Signs You Need a New Wiper Motor on Your Semi-Truck

Clear visibility isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. For truck drivers, wiper motors are more than just reliable gadgets. They keep them safe when the skies open up and when the rain, snow, and other precipitation falls. Follow along to discover signs you need a new wiper motor on your semi truck.

1. Streaks

Your first cue might not be the sound of a crunching gearbox or a flickering fuse. It could be something as subtle as a smear. Pay attention to the early signs, such as streaking on your windshield, where the wipers clear the path for your eyes. If the pattern isn’t as clean as it once was, it’s time to investigate further.

2. Slow Pace

Another hint could come from the wipers’ pace. Is there an awkward pause before they spring into action, or are they simply temperamental, operating on their schedule? This slow behavior suggests that all might not be well with your motor.

Safety Impact

Just as a bad rainstorm can suddenly descend on your route, a wiper motor can fail at the least opportune time. Imagine streaking across your line of sight when faced with brake lights from the vehicle ahead or failing to see a sharp turn in your route. The central difference between new and faulty wipers is visibility and the ability to anticipate road changes and respond safely.

To drive the point home, consider a sudden downpour on a winding mountain pass or a blizzard obscuring lane markers. The precision and reliability of your wipers in these conditions can make all the difference between a safe passage and a potential disaster.

Maintenance Tips

Proactive maintenance can prolong the life of your wiper motor. So ensure that the wiper fluid reservoir always has fluid. Keep the windshield clean to prevent debris from jamming the wipers or straining the mechanics. Additionally, wash the wiper blades whenever you stop for fuel. A clean blade is more effective.

Maintaining your wiper motor can be as simple as adding a cup of wiper fluid biweekly when fueling up. Check that the washer nozzles aren’t blocked up, and keep the wiper blades clean, inspecting them for wear and tear. Also, don’t forget to test your wipers during sunny days too. A little TLC can save you significant travel delays.

When To Seek Professional Help

Ultimately, your wiper motor’s effectiveness isn’t something you can compromise on for long. If you’ve noticed any of the signs mentioned or are uncertain, it’s time to pull over—metaphorically and literally—and have a professional inspect the motor. You can even look for semi-truck parts online. Then, you can replace the motor yourself if you know how.

The wiper motor on your semi-truck is critical in maintaining visibility, yet it’s easy to take it for granted until it’s too late. The above signs will help you notice when it’s time to change the wiper blade motor. Don’t wait for a downpour to check your wipers’ performance. Look for the signs highlighted above, and always prioritize safety on the road. When it comes to your wipers, a stitch in time saves nine, and a clear view is worth a thousand more.