Why Doesn't the Wiper Move After Snowfall?
4 Answers
After snowfall, the wiper doesn't move because it is frozen. Precautions for frozen wipers: Do not rush to turn on the wiper to make it scrape or try to pry it with your hands directly. This can easily cause damage or deformation to the wiper blade. Forcing the wiper to operate may even burn out the motor in severe cases. Precautions for using wipers: If the windshield is too dirty, with sand or dust, clean the debris before using the wiper. Don't rely solely on the wiper to clean everything, as this not only wears out the wiper but also risks scratching the glass with dirt. Avoid dry scraping; always spray windshield washer fluid before activating the wiper to prevent damage to the rubber blade and motor.
I've encountered the issue of windshield wipers not moving after snow several times, especially when driving in northern winters. After heavy snowfall, the wipers can get stuck or frozen under thick snow, causing them to jam or even make squeaking noises when activated. There are various reasons for this: the most common is snow blocking the connection between the wiper arm and the motor, or rainwater seeping in and causing a short circuit that burns out the motor. Additionally, low temperatures make fuses more prone to blowing, especially in older car models where the fuse box is located under the hood—once water or snow gets in, problems arise. Mechanical parts like the linkage can also freeze solid and require manual clearing. My advice is not to force it—first, pour hot water or de-icer at the base of the wipers. If they still don't move, check the fuse by opening the fuse box inside the car to see if the relevant fuse is blown. If all else fails, take it to a repair shop to inspect the motor or relay—it's usually an easy and inexpensive fix, costing just a few dozen yuan. Winter driving safety comes first, so remember to clear snow from the front of the car in advance to minimize such issues.
I'm the kind of person who likes to troubleshoot minor car issues while driving. Wiper failure is quite common during snowy days. The main culprit is often an electrical circuit problem, with a blown fuse being the most frequent issue—melting snowwater can seep in and burn out the fuse. Check your vehicle manual to locate the corresponding fuse, usually found in the fuse box under the driver's seat. Another possibility is a damp or frozen motor, especially if the wiper arm is deformed by snow, jamming the motor's operation. Try clearing the snow and ice first. If that doesn’t work, inspect the wiring for shorts or breaks, as the relay might also fail. In winter, I make a habit of covering my car with a tarp when parked to prevent the wipers from freezing. If the wipers don’t budge at all upon startup, don’t wait too long—find a warm spot to thaw the car. Replacing a fuse yourself is an easy fix; just spend a few bucks on a new one. Remember not to force the wipers, as this could damage the motor.
Be cautious when the wipers stop working after snow, as it can endanger driving safety. Wiper malfunctions during snowfall are often caused by ice or water blockage leading to circuit interruption, directly obstructing the driver's view. I recommend pulling over immediately and turning on the hazard lights. Check if the base of the wipers is blocked by snow and use a wet cloth to remove the ice. If there's still no movement, it's likely a blown fuse—simply replacing the fuse yourself can fix the issue. Avoid continuing to drive in the snow to prevent accidents due to poor visibility. If simple troubleshooting doesn't work, seek professional help immediately.
