Motors, Switches & Sensors

Wiper Motors, Switches, and Sensors

The wiper blades on your vehicle move across your windshield when they receive power from the wiper motor that is transferred through the wiper arms. The switches and other electronics in the windshield wiper system help ensure the wipers work when needed. If electronic components in the wiper system fail, it can be dangerous to drive during inclement weather and prevent your wipers from working as they should. Make sure you can continue to see clearly in rain or snow with replacement wiper motors, switches, and more from O'Reilly Auto Parts.

Windshield Wiper Switches

Wiper switches are part of the wiper electrical system that activate and control the windshield wiper motor, washer pump, and more. When the wiper switch is activated, it sends a signal to the relays and wiper motors to turn on and run at a specific speed to move the wipers across the windshield. Some wiper switches only turn the wiper motor on and off, but many wiper switches or combination switches allow for intermittent wiper operation and activation of the windshield washer fluid pump.

Windshield Wiper Motors

Wiper motors control the motion of the wipers to move them back and forth across the windshield. Wiper motors are small electric motors that are normally mounted on the firewall or under the hood cowl below the windshield. Some vehicles, such as SUVs, also include a rear wiper and motor to clean the rear window. The wiper motor is designed to either move the wiper arms directly or may use a linkage connected to the wiper arms to span the distance between the motor and the arm. Over time, the wiper motor can wear out and may slow down, run at only one speed, or stop in the middle of the windshield when turned off. If a wiper relay or switch fails, you may experience similar symptoms to those of a failing windshield wiper motor, so make sure to properly diagnose any windshield wiper system problems before replacing the wiper motor or other parts.

Wiper System Components, Motors, Switches, and Electrical System Parts

Find the wiper motors,wiper switches, and more to complete your repair at O'Reilly Auto Parts. Promptly addressing any issues with the windshield wiper system can help ensure your safety on the road, especially during inclement weather. We also carry wiper blades, wiper arms, washer pumps, washer fluid reservoirs, washer fluid, and more for a complete repair. You can also learn how to replace a wiper motor with our helpful video.