What to Do When the Wiper Suddenly Moves by Itself?
4 Answers
First, lift the wiper arm away from the windshield. At the position where the rubber wiper blade contacts the metal arm, there will be a plastic plug; then secure the blade. Replace the new wiper and rotate the new blade to lock it into the hook.
I've seen this situation a few times. When the wipers suddenly start moving on their own, it's mostly caused by electrical issues, such as poor switch contact or relay failure. The sensing system in modern cars can also malfunction, especially when the rain sensor is disturbed by dust. I recommend turning off the wiper switch immediately as a first step; if they don't stop, quickly pull over and turn off the engine, then wait a minute or two before restarting. Sometimes a circuit reset will restore normal operation, but don't take it lightly – have the fuse, wiring, and modules thoroughly checked at a repair shop to prevent short circuits from causing other problems. Always park in dry places to avoid moisture damage to the battery system. Remember, distracted driving is dangerous – safe driving is always the top priority.
Last week, I encountered the same issue while driving—the wipers suddenly activated for no reason, which made me break out in a cold sweat. I quickly pulled over, turned off the engine, and after restarting, they stopped. Still, I wasn’t at ease, so the next day I took it to the repair shop. The mechanic diagnosed it as a worn-out relay and fixed it by replacing the part. From my experience, don’t take such issues lightly—they can distract you and lead to accidents. You can do a quick self-check: see if the switch responds normally; if it’s loose or makes unusual noises, address it early. After the repair, I developed a habit of regularly cleaning the sensor area to reduce the risk of false activations.
Immediate action for wiper self-activation: Turn off the switch, if not possible, park and turn off the engine, check the fuse box, usually located near the driver's footwell; replace if blown. Then inspect for any damaged or loose wiring. If unresolved, contact professional repair immediately to prevent worsening issues. Stay calm while driving and safely pull over to address the critical situation.
