News

Apr 19, 2023

Why are my windshield wipers so noisy?

Driving in the rain can be frustrating enough. Driving in the rain, plus a

Driving in the rain can be frustrating enough. Driving in the rain, plus a clattery serenade from your windshield wipers? Even the most patient drivers can only take that for so long. Fortunately, there are some easy fixes for the most common causes of noisy wiper blades. AAA's "Car Doctor" John Paul has some tips to diagnosing the problem and finding a solution.

When driving in light or moderate rain, wipers will "chatter" across the windshield. This can cause the glass to be unevenly cleared of water, or streaky, obstructing the driver's field of vision.

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Wiper blade chatter is common in many cars even with new wiper blades. The first thing to do is look at the windshield wiper blades themselves. Are they old, torn, stiff or dirty? If the wiper blades are more than one year old replace them—it will be money well spent.

With older cars the spring in the wiper arm may have become worn and not applying enough pressure against the windshield. If the blades are in good condition try cleaning them. A paper towel and alcohol is a quick and easy way to clean the accumulated road grime off the blades.

Additionally, clean the windshield, accumulated wax from car washes and oil and other roadway contaminants that collect on the windshield can even make the best wiper blades chatter. Finally if all this still doesn't work, you need to look at how the wiper blades sit against the windshield. If the wipers blade angle is not perpendicular to the windshield, the wipers can chatter, a simple adjustment may be all it takes.

John Paul, is AAA Northeast's Car Doctor. He has 40+ years of experience in the automotive business and is an ASE certified master technician. Follow him at on Twitter @johnfpaul or facebook.com/Mrjohnfpaul.