Tell me your tricks and fixes for squeaky windshield wipers

[RDMgr]

Not to the point but my own wiper experience, when I was 18-19 y.o in the early 1970s, I drove a great 1964 Triumph TR4. Its wiper motor was so weak I had to oil the windshield with a light coating of the motor oil I used just to get them to operate. I did this to get through NJ state inspection. Otherwise, at 18 y.o., what did I care if the wipers worked. I just wanted to cruise Ocean Ave. in either Asbury Park or Belmar where I lived. It was a perfect summer past time despite my wiper issue. FYI-I'm in my 70s and I still cruise Ocean Ave. in my not so cool 2024 CR-V.

 

[oilboy123]

I had the original wipers on my 2016 Focus till summer 2023. I replaced with silicone/ceramic Trico then, and Rain X. Another trick that was a TSB for Dodge decades back. Take rubbing alcohol, or washer fluid. Wipe blades down every once in awhile.

I just replaced Rain X wipers on a 2017 Edge, and 2015 Expedition "daughter's" with Trico silicone/ceramic. They had installed them and were not happy. I also put those Trico on my 2012 F150.

Edit: The Trico's are the contour type that have one backing piece that molds to windshield shape.

 

[D1dad]

My solution is to buy the OEM wiper insert, not the whole blade from 3rd party. I haven't seen good and durable blades being sold in a store that's better than OEM yet so far.

I agree, but by the time I need inserts, the frame of the blades is an eyesore. I’m using trico silicones on one car, which are fantastic, just gaudy looking. On another car I’m approaching 1 year with Nissan value advantage and they’re pretty good as well. They aren’t advertised as silicone yet the waters beading on where the wiper makes contact, so I believe they may be. My 3rd car has Michelin silicone and it took an exchange to get smooth wipes and now a few months later are noisy. Plus they’re ugly. I’ve heard that Honda dealers sell the whole blade which is made by mitsuba. I haven’t gotten to a dealer to find out yet.

 

[1444buicking]

Ocean State Job Lot has Bosch Excel wipers for about $5 each. There are two brands, maybe Trico and Michelin. Selection varies by store and prices seem to move up and down.

 

[Kestas]

This works: Adjust wiper arm. I use two wrenches to make the adjustment, one acts as a post to hold the arm, the other to make the bend.

This is because the blade material takes a set, where the blade is flopped to one side. Depending on the design, I'll flip the blade every so often so it can "unset".

 

[Sam_Julier]

I make my own solution:

Summer: 2 teaspoons liquid natural soap, 1/4 cup ammonia, 1 gallon distilled water

Winter: -20F fluid with Krystal-Klear

After every car wash I thoroughly clean the windshield with SprayWay glass cleaner.