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Why are my windshield wipers squeaking?

I’ve got three kids under 10 and some nights the drive home from work is the only time I have to relax. That is unless it’s raining and all I hear for 40 minutes is SQUEEEEAAAKK… SQUEEEEAAAKK with each pass of the windshield wiper. Why do windshield wipers squeak?

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Laura Salvas · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
With three kids under 10, you definitely deserve the calm of cooperative windshield wipers! There are a few possible causes of squeaky wiper blades, and a few cheap and easy fixes you can try.
If your windshield wipers are squeaking, try the following steps one at a time until you solve the problem, though if your wipers are more than 12 months old you should jump right to Step 4:
  • Clean the windshield
    and wiper blades. Dirt and dust can cause wipers to squeak. Use a solution of water and vinegar and a clean cloth to thoroughly clean your blades.
  • Fill up on wiper fluid. The added lubrication might help.
  • Try to soften the rubber. This can be done by wiping the blade with a cloth soaked in rubbing alcohol.
  • Replace the wiper blade. An older wiper might not glide across your windshield as smoothly as it should. New blades can be purchased from your local auto parts store and can easily be replaced at home. Measure your blades and buy new blades the same size.
  • Tighten the wiper assembly. If your wiper arms feel loose or wobbly, remove the plastic cover from the bottom of the arm and try tightening the bolt. Try different degrees of tightening and loosening.
  • Replace the wiper assembly. If nothing else works, you may have to replace the wipers. New wipers are available from your auto parts store and can be installed by unscrewing the bolt at the bottom of your current wipers and changing them out.
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Best of luck getting some quiet time back!
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