LizWindshield wipers are one of the most important components of a vehicle during extreme weather conditions. They provide visibility, making it easier to see the road ahead. That is why ensuring the windshield wiper system works correctly is important to avoid potential accidents.
One of the critical parts of the windshield wiper system is the wiper motor. The wiper motor is responsible for the motion of the blades, and windshield wiper motor problems can lead to serious issues.
Here are eight signs that your windshield wiper motor may be failing and you need to get a new one!
Wipers Sluggish/Move Slowly
If you notice that your windshield wipers are moving slowly or sluggishly, then it is most likely that your wiper motor is failing. Sluggishness can mean that your motor needs more power to optimize the movement of the wiper blades.
Wipers Stop Moving
One of the tell-tale signs of a failing wiper motor is when the wipers suddenly stop moving, even when the motor is running. Damaged wiper motors may fail and not transfer power to the wiper blades, causing them to stop moving completely.
Delayed Response
If the wipers take a long time to start or stop once you switch them on, it may indicate a damaged wiper motor. An undamaged wiper motor should be responsive, causing the wipers to start cleaning instantly.
Uneven Movement
Another tell-tale of a damaged windshield wiper motor is when the blades perform unevenly. For instance, you may notice that when the wiper blades move, they cover uneven areas or leave areas untouched.
Wiper Blade Movement is Erratic
If the wiper blade movement is not smooth or you notice it is jerking or skipping across the windshield, the wiper motor will likely fail. The erratic movement of blades can indicate that the motor is cutting off the power supply to the motor.
Strange Noises
If you hear strange noises from your wiper motor or blades, that strongly indicates something is wrong. Also, if you do not hear any noise, it could mean that the wiper motor is not working entirely.
Wipers Move But Stopped By Obstacles
If your blades stop moving when they come across any obstruction like snow, ice, or leaves, it could be a sign of a bad windshield wiper motor. The motor should be capable of powering the wipers through minor obstructions.
Wiper Motor Not Working
The ultimate sign that your wiper motor is failing is when it refuses to start, even when the blades are turned on. This could mean the motor has completely gone and must be replaced.
Final Verdict
Your wiper motor is the backbone of the windshield wiper system. A damaged or failing wiper motor can put your safety at risk during extreme weather. Therefore, it is essential to be aware of the signs that indicate a failing wiper motor.
If you experience any of these signs mentioned above, contacting an expert mechanic to fix your wiper motor promptly is best. Failure to do so may cause further damage to other vital components of your windshield wiper system, leading to even more expensive repairs.