Introduction
The windshield wiper motor is an integral part of your vehicle’s safety system, ensuring you have a clear view of the road in adverse weather conditions. Here’s everything you need to know about a wiper motor, its life expectancy, replacement cost in Canada, and more.
What is a Wiper Motor?
A wiper motor is an electrical device that powers the windshield wipers in your car. When you activate the wiper controls, the motor turns the wiper arms, helping to clear rain, snow, or dirt from your windshield to enhance visibility.
How Much Will it Cost to Replace a Wiper Motor in Canada?
The cost of replacing a wiper motor in Canada can depend on a variety of factors, including the make and model of your car and local labor rates. As a general guide:
• Parts: A new wiper motor typically costs between CAD $100 and CAD $250.
• Labor: Mechanics generally charge around CAD $70 to CAD $100 per hour. Given that the replacement usually takes about 1 to 2 hours, you can expect to pay between CAD $70 and CAD $200 for labor.
• Total: On average, you should expect to pay somewhere between CAD $170 and CAD $450 for the entire replacement process.
What are the Symptoms of a Faulty Wiper Motor?
Here are several symptoms of a faulty wiper motor:
• Wipers Only Work at One Speed: If the wipers only operate at one speed when you have multi-speed settings, this could indicate a problem with the motor.
• Wipers Don’t Work at All: If you turn on your wipers and they do not move, this could be a sign that the motor is not working.
• Wipers Do Not Park Properly: When you turn off your wipers, they should return to the “park” position, typically at the bottom of your windshield. If they stop in the middle or at an unusual location, this could indicate a problem with the motor.
• Wipers Move Slowly or Pause While Moving: If your wipers move slower than usual or pause in the middle of their path, this could mean that the motor is wearing out.
• Unusual Noises When Wipers Are On: If you hear grinding, squeaking, or other unusual noises when the wipers are moving, this could be a sign of a motor problem.
• Intermittent Operation: If the wipers work sporadically and do not respond consistently to the controls, the motor could be at fault.
How Long Does a Wiper Motor Last?
Generally, a wiper motor should last as long as your vehicle. However, like any other component, it can fail prematurely due to various factors, such as extreme weather conditions or frequent use.
How Does a Wiper Motor Become Defective?
A wiper motor can become defective for several reasons:
• Age and Wear: Over time, the motor’s components can wear out, causing the motor to fail. This is especially common in areas with harsh weather conditions, where wipers are used frequently.
• Electrical Issues: Faulty wiring, blown fuses, or problems with the relay can prevent the wiper motor from receiving power. In some cases, electrical surges can also damage the motor.
• Corrosion: If water or moisture gets into the motor, it can lead to rust and corrosion, causing the motor to seize up or work intermittently.
• Mechanical Failures: If the wiper linkage or the wiper arms are damaged or worn out, it can put additional strain on the motor, leading to premature failure.
• Faulty Installation: If the wiper motor is not properly installed, it can lead to issues with its operation.
• Manufacturing Defects: In rare cases, the wiper motor may have been faulty from the beginning due to manufacturing defects.
How Can a Faulty Wiper Motor Affect Other Systems in the Car?
• Visibility issues: A faulty wiper motor can lead to ineffective wiper operation, affecting the driver’s ability to see the road clearly in bad weather. This can indirectly impact other systems by causing the driver to react improperly to road conditions or traffic signals.
• Electrical system strain: If the wiper motor is struggling but still drawing power, it can put unnecessary strain on your vehicle’s electrical system. This could potentially affect the performance of other systems that rely on the same power supply, such as your car’s lights or radio.
• Safety systems impact: Since wipers are part of your vehicle’s safety system, a faulty wiper motor might indirectly impact the performance of other safety-related systems. For instance, if your vehicle is equipped with automatic rain-sensing wipers, a faulty wiper motor might cause this feature to function incorrectly.
• Battery drain: A faulty wiper motor that continues to draw power even when it’s not working properly can drain the car’s battery over time. This could impact the vehicle’s ability to start or run other electrical systems.
Is it Safe to Drive with a Faulty Wiper Motor?
Driving with a faulty wiper motor can significantly compromise safety, especially during inclement weather conditions. The windshield wipers are a critical safety component of a vehicle, providing visibility during rain, snow, and even when dirt or debris lands on the windshield. If the wiper motor is not functioning properly, it may result in the wipers moving too slowly, or not moving at all. This can obstruct the driver’s view of the road, making driving unsafe.
Furthermore, in many jurisdictions, it’s a legal requirement for all vehicles to have fully functioning wiper systems. If you’re caught driving in bad weather without working wipers, you could receive a traffic citation or fine. Additionally, if your wipers aren’t working, your vehicle could fail its inspection. Therefore, if you suspect your wiper motor is faulty, it’s crucial to get it inspected and fixed as soon as possible to ensure you can drive safely and legally, irrespective of the weather conditions.
How Can I Make My Wiper Motor Last Longer?
• Limit the use of wipers to when necessary to avoid overuse.
• Avoid using your wipers to remove ice or heavy snow from the windshield. Instead, use a proper ice scraper or defrost your windshield.
• Ensure you turn off the wipers before turning off your vehicle to prevent unnecessary strain on the motor.
Can a Mobile Mechanic Replace a Wiper Motor?
Yes, a mobile mechanic can replace a wiper motor. This can be more convenient for you as the service can be carried out wherever your vehicle is, whether that be at your home, workplace, or elsewhere.
Conclusion: Wiper Motor Replacement
While a wiper motor may not be the first thing you think of when it comes to vehicle maintenance, it plays a vital role in ensuring safe driving in adverse weather conditions. Regularly inspect and service your wiper system to ensure optimal performance and extend the lifespan of your wiper motor.
Next Steps
Book Your Wiper Motor Replacement Service
The service most frequently booked by those who read this article is Wiper Motor Replacement. Uchanics’ expert technicians make the process even more convenient by bringing the service right to your doorstep. We perform this job at your home or office, covering over 40 cities in Ontario, including Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Oshawa, Ajax, Scarborough, and more. With our professional expertise, we ensure accurate and efficient wiper motor replacement to ensure optimal performance of your wiper system. Choose Uchanics for your Wiper Motor Replacement and experience unparalleled convenience and top-quality service.
