Wipers that stop working or move slowly usually have a blown fuse, a failing wiper motor, a loose or seized linkage, or a faulty switch or relay; slow, laboured movement often points to a tired motor, stiff pivots, or low electrical voltage. This is about the wipers not moving properly — if they move but smear, see wipers streak even though they’re brand new or how often to replace windshield wipers.
If They Fail in the Rain
If your wipers fail in heavy rain, slow down, switch on the hazard lights if visibility is very poor, and pull over somewhere safe as soon as you can. Try the washer jets, which may help clear the glass briefly. Never run the wipers on a dry or iced windscreen — it can damage the blades and motor.
Wiper trouble is rarely a mystery once you note what the wipers actually do: nothing at all, a hum with no movement, working in one speed only, or moving slowly. Each points to a different part.
Reading the Symptom
| What happens | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| Nothing, no sound | Blown fuse, failed relay, failed switch or open wiring |
| Motor hums or whirrs but arms don’t move | Stripped or loose linkage; the arm nut has come loose |
| Works on one speed only | Faulty switch, relay or motor winding |
| Slow, struggling movement | Worn motor, stiff or corroded pivots, weak voltage, cold or frozen blades |
| Stops partway or parks in the middle | Failed park circuit or switch, or a worn linkage |
| Only works intermittently | Loose connector, corroded wiring or a failing motor |
Common Causes, Most Likely First
- A blown wiper fuse — often from a jammed arm or an overloaded motor.
- A worn wiper motor, especially one that has been working against stiff pivots.
- A worn or loose linkage or a loosened arm nut.
- A faulty wiper switch (stalk) or relay.
- Seized or corroded pivots from rust or old grease.
- Weak electrical supply, such as a failing battery or alternator — the lights may be dim too. See battery light on while driving.
- Snow, ice or debris jamming the arms or blades.
How to Check
- Look for obstructions — snow, ice, leaves under the scuttle panel, or a bent arm.
- Check the wiper fuse in the fuse box and replace it with one of the same rating.
- Listen when you turn them on — a hum or click means the motor is getting power.
- Check the arm nuts and linkage, if accessible.
- Check the battery and charging system if other electrics are also weak — compare with power windows won’t work, which shares many of the same causes.
- Keep washer fluid topped up — see how to check and top up windshield washer fluid and washer fluid warning light stays on.
Let the engine and exhaust cool before touching hoses, sensors or connectors, and never open a hot cooling system. Keep hands, hair and loose clothing away from belts and fans, which can start without warning.
Possible Fixes
| Cause | Fix | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Blown fuse | Replace the fuse and find out why it blew | $5 – $20 |
| Loose arm nut or linkage | Tighten or repair the linkage | $0 – $200 |
| Stiff pivots | Clean and lubricate, or replace the linkage | $50 – $350 |
| Failed wiper motor | Replace the motor | $150 – $500 |
| Faulty switch or relay | Replace the part | $30 – $300 |
Can I Keep Driving With This?
Not in rain, snow or spray. You can’t drive safely without a clear windscreen. In dry weather, you can reach a workshop, but wiper faults can fail at the worst moment, so don’t leave it. If you also have a battery light or dim lights, treat it as an electrical fault first.
When to See a Mechanic
If the fuse is fine and the wipers still don’t move, the motor, linkage or switch need testing. More in our electrical section and car problems hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why have my windshield wipers stopped working?
Commonly a blown fuse, a failing wiper motor, a loose or worn linkage, or a faulty switch or relay.
Why do my wipers move slowly?
Often a tired motor, stiff pivots, weak electrical voltage, or snow and ice loading the arms.
What if the motor hums but the wipers don’t move?
The linkage is probably loose or stripped, or an arm nut has worked free.
Is it the blades or the motor?
If the wipers move but smear, it’s the blades. If they don’t move or move slowly, it’s the motor, linkage, fuse or electrics.
How much does it cost to fix?
From about $5 for a fuse to $150–$500 for a wiper motor.
