What to Do When the Windshield Wipers Stop Working?
4 Answers
Solutions for windshield wipers not working: 1. Open the fuse box, locate the wiper fuse, pull it out and replace it with a new one to resume operation; 2. Apply a layer of soap on the windshield, which can maintain clear visibility for about 30 to 40 minutes while driving; 3. If the wiper motor is faulty, it's unlikely to be fixed by yourself, so it's recommended to take the car to a repair shop. Some people believe that longer wiper blades provide better coverage and visibility, but in fact, longer blades are not necessarily better. While extending the length of the wiper blades can increase the visible range, it also adds extra burden to the wiper motor and wiper arm.
I also encountered wiper failure during heavy rain last time. The first reaction is not to panic, turn on the hazard lights, slow down, and pull over safely. Try pulling the wiper lever back to reset it—sometimes it just gets stuck. Then pop the hood, locate the fuse box (usually near the driver's seat), find the fuse labeled with the wiper symbol, pull it out, and check if the metal wire is broken. I always keep a few common spare fuses in my car—replacing them solves 80% of the issues. If that doesn’t work, feel the wiper motor to see if it’s overheated; my friend’s car once had a burnt motor that emitted a scorched smell. If you really can’t fix it, don’t force it—calling a tow truck is the safest bet.
A veteran driver with 20 years of experience shares a practical trick: Give the wiper arm joint a few firm taps after parking—this works wonders when the motor brushes have poor contact. When popping the hood, don't just check the fuses; remember to inspect if the wiper linkage is jammed by leaves or debris. Once, a plastic bag got stuck under my car, making the wiper arms move sluggishly. Rusted wiper bases are also common—just spray some rust remover on the joints. In urgent rainy situations, applying a thick layer of soap on the windshield can buy you about 30 minutes. During regular car washes, always lift the wiper blades to prevent the rubber strips from sticking to the glass and aging.
During my internship at the auto repair shop, my mentor taught me the standard procedure: First step is to test the voltage by poking the wiper motor connector with a multimeter—if there's no 12V, it's a wiring issue. Second step is to listen for sound; if the motor hums when the switch is pressed but the wiper arm doesn't move, it's usually a linkage detachment. Third step involves removing the wiper arm using a puller to check if the spline shaft is stripped. Last week, I handled a common issue with Mercedes—the wiper module control board was burnt out. Replacing the control module costs about 900 yuan. For DIY repairs, note that Audi models require entering maintenance mode first to lift the wipers.
