How Windshield Wipers Work

Here's how the windshield wipers work to clean the front window on your car.

The windshield wipers move in a repetitive translation sweeping motion across the windshield. This motion comes from a motor, that rotates. Using a crank slider (push pull rod) in addition to a four bar linkage, the repetitive sweeping motion is achieved from the wiper motor.

The wiper motor assembly consists of a spiral gear that engages the drive gear. This prevents the wipers from being forced down by hand. This also provides torque multiplication and speed reduction.

On the back of the drive gear is 3 contacts with a break in it at the home position. When the break lines up, the position of the gear indicates The park position of the wipers, breaks the drive circuit, and thus the motor knows when to come to a stop.

The wiper switch contains all of the electronics for the intermittent function. The motor itself has a resistor for built in hi and low speed control.

A steel wiper blade consists of small linkages that attach the frame to the blade. This helps to distribute pressure across its surface and is called a whippletree mechanism.

Finally, the washer tank, consists of the level sensor and pump. The level sensor is a reed switch, simply a magnetic switch that turns on when the float drops below a certain level to turn on the warning light on the dash board. The pump is a tiny DC electric motor with a small impeller to provide fluid flow from the tank out to the nozzles.

Automatic rain sensing wipers use an infrared sensor on the inside of the top of the windshield to sense rain droplets through reflection. A computerized system then activates the windshield wipers accordingly to keep the windshield clear.

The wiper and washer system in this video was demonstrated in a 2001 Toyota Corolla.

[sebastiencaunes]

No bla bla for hours. Clear, efficient...
You taught me something without wasting my time.
Thank you !

[alext]

Exactly what I like. Rapid explanation with no music and no extraneous bullshit.

[jacknobles]

I like how this guy does his presentation with his videos but just wanted to clarify a few things: the motor is an electric motor - not "electronic" / the spiral gear is commonly referred to as a worm gear / the switching mechanism behind the rotating spur gear (driven by the worm gear) is mechanical in nature - not "electronic". The term electronic seems to be ever more loosely used in describing components such as this when electrical is much more appropriate. I came here to learn how windshield wiper system work as I have an issue with my car's system not returning the wiper blades to home position when turned off. I thank this gentleman very much for taking the time to assemble this video! I think he also produced a video on EVAP systems used in cars as well, which he also did an excellent job of-thanks!!!

[abloke]

Well constructed video. Very clear, concise and understandable. Presentation and communication excellent.

[pops]

If you can explain every detail and functions in a very short time and easily understood, you have a very deep knowledge of what you are saying.

[waw]

Wow, an intelligent and knowledgeable discussion about the internal workings of the windshield wiper motor and associated transmission. Most videos just show how to take the old motor out and put a new one in without explaining the internal workings of the 12V motor and electronics in the transmission housing. Thanks again for the great video!

[paulwehbe]

Wow very detailed!! Well done. You are a true genius.

[Unseen.Journeys]

There is an entire universe behind that switch lever.. gosh !! Im going appreciate those wipers work every time when i switch them onn !!

[pladin]

This was an A+ video. Thank you! Down-to-earth, knowledgeable, the jump cuts add pace and comedic relief!

[cassiel]

Thanks for this. I'm attempting to build a cat toy launcher for my pet and I think this motor will be the best one to use. I needed the detailed explanation without having to take the motor apart.

[ardhunaan]

Yay! Your brother got a new toothbrush!

[COTU]

This was great! Thanks for doing a video on this, I've been looking for some time on a detailed video covering how the windshield system works. Seems like no one has ever taken the time to do one until now. Thanks again!

[sroberts]

Excellent!
Two things I enjoyed:
pointing to everything with a suspiciously clean toothbrush
using your _brother's old underpants_
Now I'm going to watch this a few more times to understand the satisfyingly complex system, Heath Robinson would approve.

[claymayberry]

One of the most efficient explanations in the Universe!

[kevinsmart]

My goodness, well done! That was an extremely well made and thorough video! 👍🏼

[devonnewest]

I always wondered how they knew to "park" when done and go down to a lower spot than they had been when wiping!! LOVE you channel.

[danielaesmaili]

I was looking for something else. However, this video is useful, short, and to the point. Thanks for sharing

[j.s.s]

this man really knows what he is doing!
good job

[realfirstgen]

Thanks, now that I know how the park position functions internally I can diagnose better. Appreciate this video. Great work

[xxroyalxtigerxx]

I actually enjoyed this, very in depth great job man