Auto Windscreen Wiper Motor repair made easy

• 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.

• Wipers do not move / front wiper motor does not work
• Front wipers move slowly
• Erratic front wiper motion

A windscreen wiper motor replacement usually takes around 1 hour, but can take less or more time. Ultimately, the time that the job will take will depend on a number of factors, like your vehicle's make and model, year, as well as other factors. Select your car at the top of this page for information on job time and cost for your vehicle through ClickMechanic.

It is likely a windscreen wiper motor will need to be replaced once or more during a vehicle lifetime depending on conditions. 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.

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.

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.

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

There is little you can do about wear and tear over the years, aside from the following:

• 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.

Cost for a front wiper motor replacement is on average £180, with pricing ranging from around £110 to £300. Rear wiper motor replacement cost varies from £60 to £110, with an average of £80. Ultimately, cost depends on your location, car and what parts your car's manufacturer recommends using for the replacement. Find out what you could save by having your wiper motor replaced by ClickMechanic by selecting your car at the top of this page!

• The mechanic will inspect the windscreen wiper system.
• The mechanic will test the components of the electrical system of the windscreen wipers to determine the exact fault in the electrical system.
• If necessary, the mechanic will replace the windscreen wiper switch.
• The mechanic will advise if any other parts need to be replaced.
• The mechanic will test the windscreen's wiper and washer system to ensure it works correctly.
• If necessary, the mechanic will make adjustments.

• When the wipers do not move.
• When the wipers do not turn on or off.
• When you cannot select different speeds.

A windscreen wiper motor replacement usually takes around 1 hour, but can take less or more time. Ultimately, the time that the job will take will depend on a number of factors, like your vehicle's make and model, year, as well as other factors. Select your car at the top of this page for information on job time and cost for your vehicle through ClickMechanic.

At some point a windscreen wiper switch can fail. If the wipers do not move or a washer does not work it is not necessarily the wiper switch that is faulty. It can be that the system has blown a fuse or electrical connectors have corroded or have come loose.

Equally, it might be that the motor powering the wipers or the washer fluid pump has failed. At an inspection the mechanic will establish, step by step, what the exact fault in the electrical system is before replacing any parts.

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

Typically, wiper blades should last 6-12 months but may last longer depending on usage frequency, weather conditions and overall maintenance.

Yes, many local garages are able to offer collection and delivery for a windscreen wiper motor repair on your Auto. With ClickMechanic collection & delivery is free if your vehicle is drivable. Once booked a mechanic will pick up the vehicle on the day and time of your choice, do the work, and return the vehicle at a time convenient to you. Simply enter your vehicle registration number and postcode to get an upfront price for a windscreen wiper motor repair on your Auto.

Yes, mobile mechanics can do a windscreen wiper motor repair at your home or office on your Auto, provided there is a safe and sufficient space to conduct the repair or replacement. With ClickMechanic, once booked for a date and time of your choice, your booking will be offered to vetted mobile mechanics in your area.