What's the reason for the sudden failure of the windshield wiper?
3 Answers
If the wiper cannot move, it indicates a malfunction. You can try opening the hood to check if the transmission linkage is dislocated or inspect whether the fuse is intact. If the fuse is intact but there is no voltage at the motor, check the wiring and the turn signal combination switch for any issues. Generally, a burnt motor will emit a burnt smell. If there is normal voltage at the wiper motor when the power is turned on, the motor may be damaged. Wiper maintenance methods: 1. When using the wiper to remove dust from the windshield on sunny days, always spray windshield washer fluid and avoid dry wiping. 2. To ensure good wiping performance, use the designated windshield washer fluid and never use plain water as a substitute. 3. If there are other stubborn or hard contaminants on the glass, remove them manually.
I was driving in heavy rain today when suddenly the wipers stopped working, which was quite scary. There could be several possible reasons: the most common is a blown fuse, which is a small protective component in the car that burns out when there's excessive current to protect the circuit; another issue could be a faulty motor, which prevents the wipers from moving; the linkage mechanism might also be stuck or corroded due to aging; or poor contact in the switch could prevent the signal from being transmitted. If you want to check it yourself, first open the hood and locate the fuse box, then try replacing the wiper-related fuse with a spare one. If that doesn't work, don't force it—visibility is poor in the rain, so safety comes first. Pull over, turn on your hazard lights, and call for a tow truck or head to a repair shop. During regular maintenance, ask the mechanic to test the electrical system to avoid many potential issues.
Wiper failure typically involves issues with several key components. A blown fuse is the primary culprit, especially during circuit shorts or overloads—locating and replacing it in the car's fuse box usually resolves the issue. Motor malfunctions are also common, often due to internal overheating or wear preventing the wiper arm from moving. Other possibilities include seized or broken linkage mechanisms or poor contact at the switch terminals causing functional failure. From my own repair experience, follow a systematic diagnostic approach: first use a multimeter to test fuse and circuit continuity, check if the wiper arm is obstructed by debris, and avoid using wipers to clear hard objects like ice or snow to prevent damage. For prevention, regularly clean the rubber blade area and inspect smooth operation after rain—ensuring hassle-free and safe driving.
