When you are driving in your vehicle, you rely heavily on the windshield wipers to provide maximum visibility. So, what happens when the windshield wipers are not working? In this guide, we examine what might have happened when the windshield wipers stopped working.
Who invented windshield wipers? It turns out Mary Anderson invented them in 1902 when she was stuck in NYC traffic. While you only see the windshield wiper blade, there are many components working together to ensure that your visibility is at its best.
Here are a few of the components that make up the windshield wiper and how it works.
How To Fix Windshield Wipers That Stopped Working
To figure out how to fix windshield wipers that stopped working, you must first determine what caused the malfunction. What causes the windshield washer to stop working? We examine what causes the windshield wipers to not work.
Torn wiper blades
If you are experiencing squeaky windshield wipers or they aren't clearing the glass, it's simple to figure out how to fix the windshield wipers. When the rubber can't make contact, debris cannot be wiped away. To repair the problem, just replace the torn wiper blades with a new set for maximum visibility. You can also change the wipers every few months to avoid this situation.
Failed wiper motor
How do I know if my windshield wiper motor is bad? If the windshield wipers stopped working while driving, it could be due to the motor. This electrical part can short or stop working at any time. To repair the wipers, you must replace the motor, which can be a complicated job if you aren't mechanically inclined.
Burnt out wiper fuse
When the windshield wipers won't work, it could also be caused by a bad fuse. It could blow due to extreme stress, such as trying to clear snow or ice. How do I check my windshield wiper fuse? Look in the owner's manual to find the appropriate fuse and replace it with a new one. If the windshield wipers stopped working then started again, you might be facing a different intermittent issue.
Loose wiper pivot nuts
How about when the windshield wipers are not working, but you can hear the motor? Sometimes, this problem is caused by loose nuts on the pivot. If it becomes loose, the motor continues turning, but the wiper arm stops moving. To fix it, you should be able to simply tighten up the nuts. Otherwise, you might need to ask your mechanic what to do when the windshield wipers stop working.
Ice or snow on the windshield wipers
Are you asking yourself, why are my windshield wipers not working after bad weather? If you used the wipers to clear ice or snow, you might have damaged them. They can remove small amounts of debris, but nothing heavy like wet snow. You might have striped the pivots or worn out the motor, ensuring the windshield wipers won't move.
Bent or damaged
Why won't my windshield wipers work? If there is physical damage to the wipers, it could cause them to fail. The wiper is made of many components that must work together in harmony for ultimate visibility. However, if a small part becomes bent or damaged, the entire balance can be thrown off, causing the wipers to stop working.
Windshield Wiper Maintenance: Top Tips
You want to avoid a situation where the windshield wipers won't work, but the motor works, or worse yet, when the windshield wipers won't turn off. Here are a few factors that affect how well your windshield wipers work.
However, you can avoid learning how to fix windshield wipers that won't move by following these simple maintenance tips.
1. Replace The Blades At Least Twice A Year
If you are asking how often to change wiper blades, the answer is twice a year. However, you might need to change them more often if they are used heavily or start showing signs of wear.
2. Keep The Windshield Clean
Don't make your windshield wipers work harder than necessary. If you keep the windshield clean, the wipers have less debris to remove, thereby increasing their service life.
3. Never Run The Wipers On A Dry Windshield
The windshield wipers need to work on a wet surface to remain in good condition. If you run the wipers on a dry windshield, you are creating friction that breaks down the rubber and causes the motor to work harder.
4. Reposition The Blade During The Winter Months
If you are expecting snowy or icy weather, pull the wiper blade away from the windshield. This simple action ensures the blades don't freeze to the glass, creating more wear than needed.
People Also Ask (FAQs)
Where is the windshield wiper fuse?
Whether you are dealing with the Chevy Traverse windshield wipers not working or the Hyundai Santa Fe windshield wipers not working, the location of the fuse will be in varying locations. Check your owner's manual for the appropriate spot in the fuse box.
Why is only one side of my windshield wipers working? How do I fix it?
If only one windshield wiper works and the other doesn't, it might be due to wiper pivot nuts. When only one windshield wiper works, try tightening the pivot nuts to see if that solves the problem.
How much does it cost to replace a windshield wiper motor?
The average cost for windshield wiper motor replacement is between $300 and $350. Because this is an electrical part, it isn't cheap to replace.
How do I know if my windshield wiper fuse is blown?
Whether your Volvo S40 windshield wipers are not working or the 1997 Ford F150 windshield wipers are not working, you will want to check the fuse. Get the appropriate location in the fuse box by looking at your owner's manual. Pull the fuse out and see if it needs to be replaced.
Conclusion
You don't have to fret when the windshield wipers are not working correctly. With our guide, you can hunt down the source of the trouble to start seeing clearly once again.