How Much Does A Windscreen Wiper Motor Repair Cost in the UK?

A windscreen wiper motor is an electrical device that is used to power the mechanism of a windscreen wiper. It is designed to provide the necessary torque and speed to move the blades of the windshield wipers across the surface of the glass, thus ensuring that rain and other debris are kept from obscuring the driver's view.

How much does it cost to replace a windscreen wiper motor?

The average cost of replacing a windscreen wiper motor is £180, with prices ranging from £110 to £300. The exact price of the windscreen wiper motor replacement depends largely on your car and the parts recommended by the manufacturer.

Your location can also be a key factor in determining the price of a windscreen wiper motor replacement. For example, average hourly labour rates and demand in cities like London is around £50-£100 while in towns with lower demand, the labour rates can range from £35-£50. The type of mechanic, for example, a mobile mechanic vs a dealership garage technician can also affect the total cost of a windscreen wiper motor replacement.

Average cost of windscreen wiper motor repair by location

To avoid having car owners overpaying and get a fair price for a windscreen wiper motor replacement, we use real-time data of thousands of car makes and model data, local labour prices for windscreen wiper motor repairs and replacements and part prices to provide an instant fair quote. Simply enter your vehicle registration number and postcode to get an instant price for a windscreen wiper motor replacement for your car.

Average cost of windscreen wiper motor repair by manufacturer

Signs your windscreen wiper motor needs to be replaced

• Wipers not moving or moving slowly
• Wiper blades stopping midway
• Wipers don’t rest back in position
• Wipers moving in a erratic or jerky manner
• Wiper moving excessively fast
• Burnt smell when wipers are moving

Wipers move slowly, or not at all

It’s likely that the motor is worn out or there is some debris stuck in the wiper motor assembly which may cause the wipers to move slowly or in extreme cases, not at all.

Unusual noises when the wipers are activated

Unusual noises when the windscreen wipers are activated can indicate that the wiper blades are worn out, the wiper motor is faulty, or there is debris in the track of the wiper arms. A mechanic will be able to pinpoint the source of the problem.

Wiper blades don’t rest back in position

When the wiper blades have been “switched off” they should return back to their original position, ie resting at the bottom of the windscreen. If this does not happen and it’s stuck on the windscreen then the motor may need a reset or replacement.

Wipers move in an erratic or jerky manner

When wipers move in an erratic manner, it usually means that there is something obstructing the wiper blades or likely it is the wiper motor that is malfunctioning.

Frequently asked questions about windscreen wiper motor replacement cost

Are wiper motors repairable?

Yes, some wiper motor faults can be repaired. However, in most cases, it may be more cost-effective to replace the motor than to attempt to repair it.

What causes wiper motor failure?

Some common reasons why a windscreen wiper motor might fail include a blown fuse, a faulty relay or a problem with the wiper switch. In some cases, the motor itself may have failed due to electrical issues or mechanical wear and tear. The wiper arms may also be misaligned, which can cause excessive motor wear.

Can you drive with wipers that are not working?

No, it is not only unsafe but also illegal to drive with wipers that are not working. Rain and snow can reduce visibility while driving, and without functional windshield wipers, a driver's visibility can be greatly reduced, increasing the risk of an accident. According to the law, “All wipers and washers which are required to be fitted must be properly adjusted and maintained in efficient working order”.

How long does a windscreen wiper motor replacement take?

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.

Can I carry out a windscreen wiper motor replacement myself?

Unless you are a qualified mechanic with the required skills, training and equipment to do the job, we strongly recommend a windscreen wiper motor replacement is only carried out by a professional mechanic. ClickMechanic can help get you a vetted and local mechanic to carry out the work. Just enter your postcode and your car's registration number at the top of this page and select the work needed to get an instant fixed price up front.

What else could be the problem if my windscreen wiper motor isn’t broken?

If you’re experiencing issues with the wipers then it could also be one of the following:

• Wiper blades - if the wiper blades themselves are worn out or damaged it will not make proper contact with the windscreen
• Wiper arms - sometimes the wiper arms can get damaged which will result in similar symptoms
• Debris - a dirty windscreen or debris lodged in the arms or linkages can prevent smooth functioning of the wipers

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.