Symptoms of Poor or Faulty Windshield Wiper Communication

Common symptoms include windshield wiper blades spinning out of order, splashing during operation, no movement at all, and a grinding sound.

Most car, truck and SUV owners understand the importance of having good windshield wipers on their vehicles at all times. However, many of them may not be aware that the wiper blades and arms move back and forth with the help of the wiper arm. The linkage is attached to the wiper motor, which is usually hidden under the hood of the car and protected from the weather. The wiper arm can fail because it is not always protected from the sun, snow, wind and rain and can wear out or break without warning.

A wiper link is designed to last the life of a car, but like any other mechanical part, it can break down when you least expect it. One of the most common causes of premature wear is overuse in humid climates or cold regions where the wipers freeze and can stick to the windshield. This causes the linkage to break away from the wiper arm, requiring replacement.

There are several warning signs that indicate that a wiper linkage problem is starting to wear out, which, if noticed and fixed in time, can reduce damage to additional parts, including the wiper motor.

1. Wiper blades rotate out of order

The great thing about wiper blades is that they work together to remove water, dirt, snow, and debris from your windshield. In fact, they move together like a metronome on most cars, trucks and SUVs. When the wipers go out of sequence, it's usually due to a worn joint or a loose wiper arm. Sometimes it's a minor problem, such as a loose nut that secures the wiper arm to the linkage, and other times it means the linkage is broken.

In any case, if you notice this problem, you should call a certified mechanic for inspection and repair as soon as possible. While a loose nut is not a big deal if not repaired, it can wear out the linkage, resulting in the replacement of both the linkage and the wiper arms.

2. Wiper blades splatter during operation.

Your wiper blades should be smooth as they spin back and forth. They should also move evenly across the glass and remove the same amount of water or debris from the top to the bottom of the blade. If the linkage is loose or starting to fail, you may notice that the wiper blades "hiss" or wobble during operation. It can also be a warning sign of worn wiper blades or a bent wiper arm.

3. Wiper blades do not move during operation

Another common side effect of a broken wiper blade or wiper motor connection is that the wiper blades do not move. If you hear the engine running but don't see the wiper blades moving, you can tell if the problem is with the motor or the linkage - a broken wiper linkage. It could also be due to removing the wiper arm from the arm. In any case, it is important that this problem be fixed by a certified mechanic as soon as possible. In many US states, driving with broken wiper blades can be a problem, but most importantly, it's a huge safety issue.

4. The windshield wiper makes a grinding sound.

Finally, if you notice that your wiper blades make a grinding sound as they move across the windshield, it's likely that the linkage is causing the sound and not the wiper blades themselves. This can happen if the wiper arm is attached too tightly to the wiper linkage, causing the gears in the wiper motor to fray. If left unchecked, it can lead to premature failure of the wiper motor.

The success of your car's wiper blades is very important. For this reason, if you notice any of the above warning signs or symptoms, contact your local ASE certified mechanic so they can inspect your wiper blade linkage for damage and make appropriate repairs if necessary. Be proactive in servicing your wiper blades and the chance of this kind of damage will be greatly reduced.