Stupid mistake - ripped wipers off completely

ripplyuk

I was about to go out in the car earlier but the windscreen was frozen so I sprayed plenty of antifreeze on it, then went to start the car to let it warm up. I forgot that the wipers were still in the 'on' position from the previous day.

They were completely ripped off. I've spent ages trying to see where they 'clip in' but nothing's worked. It's not just the rubber, the plastic parts are now in two separate pieces. All I can think is that some small parts also went flying.

Is it illegal to drive without them? (Assuming the weather is clear/dry tomorrow). I could ring Greenflag to tow me but the mechanic isn't too far away. Does anyone know what this is likely to cost?

PasturesNew

A bit of black gaffer/similar at either end "would do" just for cosmetic appearances while you drive it .... nobody'd see/know.

AdrianC

Photo needed. It might just be new blades required.

Strider590

The blades breaking may have saved you a lot of money in repairs to the wiper arms and linkages.


This isn't an uncommon issue, you have to remember on cold frosty mornings, to peel the blades off the screen before setting off.

ripplyuk

Are these photos any use? There's no streetlights here so I'm struggling to get a decent photo of the part on the car.

AdrianC

So, yep, just a set of blades. Change from a tenner, probably.

forgotmyname

One thing the driving instructor didnt teach my kids, that and leaving it in gear when parking.
The instructor said to me why would i do that? He didnt know?

I teach them to switch off wipers first, then the lights and then switch off the engine.

A common issue with people that have auto wipers also, sometimes they do a single sweep when starting the car.
Also showed them to check to see if the wipers are frozen to the screen on frosty mornings and not to use the wipers until they are unstuck.

ripplyuk

I can't blame it on ignorance. My dad made sure I learnt to always leave the car in gear, always check the wipers are off etc. This was just a careless mistake.

I really hope it is just wiper blades it needs. I've never actually put blades on it (always a mechanic/guy at the shop) but I thought they just clicked in. Since I can't get it to, I keep thinking I've ripped off some other vital small part. I'm aware it can also damage the wiper mechanisms.

I'll try taping them on.

thescouselander

Oops. No big deal. I suspect most people leave their wipers on auto these days. Anyway a new set of wipers and you'll be fine.

ripplyuk

I've just read a bit on google (wish I hadn't now). It says there is some sort of 'geared pivot' on the wiper arm that can be destroyed. I bet that's what I've done, and why I couldn't get them back on.

If that's the case, do I need to bring the car to volkswagen? The car is under a PCP agreement and I'm sure they want genuine parts.

marlot

ripplyuk wrote: »

I've just read a bit on google (wish I hadn't now). It says there is some sort of 'geared pivot' on the wiper arm that can be destroyed.

You've not been overly helpful with the descriptions. Are the wiper arms still attached? If so, do they move when you put the wipers on (lift them to the vertical position so as not to scratch the windscreen)

If the wiper arms have come adrift, do the little 'hubs' that the wiper arms connect to go round? If so you should be fine with new wiper arms and blades.