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What Causes Windshield Wipers to Stop Working?

A few days ago I was driving during a rainstorm and my windshield wipers stopped working properly. Only parts of my windshield were being wiped by the blades and it was really tough to see. Do you know what caused my windshield wipers not to work?

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Katherine Duffy · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
We’re so sorry to hear that your windshield wipers stopped working! While windshield wipers can stop working for many reasons, there are four popular reasons your windshield wipers stopped working.
Here are the most common causes windshield wipers stop working:
  • Torn rubber edges: Your windshield wiper’s rubber edges have torn, making it difficult for the wiper to make contact with your windshield effectively.
  • The wiper motor isn’t working: If your windshield wipers stop moving altogether, there’s likely something wrong with your wiper motor. Try replacing the blades or bringing your car in for service to repair it.
  • Tough weather conditions: If you’ve tried to remove heavy snow or chunks of ice from your windshield with your wiper blades instead of removing it with a snow brush, it’s likely that you’ve put too much stress on your wipers. This can cause the rubber to split or the frames to bend, and with repeated overloads on the wiper, you can even cause a motor fuse to blow.
  • **Loose pivot nuts:**If your wipers appear loose or just one wiper is working, it’s possible that your pivot nuts need tightening. You’ll have to remove the plastic guard on your car’s hood and use a wrench to tighten these nuts.
Making sure your windshield wipers are in good working order is an important part of staying safe while driving, but the best way to make sure you’re covered is by signing up for great
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Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.

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