When your wiper arm, the metal or plastic lever that connects the wiper blade to the motor. Also known as windshield wiper linkage, it's the part that actually moves the blade across your windshield. starts acting up, you’re not just dealing with a nuisance—you’re driving blind. A bent, loose, or worn wiper arm won’t clear water properly, leaving streaks, missed patches, or even complete silence when the wipers turn on. Unlike wiper blades, which wear out and get replaced often, the wiper arm is built to last… until it doesn’t. And when it fails, it’s often because of something simple you could’ve caught early.
Common wiper arm issues, problems like misalignment, corrosion, or broken tension springs that prevent proper contact with the glass. include the arm not staying flat against the windshield, making a chattering noise, or lifting off during high speeds. These aren’t just cosmetic—they’re safety risks. If the arm’s spring tension is weak, the blade won’t press hard enough to clear rain or snow. If the arm is bent from ice or an accident, it’ll scrape unevenly and scratch your glass. And if the pivot point is rusted or loose, the whole system wobbles, creating dangerous blind spots. Many people blame the wiper blade first, but if you’ve replaced the blade and the problem stays, the arm is the real culprit.
It’s easy to overlook wiper arms because they’re hidden under the blade. But checking them takes less than a minute. Turn off the car, lift the arm away from the glass, and look for cracks, rust, or bends. Try wiggling it—any side-to-side play means the pivot is worn. Test the tension by pressing the blade gently against the windshield; if it lifts easily, the spring’s done. You don’t need a mechanic for this. Most wiper arms can be replaced in under 15 minutes with basic tools. And replacing a faulty arm before it damages your windshield saves you hundreds.
The posts below cover everything you need to know—from how to spot a failing wiper arm before it leaves you stranded, to step-by-step fixes that cost less than a coffee. You’ll also find guides on choosing the right replacement parts, avoiding common installation mistakes, and why some aftermarket arms fail faster than OEM ones. Whether you’re dealing with a single stubborn streak or a wiper that’s completely dead, these real-world fixes will get your view back—fast.
Windscreen wipers fail due to worn blades, dirty glass, weak arms, or faulty motors. Learn the common problems, how to diagnose them, and how to choose the right replacement for better visibility and safety.
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