Troubleshooting Guide: Windshield Wiper Stopped Working

Having a clear, uninterrupted view of the road is important when it comes to road safety. If something is covering your windshield (e.g. rain, snow, dust, etc.), it would be really difficult for you to drive and see if there are any potential dangers ahead.

Because of this, you can not deny the importance of windshield wipers. But despite being a really important component in every vehicle, windshield wipers are actually one of those car parts people don’t really care about much. But once wipers break down, they become more than just an annoyance — they pose serious safety concerns as well.

So, what are the common reasons behind windshield wiper problems? We’ve listed some of them below and what you should do when this happens to you.

Common Windshield Wiper Problems

Loose Pivot Nuts

A common reason behind windshield wiper problems is a loose pivot nut. A pivot is what connects the arms to the wiper transmission — which is the component connected to the wiper motor that triggers the blades to move across the windshield.

If a pivot nut is loose, the wiper arms will move slightly, but it won’t wipe your windshield. Though, because the arms are connected to two different pivots, it is less likely that this scenario happens to both wipers at the same time. This means that while the other one is working just fine, the other windshield wiper fails to function as intended.

Broken Wiper Motor

The wiper motor is the component powering up the wiper arms to move around. So expectedly, when the wiper motor fails, your windshield wipers will not work at all.

This is because, as an electrical component, wiper motors may suddenly quit or short out — often for no specific reason. One way to tell if the wiper motor is not working is when you click the wiper switch and do not hear any sounds. You may not be able to do anything to avoid this, but what you can do is to have your wiper motor replaced immediately.

Burnt out Wiper Fuse

If your pivot nuts and motor seem okay, then maybe the issue is on a different component of your car — perhaps the fuse, which key function is to protect the motors from damages by overload.

Similar to other electrical circuits, wiper fuses are designed to be the circuit’s weak spots. When the motor overloads, the fuse will burn out first — saving the motor from overload stress.

To confirm if a burnt-out fuse is the root of the problem, go to your mechanic and have it checked. When confirmed, have your fuse replaced immediately.

Clear Visibility Is Vital to Road Safety

A clean and good-looking windshield is essential while driving. This allows you to drive safely and avoid any traffic hazards ahead. To help keep your windshield always clean, well-functioning wipers are necessary. These allow you to have a clear, uninterrupted view of the road when it’s raining or snowing. If you experience any issues with your wipers, make sure to have it checked immediately to ensure a safe driving experience.