Wipers that squeak across the glass or leave streaks are annoying and they cut your visibility in the rain. The fix is usually quick and cheap.
Clean the blades and the glass
Wipe the rubber edge of each blade with a cloth and a little glass cleaner to remove built up grime and old wax. Then clean the windshield itself, since a dirty or waxy screen makes blades chatter and streak.
Check the rubber
Run a fingertip along the blade edge. If it feels hard, cracked or torn, the rubber has aged and no amount of cleaning will fix it. Blades usually need replacing every six to twelve months.
Adjust the angle
Chattering can come from the blade meeting the glass at the wrong angle. Gently twisting the wiper arm so the blade sits square to the glass often cures a chatter, but do this carefully.
Frequently asked questions
Why do my wipers streak after rain?
Usually road film and wax on the glass, or a worn blade edge. Clean both, and replace the blade if the streaking remains.
Do beam blades work better?
Beam blades press more evenly across the glass, which can reduce streaking, especially at speed.
For replacement options, see our car accessory guides.
