What to Do When the Windshield Wiper Fails?
3 Answers
The solutions for a malfunctioning windshield wiper are as follows: 1. Check the wiper blade. Simply replace the wiper blade if necessary. 2. Inspect the wiper motor. After opening the car hood, you can see the wiper motor. Touch the motor with your hand; if it feels hot, it indicates an internal short circuit, and replacing the motor will solve the problem. 3. Examine the wiper linkage. The wiper linkage has many connection points, and issues with these points can prevent the wiper from functioning properly. You can determine if it's a linkage fault by observing the wiper's operation. 4. Check the wiper fuse. To protect the car's wiring, electrical devices are equipped with fuses. If the wiper doesn't work, check if the wiper fuse is blown and replace it with a spare fuse if necessary. 5. Inspect the wiper switch. Car electronics can be unstable. If no issues are found in the above checks, consider that the wiper switch might be faulty. You can use a multimeter to test the switch's condition or directly replace it with a new one for testing.
Last time I was on a long-distance drive, the windshield wipers suddenly stopped working, and I couldn't see anything in the heavy rain. I immediately turned on the hazard lights and pulled over—safety comes first. After getting out of the car, I first checked the fuse box to see if the wiper fuse was blown; it's always good to keep a spare in the car to replace it if needed. Then, I jiggled the wiper arms—if they were stuck or rusted, a simple cleaning might help. If all else failed, I would have to drive slowly to the nearest repair shop. Regular maintenance is crucial—clean the wiper connection points periodically and avoid letting the wiper blades age or accumulate debris. If you encounter such a situation while driving in the rain, don't push through—pull over and wait for the rain to ease up before continuing. Safety first.
If my windshield wipers malfunction, I prefer to troubleshoot them myself. First, I check if the wiring connections are loose or damaged, using a multimeter to test the current or manually testing if the wiper arm can move. Replacing a blown fuse is straightforward, but if the motor or linkage is faulty, I usually disassemble them for cleaning or lubrication. Don't forget to inspect the wiper switch and relay to ensure the signal is being transmitted properly. When DIYing, make sure to have all necessary tools ready, such as screwdrivers and cleaning cloths. For wiper blade replacements, it's advisable not to skimp on quality—premium blades last longer. For maintenance, wipe the wiper grooves during car washes to prevent dust and rust, and replace the wiper rubber annually to extend their lifespan.
