Why Do Windshield Wipers Stop Working in Snowy Weather?

[VonMiranda]

This happens because the wipers are frozen. First, thaw them out and then replace the windshield washer fluid with an antifreeze type. When parking for extended periods in snowy conditions, lift the wipers up to prevent them from freezing. Solution by Warming Up the Car: Start by warming up the car. Once the engine coolant temperature rises, use the heater to warm the windshield, and the wipers will naturally thaw. Solution Using Alcohol: You can wipe the wipers with alcohol to effectively prevent them from freezing to the windshield. If alcohol is not available, everyday drinking liquor can also serve as a substitute and provide decent results.

[JosephineAnn]

I remember last week when it snowed, the windshield wipers suddenly stopped working, which really worried me because the heavy snow made visibility poor. I immediately got out of the car to check and found that the wiper arms were stuck by thick ice and couldn't move. After trying to knock off the ice by hand, it still didn't work, so I checked the fuse box under the hood and found that the wiper fuse had blown, probably because the motor was overloaded and burned out. In such weather, the motor is prone to overload, as snow buildup can significantly increase the resistance on the wipers. I quickly replaced it with a spare fuse, and the wipers started working again. On snowy days, don't forget to remove the ice before starting the wipers. It's practical to keep some de-icing spray in the car, otherwise, it could affect safe driving and cause trouble.

[VonBraxton]

I've encountered a similar situation where the wipers stopped working during heavy snowfall. Initially, I thought it was due to ice, but they still wouldn't move after de-icing. With some mechanical knowledge, I suspected the wiper motor or transmission mechanism might have frozen or short-circuited, or the lubricant solidified in the cold causing jamming. Checking the fuse showed it wasn't blown, and the switch was functioning normally. It turned out the wiper linkage was rusted and stuck. Snow mixed with road salt accelerates rusting, so cleaning and lubricating was necessary for repair. The wiper system is prone to failure in sub-zero temperatures, so I recommend regularly oiling the connection points as a preventive measure. Clear visibility is crucial when driving in snow; if the wipers fail, pull over safely—safety first.

[LaAnthony]

It's really scary when the wipers stop working on snowy days. I was once stranded on the road. Snow accumulation can freeze the mechanical parts of the wipers or trigger the motor's overheating protection, causing them to stop. Possible reasons include blown fuses, poor switch contact, or snow and ice jamming the linkage. I immediately stopped to remove the ice, and if the problem wasn't resolved, I called for roadside assistance. Wipers failing in poor visibility during snow is extremely dangerous and can easily lead to accidents, so timely action is crucial. It's advisable to carry spare fuses and simple tools in the car and check the wipers' condition before the snow season.