What does a wiper linkage do?

The wiper linkage is the component that attaches the windscreen wiper motor to the wiper arms and blades. Its job is to transmit the motion of the wiper motor to the wiper arms and blades to clear rain, snow and ice from your windscreen. This component is an important safety feature as it plays a key role in ensuring the driver has good visibility at all times.

Suzuki

The Suzuki Motor Corporation is a Japanese multinational automotive and motorcycle manufacturer, established in 1909, over 100 years ago.

How popular is Suzuki in the United Kingdom?

Possibly better known as a leading motorcycle manufacturer, the cars from this marque are becoming a well-known household name in UK motoring. The Suzuki Swift and Suzuki Vitara have made a real impact on UK drivers, being responsible for over half of the 408k Suzuki models on the roads today.

Good value small city cars and SUV driving

Suzuki’s success has been dependent on their provision of small, well-priced cars that offer excellent value and good fuel economy. They offer a selection of city cars and small hatchbacks, with added hybrid fuel options for green drivers and those who want further economy from their motoring.

It’s possibly the Vitara, Ignis and the SX4 S-Cross SUV and crossover models that are making the most impact for this brand, despite not achieving quite the same impressive sales figures as the Swift.

Suzuki provides great technology for budget brand cars

For cars at their price-point, Suzuki crams in a lot of tech. The Vitara, for example, comes with Suzuki’s Boosterjet turbocharged engine and Allgrip 4-wheel drive system for performance, and a host of additional technology for drivability.

It also incorporates driver assistance features such as a lane departure warning that includes visual signals and a vibrating steering wheel, cruise control and fully integrated smartphone connectivity—features you’d tend to expect to find on much higher priced vehicles.

The Suzuki SHVS hybrid system

In the current climate where ecology and green motoring has become prevalent, the ‘Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki’ advanced driving system reduces CO2 emissions and lowers your running costs. What Suzuki has done here, is create a lighter and smaller system than the standard hybrid arrangement. Combine that with their cars’ lightweight chassis and nimble performance, and the efficiency becomes even more impressive.

How often should a wiper linkage need replacing?

The wiper linkage on your car should last its lifetime, however this will depend on the driving conditions, how often your wipers are used and the quality of the parts. Be sure to have your wiper system checked if you notice any of the above symptoms and make sure you turn your wipers on regularly, even in summer, to avoid the linkage seizing up.

The law, vehicle regulations and your MOT

A broken or faulty wiper linkage is both dangerous and illegal on UK roads. The unpredictable weather in this country means that drivers rely on their windscreen wipers to provide much needed visibility in rainy weather, without which they would be a danger on the roads. The wiper system is also thoroughly checked during the MOT and any fault or malfunction will result in an MOT failure.

What causes a wiper linkage to break?

The wiper linkage is attached to the wiper motor, which is usually located under the hood of the vehicle and is protected from the elements. However, because the linkage is often exposed to the sun, snow, wind, and rain it is more susceptible to wear and tear or breaking entirely without warning. One of the most common causes of premature wear is overuse in rainy climates or in cold temperatures where the windshield wipers are frozen and may stick to the windshield. This sticking causes the linkage to strip from the wiper arm, requiring a replacement to be fitted.

When should a wiper linkage be replaced?

The windshield wiper linkage is designed to last the lifetime of the vehicle, but like any other mechanical part it can break or malfunction when you least expect it. As soon as you begin to notice your wipers struggling to move across the windscreen, making strange noises or moving out of sync, you should have your wiper system, including the linkage, looked at by a mechanic and replaced.

Fully functioning wipers are a key safety feature in your car so it’s vital that you get them fixed as soon as you notice a problem.

What are the signs of a bad wiper linkage?

Usually, there a few signs you can look for:

• If the wiper arms get stuck at various points on the windscreen

• If you can hear the motor running but the arms are not moving

• If only one wiper arm moves

• Wiper blades rotate out of sequence

• If the wiper blades sputter or make a grinding noise when operating

What happens during a wiper linkage replacement?

During the repair our certified mechanics will:

• Inspect the windscreen wiper system and carry out checks to determine the exact fault.

• If necessary, they will replace the windscreen wiper linkage.

• They will then advise if any other parts need to be replaced.

• The mechanic will test the windscreen wiper system to ensure it works correctly.

• They will make any final adjustments, if necessary.

What is the average life of a wiper linkage?

A wiper linkage is designed to last the lifetime of your vehicle, however the linkage is often exposed to the sun, snow, wind, and rain so is more susceptible to wear and tear or breaking without warning. One of the most common causes of premature wear is overuse in rainy climates or in cold temperatures where the windshield wipers are frozen and may stick to the windshield. This sticking causes the linkage to strip from the wiper arm, requiring a replacement to be fitted.

Can you drive with a broken or missing wiper linkage?

No you shouldn’t drive with a bad wiper linkage. Driving with faulty wipers isn't just potentially dangerous, it's also illegal and could result in a hefty fine if you’re pulled over.

Poor visibility out of your windscreen can greatly reduce your reaction time and cause you to miss important signs and dangerous hazards on the road. A wiper system that doesn't clear the screen properly and affects the drivers' visibility is dangerous and will also result in an instant MOT fail.

Does a wiper linkage deteriorate with age?

Over time, the wiper linkage can become bent and worn. This is especially true if the wipers are used in areas where heavy snow and ice are common during the winter months.