What are the common faults of car wipers?
3 Answers
Common faults of car wipers include: 1. Streaking: Failure to find the optimal support point for the wiper arm, resulting in insufficient contact between the wiper blade and the glass, improper arm pressure, or damage to the upper structure; 2. Water beading: When small water droplets remain on the windshield after the wiper passes, caused by car wax, oil stains, or silicone deposits on the windshield, or poor quality of the blade itself; 3. Wiper lifting: At high speeds, the wiper may lift due to wind pressure, leaving some areas unscraped; 4. Blade hardening: Direct exposure to sunlight and high temperatures can cause the wiper blade to harden and lose elasticity.
I've been driving for over a decade, and wiper malfunctions are quite common. The main issues include aging or damaged wiper blades, where the rubber cracks or develops gaps, causing squeaking and leaving water streaks. Another common problem is rusted wiper arms, which become loose and shake severely, failing to clean properly. There are also frequent issues with the linkage mechanism—if it gets rusted stuck or the connecting rod breaks, the wipers won't move. Motor failures can cause the switch to become unresponsive, likely due to burnt internal coils. Additionally, control switches can jam or fuses can blow, interrupting the circuit. These problems are especially dangerous during heavy rain, as poor visibility increases the risk of rear-end collisions. To prevent minor issues from worsening, I make it a habit to regularly check the condition of the wiper blades and clean the windshield.
I usually enjoy tinkering with car stuff. Wiper failures typically occur in several components: the motor part, such as a stuck rotor or worn gears causing noise or immobility; the transmission mechanism, like bent connecting rods or loose joints leading to vibrations; wiper blade rubber hardening with age resulting in poor wiping; faulty switches or relays causing switch malfunctions; and accumulated dirt on the windshield affecting performance. If the wiper doesn't move, avoid forcing it—check the fuse box and listen for motor sounds first, otherwise other parts may get damaged. Replacing the blades yourself is the easiest DIY fix.
