When your windshield wipers stop working properly, it is not only annoying but potentially dangerous. That’s why it is so important to visually inspect and test your windshield wipers on a regular basis, as well as practicing best care. But how can you tell what the actual problem is?

1^st Step – Check the Windshield Wipers

The first thing to check is the actual windshield wipers. Start with the blades themselves; if there are signs of deterioration on the squeegees, it can cause skipping, streaking or squeaking. Then work down the wiper to verify that the wiper arm are not damaged. If the arms are bent or damaged, it’s often caused by turning your windshield wipers on with a frozen windshield or ice build-up on the wipers themselves.

Wiper Wiring & Linkage

Once you have established that the problem does not lay within the windshield wipers, move down the unit from there. Fuses are another common culprit; if the fuse is blown, simply replace with a fresh one. The wiper linkage can also loosen up and stop working properly over time. Then check the wiper control switch and the wiring to the wiper motor.

Several of these steps might start to go beyond what you can do yourself. Even if you are relying on your mechanic to diagnose the problem, it is helpful to understand the different parts and components that make your windshield wipers work. The wiper control switch or wiper wiring can present problems that seem like a total motor failure. And you don’t want to pay for a complete wiper motor solutions if the real issue was somewhere in between the motor and the wipers.

Mechanical Windshield Wiper Failures

That said, wiper motors and transmissions do wear out eventually, just like your windshield wipers deteriorate over time. In fact, the wiper transmission is one of the most common problems. It can easily be damaged by running the wipers on a frozen windshield (are you seeing a theme here? Make sure to always fully scrape your windshield and run your defroster before turning your windshield wipers on!) The transmission can also be damaged by excessive pressure, such as heavy snow or even built up debris.

Unfortunately, if your windshield wiper motor is the problem, the fix isn’t as easy or affordable as the other potential issues. The national average cost to replace the motor, including parts, is about $300, with big variances depending on your location and the type of vehicle. That’s for a full motor replacement, which isn’t always necessary.

One strong indicator of motor failure is when you shut off your wipers and they don’t return to the bottom of your windshield. If you do need to have your motor replaced, a good mechanic will check the other elements first, as well as servicing the entire windshield wiper system. They should inspect and lubricate all the linking components and even check the adjustment of the wiper arms and blades. This will help prevent another problem popping up right away.

Investing in Durable Windshield Wipers Saves You Money!

It’s a fact of life that most things deteriorate and stop performing as well over time. The best way to save on replacement parts is to spend a little extra for a product that will last longer and perform better! For windshield wipers, this is especially helpful if you live in a region that requires a lot of wiper action, or if you drive more often than the average person.

And Everblades Heated Windshield Wipers are the solution! Our windshield wipers are not only designed to withstand extreme temperatures, but are built with a quality silicone blend that lasts 2-3 times longer than the average windshield wiper. Why go with a product that you know will fail in just a short period of time? Choose Everblades to see clearly longer!

Order Your Everblades Heated Windshield Wipers Today!