What to Do If the Windshield Wipers Fail on the Highway During Rain?

[StRicardo]

Turn on the hazard lights, drive slowly on the right side, and look for a service area with maintenance personnel. If visibility is poor, you can only drive slowly with the emergency lights on. Apply a layer of soap on the windshield to maintain clarity for at least thirty to forty minutes.

[JacksonRose]

When encountering a broken windshield wiper during rain on the highway, I would immediately reduce speed and turn on the hazard lights to alert following vehicles. With high speeds and poor visibility, continuing to drive is risky, so I need to calmly find an opportunity to pull over at the nearest service area or emergency stopping zone. After stopping, I'd check if the wiper is jammed with debris or if a fuse has blown—the fuse box is usually located under the dashboard or in the engine compartment, and replacing it with a spare might solve the issue. Without tools, I could use my hand or a cloth to wipe the windshield as a temporary measure until the rain eases, but never attempt this while driving due to the high risk. Remember to keep rain repellent spray in the car as a backup, though it's best to call for professional assistance to avoid misdiagnosing electrical issues that could lead to bigger problems. Regularly clearing snow and debris from the windshield can help prevent such failures.

[PiperAnn]

This situation is really frustrating! I would first try turning the wiper switch back and forth a few times to see if it temporarily works, as sometimes poor contact can cause issues. If that doesn’t help, I’d slow down immediately and find a place to stop—driving on the highway is too dangerous to take risks. After stopping, I’d check if the fuse is blown. For most cars, the wiper fuse is in the box near the steering wheel and is easy to replace with a spare (I always carry some). If that still doesn’t work, I’d wipe the windshield by hand or wait for the rain to stop. At least if the windshield has a heating function, I’d turn on the defroster to help. Temporary fixes are limited, so regular maintenance is key—like replacing wiper blades every six months to avoid last-minute failures. Safety is far more important than time, so turning on hazard lights and driving slowly to find an exit for proper handling is the best approach.

[LeAiden]

I still remember the last time I was on the highway when it suddenly started raining and the wipers got stuck. My vision was completely blurred, and I was so scared that I immediately pulled over, turned on the hazard lights, and only breathed a sigh of relief after the car came to a complete stop. I tried wiping the windshield with wet wipes to barely see a bit and slowly drove to the rest stop. It turned out the wiper linkage had come loose, and a mechanic fixed it. From then on, I learned my lesson—now before every long trip, I check the wiper system and carry spare parts. Driving in the rain is high-risk; don’t hesitate to pull over if needed. Safety should always be the top priority. Maintaining your vehicle well can prevent accidents.