What Are the Common Problems with Car Wipers?

[LaJoy]

Common problems with car wipers include: 1. Wiper blade aging, resulting in poor cleaning; 2. Wiper motor not rotating; 3. Slow wiper movement; 4. Wiper motor not stopping after the switch is turned off; 5. Blade not returning to its original position automatically; 6. Abnormal noise from the wiper arm. Car wipers are tools installed on the front windshield of motor vehicles to prevent rain and other debris from obstructing the driver's vision. There are two types of wipers: one is the traditional intermittent type, which requires the driver to manually adjust based on the intensity of rain and visibility conditions. The other type is the sensor-based automatic wiper, commonly used in high-end cars, which automatically adjusts the wiper speed by sensing the amount of rainfall.

[Vincent]

After driving an old car for so many years, wiper issues have become routine for me. The most common problem is aging and deformation of the wiper blades. The rubber hardens and cracks over time, leaving water streaks or smears when wiping, which is especially noticeable during long rainy drives—blurred vision is truly annoying. Another frequent issue is loud noise or chattering, where the blades slap noisily against the windshield, usually caused by a dirty windshield or a bent wiper arm. Sometimes, the washer nozzles get clogged and won’t spray fluid—exposure to wind and sun can block the nozzles, requiring a fine needle to clear them. If the wiper motor fails or the fuse blows, the wipers simply stop working. I remember once they suddenly died during a heavy downpour, forcing me to pull over and wait for a tow. Rusted linkage or loose springs can also lead to uneven coverage, reducing cleaning effectiveness. For prevention, I make it a habit to check the blades every six months, replacing them at the first sign of cracks; I clean the windshield weekly to avoid grease buildup; and in winter, I ensure the washer fluid doesn’t freeze and clog. These small measures prevent bigger headaches—low cost but high safety payoff.

[FranciscoLee]

Back when I was a novice driver, I dreaded wiper problems during rainy days the most. The first headache was aged blades leaving streaks - hardened rubber created water marks, and initially I mistook it for quality issues until a mechanic taught me to replace them periodically. Another common issue was sudden wiper failure, possibly from blown fuses or poor contact. Once they malfunctioned during heavy rain on the highway, forcing me to panic and pull over for help. Clogged nozzles causing uneven or no fluid spray are frequent too, often blocked by insects or debris - I learned to clear them with toothpicks. The annoying wiper chattering noise usually stems from sand on the windshield or loose wiper arms; now I routinely wipe the glass with soft cloths to prevent scratches. Though these minor malfunctions occur often, hands-on experience taught me that checking blade wear (acting at first cracks), keeping washer fluid topped up, and simple preventive measures can avoid major troubles at minimal cost.

[MacChloe]

From the perspective of safe driving, neglecting common wiper issues may lead to accidents. For example, hardened or cracked rubber blades can cause incomplete water removal, resulting in blurred vision during rain and difficulty seeing road signs or vehicles, which greatly increases the risk of rear-end collisions or loss of control. If the wiper motor fails completely, visibility cannot be maintained during heavy rain, significantly raising the danger. Although minor, the noise from skipping blades can distract drivers and affect long-term concentration. Clogged nozzles that fail to spray washer fluid make it difficult to clean bird droppings or dirt, also posing safety risks. I always emphasize that car owners should regularly inspect visually: replace blades immediately if cracks are found; ensure the linkage is rust-free and the motor operates normally; clean the windshield to maintain clarity. These small details are matters of life and death—never wait until an accident occurs to regret it.