You flip on your windshield wipers, expecting a quiet swipe across the glass—but instead, you hear a rhythmic clicking, tapping, or even a slight knocking sound every few seconds. It’s subtle at first, then impossible to ignore. So what’s causing it?
That clicking noise could be harmless—or it might be a sign something in the wiper system is wearing out or misaligned. Understanding what’s normal and what needs attention can help you avoid annoying distractions—or costly repairs later on.
Why Windshield Wipers Make Clicking Sounds
The most common cause of clicking when using the wipers is a slight mechanical interference between parts of the wiper system. Over time, joints in the wiper linkage or play in the motor assembly can wear, causing small but noticeable sounds as the arms move back and forth.
Another possibility is that one of the wiper blades or arms is slightly out of alignment and hitting the edge of the windshield trim, causing a repeated tapping noise. If the noise occurs only at one end of the wiper’s sweep, that’s often the issue.
Wiper motors and linkages are made up of moving parts—bushings, gears, and pivots—and just like any mechanical system, they wear out with use. As they loosen up, clicks and clunks can appear where it used to be quiet.
Wiper Blade or Arm Alignment Could Be Off
If your wiper blades were recently replaced or adjusted, they might not be sitting correctly against the windshield. When the arms or blades are angled incorrectly, they can:
- Knock against the windshield cowl or trim
- Make uneven contact, leading to skipping or noise
- Put strain on the linkage, leading to clicks with each pass
This is especially common with aftermarket blades that don’t match the factory specs or if a previous wiper arm was bent slightly while being replaced. A quick adjustment can often solve this without needing new parts.
Wiper Motor or Linkage May Be Wearing Out
If the clicking is coming from beneath the dashboard or near the wiper motor, it could be internal. Wiper motors contain gears that rotate the linkage arms, and if these start slipping or developing too much play, they create ticking or popping sounds.
Likewise, worn bushings in the wiper transmission (the system that connects the motor to the arms) can lead to slop in the movement. You may even notice the wipers hesitate or move unevenly.
This kind of wear is more likely in older vehicles or those that see frequent use in rainy climates like Pennsylvania. The good news is that most wiper systems can be repaired or rebuilt without replacing the entire assembly.
Is It Safe to Keep Using The Wipers
While a little clicking noise might not seem like a big deal, it’s usually a sign that something isn’t functioning quite right. Continuing to use noisy or misaligned wipers can lead to:
- Scratched glass if metal or hard plastic components touch the windshield
- Increased wear on the motor or linkage
- Ineffective clearing of rain or snow, reducing visibility
And let’s be honest—annoying noises while driving don’t get better over time. They get worse.
If the clicking gets louder, more frequent, or is joined by skipping or streaking, it’s best to get the system inspected. Most repairs are affordable and quick when caught early.
When to See a Technician
If you’ve already checked the blades and they seem fine, or if the sound is coming from under the cowl or dash area, it’s time for a professional to take a closer look. Our technicians inspect:
- The motor and transmission linkage
- Blade and arm alignment
- Mounting hardware and bushings
- Electrical connections and motor performance
In many cases, tightening a loose bolt or replacing a worn bushing is all it takes to get your wipers working quietly again.
If your wipers are clicking, skipping, or just not working like they used to, stop by Auto Pro in Reading, PA, for a full inspection. We’ll figure out what’s causing the noise and get your system back in shape—quiet, smooth, and ready for any storm.