What Causes Slow and Laborious Car Wiper Movement?
4 Answers
Car wipers moving slowly and laboriously are typically caused by insufficient lubrication in the linkage mechanism, short-circuited coils in the wiper motor resulting in weak power, or aged and weakened wiper arm springs. Replacing the wiper arm with a new one can resolve the issue. Since wipers are made of rubber, they tend to degrade over time, affecting performance. Other factors include dirty or oily windshields, faulty motors with weak rotation, poor electrical connections in the wiper motor power supply, or abnormal motor power supply—all of which can lead to weak wiper movement. Car wiper maintenance tips: When using wipers to remove dust from the windshield on sunny days, always spray windshield washer fluid instead of dry wiping. For optimal performance, use designated windshield cleaning solutions and avoid plain water. If there are stubborn or hard contaminants on the glass, remove them manually to prevent damaging the wiper blades, which could result in poor wiping. Severe cases may even affect the wiper motor. Key to effective wiper performance: The rubber wiper blades must remain adequately moist. Proper moisture ensures excellent flexibility, maintaining tight contact with the windshield. Functions of wipers: Helping the vehicle maintain a safe distance from the left road centerline, assisting the driver in locating the left wheels, aiding in judging the position of the right wheels, estimating the distance between the vehicle's right side and the roadside, assisting in parallel parking, and clearing raindrops and dust from the windshield.
I think the car wipers have become slow and sluggish, mainly due to some issues with the motor or mechanical parts. If the wiper motor has aged or the internal bearings are worn out, it won't rotate smoothly, making the wipers work slowly and feel sluggish. If the linkage mechanism is rusted or stuck, the increased resistance can also make the wiper movement stiff. The last time I encountered this situation was during a long drive in the rain when the wipers suddenly slowed down. I did a quick check and found no debris stuck in the wiper blades, but they still didn't work properly, so I had to pull over and clean them. For prevention, it's good to regularly clean the wipers to avoid dust buildup or periodically apply some lubricant to the linkage. If that doesn't help, you might need to visit a repair shop to replace parts—a faulty motor can seriously affect driving safety in rainy conditions.
I believe the root cause of slow and laborious wiper movement may lie in mechanical structure or voltage issues. If the linkage connection points are oxidized and rusted, increased friction during rotation naturally makes it harder and slower; overheating or aging of the motor itself, resulting in insufficient output torque, can also lead to sluggish movement. Electrical circuit problems such as loose connectors or unstable voltage may also cause abnormal motor operation. I recommend checking the wiper's operating sound before rainy days, listening for whether the motor hums but doesn't move, which is a common signal. Remember to address it promptly to avoid long-term damage that could burn out more components. Simple cleaning of the wiper arm and adding lubricant can alleviate the issue, saving you from costly repairs.
I feel the wipers are slow and laborious, most likely due to mechanical wear. The wiper linkage hasn't been lubricated for a long time, causing rust and stiffness in the moving parts. When operating, it creaks like an unoiled door, increasing the motor load and slowing it down. Additionally, the wiper blades have aged and deformed, creating more resistance when wiping the windshield, which intensifies the laborious feeling. Last time it rained while driving on the highway, this issue gave me a real headache. Later, I replaced the wiper blades with a new pair, and the situation improved significantly. After driving, it's good practice to clean leaves and debris near the wipers and inspect them regularly to reduce such problems—saving both money and hassle.
