How to stop your windshield wipers from squeaking

Wednesday 2nd April 2025

Imagine you get caught in a rain shower and can’t see where you’re heading. You switch on the wipers to clear the windscreen but notice an awful noise. It could be your wiper blades.

Every odd or unexpected sound from your car should be investigated. And if you think it might be your windscreen wipers, you shouldn’t ignore the noise. Even if the wipers appear to be working, they could be damaging your windscreen or could fail at any time. Find out why your windscreen wipers squeak or screech and how you can fix them.

Why do windscreen wipers squeak?

Windscreen wipers often squeak due to harsh friction between the rubber blade and your windshield. You might see them judder, too – this is when the wiper rubber bounces off the glass.

Reasons why your windscreen wipers may squeak:

Dirty or damaged blades

Dirt can gather on your wipers if they are not cleaned regularly. Check that your wipers are clean and are working effectively, especially after you have been driving in adverse weather conditions, or if you are unable to park your vehicle in a garage or other sheltered area. Dirt and freezing weather conditions can shorten the life of your wiper blades and can cause nicks in the rubber that means they will not clear the windscreen properly.

Low or no screen wash

If the rubber on your blades isn’t lubricated well, this can cause them to squeak as they’re dry. Screen wash is crucial to keep your windscreen clean and clear when you’re driving. If you don’t have much screen wash left, your wipers will struggle to clean away any debris on your windscreen smoothly.

Dirty windscreen

Your windscreen might look clear, but grease and oils can build up, which can impact how your wipers work. This is also another reason why it is important to keep screen wash topped up, as it will help to remove grease and oil.

Incorrect wiper installation

Your wipers might also squeak if you’ve recently had them replaced, but they haven’t been assembled properly. If any components become loose or sticky, this can cause a squeaking noise.

Wiper defects

You may also notice a squeak with new wiper blades if they are faulty or the wrong type of wipers have been fitted. It’s crucial to remember that you could fail your MOT if your wiper blades are faulty or fitted incorrectly.

How to stop and prevent squeaking windscreen wipers

Regular cleaning

Both your wipers and windscreen should be cleaned regularly. You can use warm, soapy water and dry it with a microfibre cloth. If you prefer, you can use a special windscreen glass cleaner for a sparkly finish. You can lift the blades away from the windscreen fairly easily and thoroughly wipe them. You should also inspect the condition of the rubber and the blade itself.

Soften your rubber blades

Squeaky or juddery wiper blades could be due to dry rubber. After wiping the debris clean, you can rub vinegar along the length of the windscreen wiper and then wipe it again with a clean cloth.

Replace your wipers

If you’ve checked the rubber on your wipers and they look dry or cracked, it might be worth replacing them entirely. Follow our guide if you want to change your windscreen wipers yourself.

Refill your windscreen washer fluid

A simple solution could be topping up your screen wash. Choosing a premium screen wash can help remove grime, oils, and gunk more efficiently, as well as act as a lubricant for the rubber on your wiper blades.

Free Safety Check

You can book a free 10-point safety check with Formula One Autocentres, which includes checking your wipers and washers, as well as a free screen wash top-up with any online purchase.

FAQs about windscreen wipers

Can you fix squeaky wipers without replacing them?

Yes – we’ve given some solutions above.

How often should you replace wipers?

Your windscreen wipers should last between six months and a year, but this depends on how often you use your wipers, the environment where you park and drive, and the quality of the blades.

Does the weather affect wiper squeakiness?

It can do. Warmer weather can dry out the rubber on your wiper blades, while bad weather can cause debris to accumulate across the windscreen.

How do I choose the right wiper blades?

You can check the wipers currently on your car and ask your local Formula One Autocentres garage to advise you. You can also check your car’s manual.

Are windscreen wipers really that important?

Yes – your windscreen wipers should be fully functional at all times to ensure the best visibility. You can also fail your MOT if you have faulty or ineffective wiper blades. You could also face a fine of up to £1,000, as it’s a legal requirement to ensure they’re in full working order.