Last Updated on June 30, 2026 by Kristin
Imagine this: You’re driving and it starts to rain. When you turn on your windshield wipers, they don’t increase visibility. The rain intensifies, and you can barely see the road in front of you. Here’s what you should do if your windshield wipers stop working.
Why Do Windshield Wipers Stop Working?
Windshield wipers can stop working for several different reasons. It could be that the blades need replacing. If the wipers leave faint lines on the windshield or don’t clear water properly, the car likely needs new blades. One obvious thing to check is whether anything is stuck in the windshield wipers that might be keeping them from gliding across the windshield as they should. Windshield wipers can also stop working properly due to mechanical reasons, such as a blown fuse, motor problems, loose pivot nuts at the base of the windshield wipers or issues with the blade’s components.
What Should You Do if You’re Driving?
If you realize your windshield wipers aren’t working while you’re driving in bad weather, the most important thing is to get out of traffic. Pull over to the side of the road when it’s safe to do so and turn your hazard lights on.
If you’re stuck in a rainstorm that seems like it will pass quickly, hang tight and wait for weather conditions to improve before continuing. In any case, you should still make plans to get your wipers fixed as soon as you can. Remember — if you can’t see clearly out the window without using your windshield wipers, it’s not safe to drive.
How to Fix Windshield Wipers
Old or broken windshield wipers are often relatively easy to fix, but if you’re in a rental car don’t do your own repairs or bring it to an auto shop. Trying to do your own repairs on a rental car can void your rental agreement and lead to hefty charges, even if you successfully fix the problem on your own. Instead, call the rental company to report the problem.
If your windshield wipers stop working in a rental, call the company’s roadside assistance line immediately. The company will send out a mechanic to fix the issue and issue a replacement vehicle if needed.
Even if faulty windshield wipers don’t seem like an immediate issue when skies are clear, the issue can quickly become a safety hazard in bad weather. Plus, addressing mechanical problems quickly will help ensure you’re not charged for any damages you didn’t cause. It’s always a good idea to test a rental car’s windshield wipers during your initial inspection of the rental car to make sure they’re working properly.
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