How Long Does an Intermittent Wiper Relay Last?

Being able to remove the water from a windshield while driving is an essential part of staying safe. Most of the modern vehicles out there have intermittent wipers that allow the driver to change the speeds at which their wipers work. Having this type of control will allow the driver to keep the water off of their windshield. In order for the wipers on a car to work like they are supposed to, the intermittent wiper relay will have to be functional. Without this relay working as intended, it will be nearly impossible for you to change the speed on your wipers. Every time the wipers are turned on in your car, this relay will come on and help to change the speeds when you need them.

As with the other relays on your car, the intermittent wiper relay is intended to last for the lifespan of the car. Due to the constant use and high heat conditions that this relay is exposed to, it can become damaged and will not work properly. Usually, this relay will not be checked during a routine maintenance procedure, which means you will have very limited interaction with the part until it goes bad.

Not having full use of your wipers can cause a number of dangerous situations. When you start to notice that you are having issues with your wipers, then you will need to take the time to find a professional to replace the intermittent wiper relay if necessary. Having a professional troubleshoot the issues you are experiencing will allow for the right repairs to be done. Some car owners think that they can handle this type of repair, but will usually make mistakes that can cause additional damage.

Here are some of the things that you may start to notice when you're intermittent wiper relay is in need of replacing:

  • The inability to change the speed on the wiper switch
  • The wipers will not come on
  • The wipers will not go off

Taking the steps needed to fix your broken intermittent wiper relay will help to restore the functionality that you have lost. Getting a high-quality replacement relay can be a lot easier when allowing a professional to offer advice.


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

Need Help With Your Car?

Our certified mobile mechanics make house calls in over 2,000 U.S. cities. Fast, free online quotes for your car repair.

GET A QUOTE

Related articles

How Long Does a Wiper Gearbox Last?
Having Having fully functional wipers is an essential part of getting around on the roadways safely. The wipers on a car can only work if a variety of different parts work together. The wiper gearbox is what helps to provide...
How Long Does a Windshield Washer Nozzles Last?
Making Making sure that a car stays safe while on the road should be one of the main concerns that you have as a car owner. With all of the different safety features that come on modern cars, it is...
How to Get Rid of Windshield Streaking on Your Car
Windshield Windshield streaking is not only annoying, it can actually build up a real visual obstruction when driving. Before throwing in the towel and having the streaks professionally cleaned, there are steps you can take to care for the window...

Related questions

Problems with windshield wiper.
Hi, I have seen this before, and the repair is usually pretty simple. The wiper arm drive is a cone, and the wiper arm just slides on to the drive. A nut usually puts pressure on the arm down onto...
I can hear the motor for my windshield wipers but the blades don't move at all. Is this the linkage
Hello, thank you for writing in. At this point you have done most of the diagnostic work. You know the motor is getting power, so the issue is either with the gears inside of the motor or the linkage. The...
Why are my windshield wipers not working on my 2004 Dodge Stratus
Hello. Most of the time this is caused by a failure in the wiper switch itself. This arm tends to fail internally and not make good contact which will cause the system to not work. Before replacing it though the...

How can we help?

Our service team is available 7 days a week, Monday - Friday from 6 AM to 5 PM PST, Saturday - Sunday 7 AM - 4 PM PST.

1 (855) 347-2779 · hi@yourmechanic.com