How to Fix a Car That Has a Broken Windshield Wiper

Driving on a rainy day can be quite challenging, especially when one of your windshield wipers stops working. A broken wiper not only limits visibility but can also be dangerous, making it essential to fix the issue as soon as possible. In this article, I’ll walk you through the process of diagnosing and repairing a broken windshield wiper, so you can get back on the road with ease. Having experienced this problem myself, I’ll share a step-by-step guide that I personally found helpful, and hopefully, you’ll find it useful too.1. Identify the Problem with the Windshield WiperBefore you start fixing the issue, it's crucial to identify the cause of the problem. Windshield wipers can stop working for various reasons, including a broken wiper arm, faulty motor, disconnected linkage, or worn-out wiper blades. Start by inspecting the wipers visually. If one of the wipers is not moving at all, or is moving erratically, you may have a broken wiper arm or motor. If the blades aren’t making proper contact with the windshield, worn-out blades may be the culprit.I had an instance where one of the arms just detached from the motor linkage, and all I needed was to reconnect it. On the other hand, if the wipers aren’t moving at all and you hear a motor running, there could be an issue with the wiper motor or the fuse.2. Check the Wiper Blades for DamageWiper blades wear out over time, and this is one of the most common causes of poor performance. To check for damage, lift the wiper arms off the windshield. You’ll be able to see if the rubber blades are torn, cracked, or if they’ve lost their shape. If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to replace the wiper blades.In my experience, wiper blades are relatively easy to replace, and I recommend replacing them every six to twelve months. If your blades are in good condition, but you're still having issues with the wiping action, the problem could lie elsewhere, like the motor or arm.3. Inspect the Wiper Arm for DamageIf the wiper blades are in good condition but the wipers still aren’t functioning properly, the next thing to check is the wiper arm itself. The arm is the part that connects the blade to the motor. Over time, these can become loose, bent, or even rusted. To check this, gently lift the wiper arm and see if it moves freely. If it feels loose or doesn’t return to its normal resting position, there may be a problem with the arm or its mounting.When I had this issue, it was as simple as tightening the nut that secured the wiper arm to the motor. It’s a good idea to check for rust or debris that might prevent the arm from working smoothly.4. Check the Wiper Motor and LinkageIf everything else seems fine but your wipers still aren’t moving, the issue could be with the wiper motor or linkage. The motor drives the wiper mechanism, and if it’s faulty, it won’t operate the wipers. One of the first steps to troubleshooting a broken motor is checking the fuse. If the fuse is blown, the motor won’t receive power and will not work.I’ve faced this issue once, and after replacing the fuse, the motor worked like a charm. If the fuse is intact but the wipers still don’t move, the motor itself could be damaged, and you may need to replace it. Similarly, the linkage—the system that transfers motion from the motor to the wiper arms—could also be damaged or disconnected. If you feel comfortable, you can remove the motor and inspect the linkage yourself to check for any disconnections or wear.5. Replace the Broken PartsOnce you've identified the problem, it's time to replace the faulty parts. If it's just the wiper blades, simply buy new ones that match the size of your current blades. Installing new blades is straightforward—just lift the wiper arm, remove the old blade, and attach the new one. It takes just a few minutes, and it can make a big difference in visibility.If the wiper arm is loose, you’ll need to tighten the nut that secures it. You can use a wrench or socket to do this, ensuring the arm is firmly in place. If the arm is broken or bent, you may need to replace it entirely.When dealing with the motor or linkage, it’s a bit more complicated. If the motor is faulty, you’ll need to order a replacement and possibly follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation. For the linkage, check for any disconnections and reattach any parts that may have come loose.6. Test the RepairOnce you’ve completed the necessary repairs, it’s time to test everything. Turn on the wipers and make sure they move smoothly across the windshield. Check if both arms are working properly and if the blades are making contact with the windshield at the right angle. If everything works as expected, your windshield wipers should now be as good as new!During my own repair, it took some trial and error to get the right adjustments, but after reattaching the arm and replacing the motor fuse, everything functioned like it should. Testing everything thoroughly ensures that you won’t face any surprises while driving.7. Preventive MaintenanceTo avoid future windshield wiper issues, it’s essential to perform regular maintenance. Clean your wiper blades periodically to remove any dirt, leaves, or debris that could cause them to wear out prematurely. It’s also a good idea to inspect the wiper arms and motor regularly to ensure everything is in working order.In my experience, keeping a set of spare wiper blades and a toolkit in the car is a smart move. You never know when a wiper might break, especially during bad weather conditions. Preventive maintenance will save you time, money, and a lot of frustration in the long run. SEO Title: How to Fix a Car That Has a Broken Windshield Wiper – A Step-by-Step Guide SEO Keywords: fix a car with a broken windshield wiper, windshield wiper repair, replace windshield wiper blades, check wiper motor, car wiper arm repair, fix broken wiper motor SEO Description: Learn how to fix a car with a broken windshield wiper, from diagnosing the issue to replacing faulty parts like wiper blades, arms, and motors. This step-by-step guide will help you restore your car's wipers for clear visibility and safe driving.

How to Fix a Car That Has a Broken Windshield Wiper – A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Fix a Car That Has a Broken Windshield Wiper

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How to Fix a Car That Has a Broken Windshield Wiper – A Step-by-Step Guide