Why Are Your Car’s Wipers Stuck?

Hey, when it gets cold, the exterior of your vehicle can get pretty frosty, and that can lead to problems with the windshield wipers. From frosted over blades to worn out motors, there are plenty of things which can cause the wipers to stop working properly. Read on with the service team here at Hinton Dodge Chrysler, as we run down a few reasons why your wipers might be stuck, and what you can do about it.

Frozen Wipers

In Canada, the single most likely problem with your wipers is that they’re frozen. Ice and snow buildup can cause the wipers to get stuck in place. If you try to turn them on and they won’t move, don’t try to force it! That can cause damage to the wiper motors, or tear the frozen rubber on the blades. Instead, scrape and brush off your windshield, then set the car to defrost. The defrost on the windshield should melt anything sticking to the wipers, and free them up to do their work.

Other Obstructions

Ice and snow aren’t the only things which may cause the wipers to stop. A lot of fallen leaves, mud, or other thick or heavy buildup will also be too heavy for the motor and blades to handle. Like the frozen wipers mentioned above, don’t try to force the wipers, or you could damage the motors. Instead, clear out the debris as best you can before you try running the wipers.

Worn Out Motor

The windshield wiper is powered by a motor, and like any mechanical part, it can wear out over years of regular use. If the motor burns out, it’ll stop working entirely. Early signs the motor might be wearing out are a notable decrease in the speed of the wipers, or weird noises when you activate them. This one doesn’t have a quick fix, unfortunately; you’ll need to have the motor replaced by a professional.

Damaged Arms

Much like the motor, the wiper arms themselves can also suffer damage over time, causing them to fail. A common issue is a loose pivot nut, which can cause one or both of the wiper arms to either move only a little, or not move at all. You may be able to manually tighten the nut, or you can get a service technician to do it for you. If the arm is visibly damaged, though, you may need to have it properly replaced.

Electrical Issues

It’s also possible your wipers are stuck because they aren’t getting the signal to work. This could be because of a faulty control switch, a blown fuse, or other electrical issues. A simple solution would be to purchase and replace the fuse in your vehicle to see if that solves the problem. If it doesn’t, the electrical problem might be more serious, and you should get your vehicle serviced just as soon as possible.

Check Your Windshield Wipers in Perth, ON

Your ability to see on the road is vital to your safety and the safety of others, so don’t sit on any issue with your windshield wipers. If your wipers have stopped working, and it isn’t an obvious issue like ice or other obstructions, you should get them serviced at your earliest opportunity. The next time you need any parts or service, make Hinton Dodge Chrysler in Perth, ON, your first destination.