Windscreen wipers can be very annoying at times when they begin to squeak or shudder.
You know that noisy sound the wiper blades make as they vibrate across the windshield while trying to clear the rain or water?
This can be very annoying on the ears as they judder on the glass. It can also be highly distracting for the driver whilst on the road which can even lead to an accident.
Wouldn’t you love to get rid of this problem and regain the silent, smooth gliding action that your wiper blades should have?
To solve this problem we must first answer the question:
Why Do Windscreen Wipers Shudder?
This juddering problem on the windscreen is usually related to the wiper blades themselves or the windshield glass. Either of these could be dirty, sticky or in need of repair or replacement.
If you are dealing with this inconvenient annoyance, below are three small procedures that can help reduce this annoying shuddering sound and prevent it from returning.
Step #1 – Inspect & Clean the Wiper Blades
In the majority of windscreen wiper juddering cases, it is the wiper blades causing the issue. So the first step is to inspect them and make sure they are not damaged or broken.
A broken wiper blade can cause scratching on your windscreen glass. While you can try to remove these scratches they may be irreparable requiring a full replacement.
Avoid this at all costs by replacing damaged wiper blades immediately. If the wipers seem in good condition, make sure the rubber blade of each wiper is flexible and can flop over in both directions.
To allow proper wiping action, the wiper blade should be able to move across the windshield easily and freely.
A normal windshield wiper should be flexible enough to always sweep water off the windscreen and if this isn’t the case, you should check to see what is preventing it from doing so.
Sometimes a simple wipe with a wet sponge or cloth as part of your regular car cleaning routine is enough to remove contaminants from the wiper blade which solves the shuddering problem.
Step #2 – Properly Clean the Windscreen
The next step to stop squeaking wipers is cleaning the windscreen thoroughly. Make sure you wash the outside of the windscreen as part of your regular car washing process to remove any debris and dirt.
The windscreen should be free from waxes and oils as this can cause the glass and the rubber of the wipers to stick which causes the problem.
After washing the whole car use a glass cleaner and microfiber cloth to finish off the windscreen and window glass leaving it crystal clear.
Not only does this remove finger marks from your windows but it will leave the windscreen in the best possible condition to allow free movement from the wiper blades.
Also don’t forget to top up your windscreen washer reservoir under the bonnet with fresh water, for clearing your windscreen while driving.
Step #3 – Regularly Replace Wiper Blades
It is advisable to replace wiper blades every 6 to 12 months due to general wear and tear. However, this is just a guide.
Depending on the brand of wipers and your vehicle usage you may find that you get more or less use than this before replacement is required.
The last thing you want to do is wait for your wipers to deteriorate from the weather and have the metal of the wipers scratch your windscreen.
As mentioned this will most likely require a costly windshield replacement.
When installing the wiper blades, check the tightness level. Too little or too much tension between the glass and the wiper can cause shuddering or squeaking.
This is why it is also essential that you get blades that are specifically designed for your vehicle.
Often choosing a cheaper quality wiper blade or one that is not properly designed for your vehicle will result in juddering even when new blades are added.
If this is the case you may need to contact your car manufacturer to find out where you can purchase genuine wiper blades for your vehicle.
They will be more expensive than generic ones, but you may find the cheaper models are the reason for the juddering.
Helpful Bonus Tips
Some websites recommend wiping your wiper blade edges with rubbing alcohol at least once every month.
They claim this can not only reduce shuddering but also get rid of debris, grease or loose bits of rubber from the blade. These sites also claim this procedure can increase the wiper’s lifespan.
However, care must be taken when following this recommendation.
Some rubber blades are filled with graphite powder for reduced noise. This is noticeable as they have a graphite shine.
If this is the case you should avoid wiping them with alcohol as doing so could strip the graphite coating.
There are also a few other things you should avoid doing so as to avoid damage to your wipers. These include:
- Avoid waxing your windscreen as this can cause slippery blades that are not efficient.
- Do not use the windscreen wipers when the glass is frosty as this can cause the wipers to tear.
- Never add dish-washing detergent into your washer fluid as this would leave the glass on your vehicle “squeaky” clean as it normally does to the dishes. Instead, find a product specifically designed for this purpose in an automotive shop.
