Driving with failed windshield wipers in the rain is extremely dangerous because your ability to see the road, other vehicles, and hazards can disappear almost instantly. The following steps will help you stay safe and get off the road.

What is happening

Windshield wipers can stop working for several reasons: a blown fuse, a failed wiper motor, a broken linkage, a loose electrical connection, or a worn wiper switch. In heavy rain, even a momentary failure can be critical. Do not assume the wipers will start working again on their own.

Emergency warning

If you cannot see the road clearly, treat this as an emergency. Call local emergency services if you are in immediate danger or blocking traffic. If you are on a highway and cannot safely pull over, use your hazard lights and move to the slowest lane or shoulder as soon as possible.

What to do first

Stay calm and slow down gently. Take your foot off the accelerator and brake softly. Sudden braking can cause a skid, especially on wet roads.
Turn on your headlights and hazard lights. This helps other drivers see you, even if you cannot see them well.
Look for a safe place to stop. Aim for a parking lot, a wide shoulder, an exit ramp, or a covered area. Avoid stopping in a travel lane or on a curve.
Pull as far off the road as possible. If you must stop on the shoulder, stay in your car with your seatbelt on and hazard lights flashing. Call for help if needed.
Do not attempt to repair the wipers while driving. Wait until you are completely stopped in a safe location.

What NOT to do

Do not keep driving at speed hoping the rain will ease or the wipers will restart.
Do not slam on the brakes or make sudden steering movements.
Do not stop in the middle of a lane or on a blind curve.
Do not get out of your car on a busy highway unless it is an emergency and you are certain it is safe.
Do not use your phone while driving to call for help; pull over first.

When to call for help

Call local emergency services if you are in a dangerous position, such as stopped in a travel lane, if you are injured, or if you cannot safely exit the road. Otherwise, call a tow truck or a roadside assistance service from a safe location.

What to monitor

Once stopped, check for other traffic before opening your door. If you are waiting for help, keep your hazard lights on and stay inside the vehicle with your seatbelt fastened. Watch for approaching vehicles and be ready to move if necessary.

How to prevent it

Replace wiper blades regularly (typically every 6 to 12 months, or when they streak or chatter).
Check the wiper fuse and relay if you are comfortable doing so; consult your owner's manual.
Test your wipers before driving in rain and keep the windshield clean.
Use a water-repellent windshield treatment as a backup to help water bead off, but never rely on it alone.
Have a mechanic inspect the wiper motor and linkage if you notice slow or intermittent wiper operation.

If your wipers fail in the rain, your priority is to get off the road safely and call for help. Do not continue driving until the wipers are repaired or the rain has completely stopped and visibility is safe.

This is general information and not a substitute for professional automotive advice. In an emergency, call local emergency services immediately.

Windshield wipers stopped working in the rain: what to do?

Immediate actions

What not to do / warning