cleaning can extend the life of the wipers. However, using the wrong cleaning agent can have exactly the opposite effect: There are some aggressive cleaning agents that attack the windshield wiper material and thus contribute to wear. Gentle cleaning agents are therefore strongly recommended.
care in winter
In the cold season, the windscreen wipers are exposed to greater challenges. For example, ice and frost can cause the windshield wipers to freeze up. A window film is a good way to prevent this. The windshield wipers can be easily placed on the film and cannot freeze to the windshield. Otherwise, you can also fold up the wipers overnight.
If you still find frozen windshield wipers, do not use force to detach them from the windshield. A de-icing spray can help here.
care in summer
Windscreen wipers should be protected from direct sunlight in summer. The use of a cover can also be helpful here or parking in a shady place. The UV radiation can make the rubber lips of the wipers porous.
Conclusion: Keep the perspective
If windshield wipers squeak, it is not always necessary to change the windshield wipers. With our tips you can eliminate the annoying noise. Overall, you should make sure to clean the wipers and windshield regularly. Proper care is just as important in summer and winter. In this way you keep your windscreen wipers alive longer and prevent premature wear. If in doubt, it is always advisable to replace the windscreen wipers, because visibility and road safety should have the highest priority.
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