Windscreen Wiper Motor repair & replacement made easy

What does a windscreen wiper motor do?

The windscreen wiper motor powers the wiper arm(s) to make them move across the glass to clear the water and debris from it using the wiper blades.

The connection to the arms(s) is either direct or via a windscreen wiper linkage.

How does the windscreen wiper motor work and what are the components?

The wiper motor is a powerful but small electric motor that is switched on by the driver either using the column mounted wiper stalk or by a separate switch. Some vehicles are equipped with rain sensing devices that will switch the motor on automatically for the driver.

Power is fed to the wiper motor through a fuse and a relay and depending on the switch position can produce intermittent wipes, standard speed wipes or fast wipes depending on the requirements of the conditions.

How do you know when there is something wrong with your windscreen wiper motor?

Usually the windscreen wiper will completely stop working, in other words it will not work on any speed. If you switch the wipers to the on position and cannot hear any sound from the area close to the screen, it's pretty much going to be a fault with the motor or at least the fuse that covers it.

Some makes, such as Peugeot/Citroen have common faults with the column switches as well, which can have the same outcome, but the mechanic will be able to tell fairly quickly if this is the case.

Another indication of a failing windscreen wiper motor is then the wipers themselves either move jerkily or slowly across the screen.

When should you consider replacing the windscreen wiper motor?

As the windscreen wiper is a vital piece of the vehicle's safety equipment and a legal requirement (for the front screen) then as soon as any issue arises. Do not be tempted to chance driving with a faulty windscreen wiper component, even if it is a dry sunny day, as conditions can change and other influences such as the car in front going through a puddle, can cause you a problem.

How common is a windscreen wiper motor replacement?

As the motor is frequently used, wear and tear will eventually cause it to malfunction, the same as any other electric motor. Therefore, it is not uncommon for a motor to be replaced once or more during a vehicle lifetime depending on conditions.

How can I extend the life of my windscreen wiper motor?

Obviously there is little you can do about wear and tear over the years, even with the following advice.

• Don’t switch on the wiper system when the blades are frozen to the windscreen. This causes undue stress on the motor and can lead to it burning out
• Similarly if the the vehicle hasn’t been used for a while, lifting off the wiper blades from the screen will unstick them and cause less stress on the motor when you first use it
• Always switch off the windscreen wipers before switching the engine off and leaving the car. This will ensure that they do not come on automatically the next time you start the engine (preventing the above scenarios) but also allows the wiper arms to be “parked” and not left at an unusual angle with which to start from. Again, this reduces the stress on the motor.
• Regular basic maintenance, such as lubricating the wiper motor linkage and replacing worn wiper blades all help with longevity of the motor.

What happens during a windscreen wiper motor replacement?

• The mechanic will inspect the windscreen wiper system.
• The mechanic will carry out checks to determine the exact fault in the electrical system.
• If necessary, the mechanic will replace the windscreen wiper motor.
• The mechanic will advise if any other parts need to be replaced.
• The mechanic will test the windscreen's wiper system to ensure it works correctly. If necessary, the mechanic will make adjustments.

How much does a windscreen wiper motor replacement cost?

The cost of a windscreen wiper motor replacement depends on your car and what parts your car's manufacturer recommends using for the replacement. Find out what you could save by having your windscreen wiper motor replaced by ClickMechanic, by selecting your car at the top of this page!