Why Wipers Upright: Understanding Windshield Wiper Function and Maintenance

When you turn off your windshield wipers, they often stop in an upright position—this isn’t a glitch, it’s by design. This behavior is tied to the wiper motor, a small electric motor inside the car’s firewall that controls the wiper arm’s movement and parking position. The motor has a built-in cam and switch that tells the wipers to return to a resting spot at the bottom of the windshield when power stops. If they’re stopping upright instead, something’s wrong with the parking mechanism, the linkage, or the motor itself. This isn’t just about looks—it affects your visibility when you need it most, especially in rain or snow.

The wiper arm, the metal or composite piece that presses the blade against the glass is what actually moves the wiper blade, the rubber strip that clears water, dirt, and debris from your windshield. Over time, these parts wear out. A bent arm won’t hold the blade flat, causing streaks. A worn blade leaves smears even when new. And if the parking position is off, the wipers might block your view or get stuck under ice. Many drivers don’t realize that wiper problems can start long before they hear squeaking or see blurred streaks. Check the arms for cracks, the blades for splits, and test the park position every few months.

It’s not just about replacing blades every six months. The wiper linkage, the system of rods and joints that transfers motion from the motor to the arms can rust, loosen, or break—especially in coastal or snowy areas. If your wipers stop in the wrong spot, hesitate, or move unevenly, the issue might be deeper than the rubber. Some cars have a reset procedure for the wiper park position, but most need a mechanic to adjust the cam or replace the motor. Don’t ignore it. A wiper stuck upright might seem harmless, but in heavy rain, you could be driving blind.

What you’ll find below are real, practical guides from drivers and mechanics who’ve dealt with exactly this. From how to test your wiper motor to why some blades freeze in winter and how to pick the right size for your car, these posts cut through the noise. You’ll learn what to check before replacing parts, how to spot early signs of failure, and what to avoid when doing it yourself. No fluff. Just what works.