What are the reasons for the sudden failure of windshield wipers?
2 Answers
The following are the main reasons for the sudden failure of windshield wipers: 1. Damaged wiper blades—usually due to lack of maintenance. Replacing the wiper blades promptly can solve the issue. 2. Short circuit in the wiper motor—open the car hood to inspect the wiper motor. If it feels hot to the touch, it indicates an internal short circuit. Replacing the motor will resolve the problem. 3. Wiper linkage failure—the wiper linkage has multiple connection points, and if any of these points malfunction, the wipers won't work properly. 4. Blown wiper fuse—each electrical device in the car has a fuse to protect the wiring. Replace the blown fuse with a spare one from the car. 5. Faulty wiper switch—use a multimeter to test the switch or replace it with a new one for testing.
I once experienced my windshield wipers suddenly stopping while driving during a heavy rainstorm - it was terrifying with zero visibility. After checking, I found it was just a blown fuse which I replaced myself (they're usually located in the engine compartment fuse box). Other common causes include: a faulty wiper motor (common in older vehicles - motors can overheat and fail), disconnected wiper linkage joints that get stuck, electrical shorts, or switch malfunctions. In my panic, I rushed to a repair shop where the mechanic diagnosed an aging motor. Safety first - never keep driving in rain with nonfunctional wipers. Pull over immediately to inspect. Regular wiper system maintenance prevents issues - when replacing wiper blades, always check the motor's condition too.
