There are several reasons why your wipers may not work. It is important to diagnose the problem and fix it as soon as possible, as driving with broken windscreen wipers could be potentially dangerous for you and other road users. What to do in such a situation?
Wiper motor failure
Windscreen wipers, like any other electrical component in your car, are powered by a motor. Therefore, it is highly likely that the wiper relay has burned out and needs to be replaced. Even if your car has been checked recently, it can just happen. Electrical components can suddenly fail, even if they seemed fine a few days ago. In this case, it is necessary to rectify the problem: faulty or poorly functioning windscreen wipers can severely restrict visibility. However, do not repair wiper motor failures yourself, unless you are a mechanic. So, if your wipers are not working and you suspect it is a wiper motor failure, visit an auto repair shop.
The fuse is worn out
Did you know that fuses are the main cause of 60 percent of all electrical faults? Hence, if your windscreen wipers suddenly stopped working (or started not to work from time to time and eventually completely failed), the fuses should be one of the first things to check. They are designed to protect the electrical system from major damage and burn out first if the circuits are overloaded. In that case, the failure will be less severe and can be more easily managed.
The most common cause of fuse failure is an overloaded circuit. Wiper motor overload occurs, for example, when the wipers encounter strong resistance. The motor still tries to move the wipers, but it is technically impossible. If you know how to replace the fuse yourself, remember to make sure that the wipers do not meet obstacles (such as snow or ice) on the windscreen. If you forget to do this, the fuse may blow out again.
Try to pull somewhere safe
If the failure occurred before you even left the car park, good for you. Just stop the engine and get out of the car. See what you can, and if the wipers still don’t work you will have to go to a repair shop. Maybe something wrong is happening somewhere in the wiring? Just remember to go to a repair shop in good weather: driving with non-functioning wipers in the rain can be potentially dangerous.
On the other hand, if the wipers have stopped working while driving and, to make matters worse, it is raining or snowing, try to stay calm. Do not stop the car suddenly as you may endanger other drivers. If you can, slow down and pull over. When it is raining heavily, it may be a good idea to turn on your hazard warning lights, letting other drivers know that something is wrong with your car. This will make them more careful when passing you. Maybe someone will even stop and help you?
Don’t try to fix something you don’t understand
You are driving in falling rain or snow and your wipers are not working. It is only natural that you are frustrated and you want to take care of this as soon as possible. But remember: if you have absolutely no idea how the electrical system of your car works, don’t try to fix it yourself. Even if you have to wait a few days for the garage to repair the car for you, just do it. Take a bus or taxi to work. Maybe ask a neighbour for a lift? A layman can do more harm than good to electrical system.