Q: Windshield wipers do not work when cold but after car runs for a bit they start right up.

asked by on January 01, 2017

When I go out on a cold morning and start the car, the windshield wipers some times do not function. I check for ice or obstructions. Nothing. After driving for a bit they start to work fine. Any ideas?

My car has 120000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Wipers are not working Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

Hi there. The issue you are having is there could be water getting into the motor and arm area that is causing the system to freeze up and not function until the water is thawed out. I suggest greasing up the motor and the arm to where it rotates. This will eliminate the water getting inside the motor and also prevent the system from freezing up. If you need further assistance with your wiper system not working, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Gas leaking for middle of car
Leaking gas is a serious concern and definitely needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Due to leaking gas being a big safety issue, I first have to recommend enlisting the assistance of a certified mechanic to look over...
Fuel cutoff switch light is on
Ok here is what I found about the fuel cutoff switch. Sometimes the connectors to the inertia switch located in the trunk become corroded and need to be cleaned and re-terminated. I would recommend having a technician come out and...
Car dies after about 30 minutes of driving
The ignition module failing after getting hot is the most likely failed part causing the stall. There can also be a problem with the fuel pump or sensors. I recommend seeking a certified mechanic, like one from YourMechanic, to come...
Brake noise
Try and drive it for a couple weeks after inspecting to make sure everything was installed correctly. The noise may change after the pads are seated into the rotors. When a pad and rotor are new, they will not match...
Do i have to buy new engine if water rusty in plugs and car won't start..
It is very common for the cylinder head gasket on these engines to leak oil and coolant. You may have to replace the cylinder head if it is damaged. If you have water mixed in the engine oil, then you...
Clutch goes to floor and now car dies when putting it in hear
I'm going to assume your car dies because when you manage to get it into gear, you can't feather the clutch to get going. This would be normal in this situation. The reason your clutch is acting the way it...
Thinking about switching to synthetic oil.
I would recommend using a simi-synthetic high mileage oil rather than straight synthetic. High mileage oils are designed to reduce friction and have extra additives embedded that assist in removing unwanted deposits. As far as the reason your engine struggles...
engine sounds like its running faster than it is, like idle sounds fast but not
Hi there: High idle speed is commonly caused by a vacuum leak, problems with the EGR system or the idle control valve on our 2000 Chevrolet Silverado. The best way to determine which one specifically or other item is causing...
When I am applying brakes at the speed of 60 to 70mph my steering wheel starts to shake?
If you are getting a pulsation in the brakes when applied at high speeds then you most likely have warped front brake rotors or they have hot spots on them that cause the pulsation. Inspect rotors and look for discolored...

Related articles

A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Hyundai Sonata
Hyundai Hyundai has been making a real name for itself in the midsize sedan class in the past few years, and the 2012 Hyundai Sonata is no exception. With an attractive price tag, a great warranty, and a choice of...
A Buyer's Guide to the 2012 Audi Q5
The The 2012 Audi Q5 is a compact SUV that is packed with features, both inside and under the hood. While it might not be the right choice for large families, most should definitely consider test-driving this vehicle. Key Features...
The Top 5 Selling Cars in California in 2012
California California natives are notably environmentally conscious, and this often shows in their choices of vehicles as well. While trucks rarely make it to the top spots, hybrid vehicles are frequently on the list. Though previous years have seen the...