Short answer
If your wipers stop in the rain and you cannot see, slow down, turn on your hazard lights and pull off somewhere safe. With the wipers and the engine off, clear any ice, snow or leaves blocking the arms. Then check the wiper fuse and replace a blown one with one of the same amp rating. If the motor hums but the arms do not move, a mechanic needs to look.
Safety first
Do not keep driving if you cannot see the road. Pull off far from traffic before you get out. Turn the wipers and the engine off before you touch the arms: a motor that starts suddenly can pinch your fingers.
What to do when your wipers stop working
1It is raining and the wipers will not move
The windshield fills with water and you cannot see well. Slow down right away and leave a long gap to the car ahead.
Read all the steps
- It is raining and the wipers will not move. The windshield fills with water and you cannot see well. Slow down right away and leave a long gap to the car ahead.
- Slow down, hazard lights on, pull off. Find a parking lot or an exit, or pull well off the road. Do not drive blind in rain or snow.
- Engine off, free anything blocking them. Ice, snow, leaves or a frozen blade can stop the arms and blow the fuse. Turn the wipers and the engine off, then lift the arms and clear them.
- Check the wiper fuse. The fuse box lid or your manual shows which fuse it is. A blown fuse has a broken wire inside. Replace it with one of the same amp number.
- Wipers sweep again. Streaks? New blades. Test them at every speed. If they move but smear or skip, the rubber blades are worn: they clip on and off in minutes.
- Still not fixed? Call a mechanic Especially if: the new fuse blows again right away.
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What the symptom tells you
- Nothing at all, no sound: a blown fuse, a bad relay or the switch.
- The motor hums but the arms do not move: the linkage under the windshield or a loose arm nut.
- Only one arm moves: that arm’s nut is loose or the linkage broke.
- They move but smear, chatter or skip: worn blades or a dirty windshield.
- They stop in odd places or will not park at the bottom: the motor or its park switch.
What not to do
- Do not run the wipers on a dry or icy windshield: it wears the blades and can blow the fuse.
- Do not put in a fuse with a higher amp number. The motor or the wires can overheat.
- Do not push the arms by hand to help a weak motor.
When to call a mechanic
- The new fuse blows again right away.
- The motor hums but the arms do not move.
- Nothing happens and the fuse is fine.
- The wipers will not turn off, or they stop in the middle of the glass.
Frequently asked questions
Why did my windshield wipers suddenly stop working?
Most often a blown fuse, usually after the wipers fought ice, snow or a heavy load. Other causes are a bad relay, a loose arm nut, broken linkage or a worn motor.
Can I drive without working wipers?
Not in rain or snow: it is dangerous, and many states require working wipers. If they quit in bad weather, pull off and wait, or call for help.
Where is the wiper fuse?
Usually in a fuse box under the dash or under the hood. The lid or your owner’s manual shows which fuse runs the wipers and its amp rating.
How do I know if the wiper motor is bad?
If the fuse is good and you hear nothing at all, or the motor hums without moving the arms, the motor or its linkage may be bad. A mechanic can test it.
How often should I replace wiper blades?
About every 6 to 12 months, or as soon as they streak, chatter or leave water behind.
Can a mobile mechanic fix my wipers?
Often, yes. Fuses, blades, arms and many wiper motors can be replaced where the car is parked.