How much does it cost to replace a wiper motor?

According to our research, front wiper motor replacement cost (UK) ranges between £100 and £300, and a rear wiper motor replacement between £50 and £120.

The average cost of a front wiper motor replacement is approximately £175, with a rear wiper motor replacement at around £85.

Can I carry out a wiper motor replacement myself?

Replacing a windscreen wiper motor like-for-like shouldn’t be too complicated a job for the capable home DIY mechanic with basic electrical skills, as long as you’ve got all the right tools for the job. Some wiper motors can be quite tricky to access without the appropriate experience and knowledge.

However, if you’re not completely confident that you can safely access and remove the motor, or the cowl where it’s located, our expert mechanics are ready to get those wipers working again, without you even leaving your home.

What are the wiper motor replacement costs at a dealership compared to Fixter garages?

Fixter saves its customers, on average, 30% against dealership prices. So if you need a new wiper motor, you like the idea of those great savings and our incredibly convenient end-to-end service, then get in touch right away.

At Fixter, quality is paramount. Our in-house mechanics survey the garages in your area, working exclusively with those that deliver the high standards our customers expect.

What additional factors could affect a windshield wiper motor replacement?

There isn’t too much else to go wrong when a wiper motor reaches the end of its life. However, it’s still worth checking the rest of the wiper system to make sure it all works as efficiently as you need it to. The full assembly uses a range of gears and mechanisms to transfer movement to the wiper arms and blades.

However, before you dive in and replace a wiper motor that isn’t spinning, it’s worth checking that the problem isn’t with its fuse, relay, switch or control module.

What are the costs of wiper motor replacement parts?

Prices for new wiper motors vary for each make and model. We took a look at a few typical prices for wiper motors available from Eurocarparts.

In our search, we took an average for standard 2020 models.

Car Make Car Model Wiper Motor Prices
Ford Fiesta £88 front £94 rear
Fiat 500 £87 front £69 rear
Volkswagen Golf £104 front £102 rear

What are the labour times and rates for windscreen wiper motor replacement?

Wiper motor repair costs can vary across the country depending on the garage or dealership size, location, and the services they offer. So, we checked our records to find the average hourly rate to keep things as simple as possible for our customers.

We found garages within the London area charged an average rate of £78 per hour. For garages throughout the rest of the country, the rate was a little lower, at £72 per hour.

How long does a wiper motor replacement take?

It’s not a big job, so it shouldn’t take more than an hour to switch over a wiper motor—front or rear. However, in cases where the motor is awkward to access or there are problems removing seized bolts or jammed fasteners, those more problematic cases can take a little longer.

Is my windshield wiper motor broken?

A wiper motor could be on its way out if it moves in jerks or jarring movements. If there’s no movement at all, and you can’t hear any buzzing noises coming from the motor, then there’s a strong chance that your wiper motor has finally failed.

It’s far too easy to assume that it’s the wiper motor that’s broken when the blades cease to move and clear your windscreen. However, it could be a blown fuse, a faulty relay or a switch, so it’s imperative to diagnose the defective part correctly.

How long do windshield wiper motors last?

Windshield wiper motors regularly last the lifetime of the vehicle. However, as they’re used so frequently (especially in the UK with our wonderful wet weather!), they’re suspect to wear and tear over years of heavy use. To protect your wiper motor and to help extend its lifespan, there are a few best practices that are worth a try.

  • Lubricate the wiper linkage and components as part of your regular vehicle maintenance schedule.
  • Don’t switch the wipers on when the blades are frozen to the windscreen.
  • After long periods without driving, lift the wiper blades from the windshield to check they aren’t stuck in place. As with those blades frozen in place, any stress or pressure on the motor can add to the causes of motor burnout.
  • Be sure to switch your windscreen wipers off before turning off the engine.

How do you test a windshield wiper motor?

When it comes to troubleshooting a windscreen wiper system, there are several ways the system can fail, presenting different symptoms.

Windshield wipers that don’t move at all could be linked to either an electrical or mechanical problem, including a power supply issue or a motor failure. Listen to the motor; a humming noise indicates power reaching the component, where no sound could be a problem with the power, the fuse, controls, or a burnt-out motor.

Wipers that move unusually slowly suggest clogged or seizing components or faulty wiring. Check the system for a build-up of dirt and debris.

Issues with wipers that don’t change speed can be down to the control unit, switch or motor.

Do your wipers stop in the wrong position? It could be a dirty or worn park limit switch (located in the motor assembly) or just poor alignment of the wiper arms.

Whatever the problem is with your windscreen wiper system, our mechanics are ready to diagnose and resolve them.

Choose Fixter – Get an instant quote for your wiper motor replacement and save up to 30%

About Fixter

Fixter is revolutionising the car maintenance industry, one repair at a time. Fixter was founded to make car maintenance as easy as booking a taxi. Digital, transparent and stress-free, with world-class customer service. Since launching in Manchester in 2017, Fixter has expanded to more than 100 towns and cities across the UK and provided thousands of car owners with honest, convenient and affordable car repair services.