17 replies to this topic

[Steam]

How fast are Mini wipers, compared to modern cars persay.
I rarely take my Mini out in the rain and cannot remember the last time I used them. The second or fast speed seems about the sme as modern normal speed and before I go to the bother of pulling the rack and box apart I wonder if its as fast as it should be.

[Midas Mk1]

If you can’t remember using them, then the mechanism is definitely worth a clean and regrease / lub imo, it’s amazing the difference with the motor and boxes once maintained.

[Ethel]

Give an arm a wiggle, the other should wiggle along with little sense of stiction between them. It's often the wiper spindles themselves, you could try running in a drop of oil or ptfe lube. Beware the nuts are prone to stripping, if you decide to remove them  from the car.

[cooperd70]

I have noticed that some of the replacement chrome arms available on the market are no where near as good as original arms.

At one point I went all chrome trim on my 1990 998 (that had all black trim) and the chrome wiper arms/blades were just awful in the rain.

Once I was over that aesthetic I removed all chrome trim and put the original parts back on the car (inc. door handles, mirrors, wiper arms/blades the lot) and as far as the wipers are concerned they were great again.

Another thing that helps with wiper speed/performance is rain-x or similar product

[mab01uk]

I have noticed that some of the replacement chrome arms available on the market are no where near as good as original arms.

At one point I went all chrome trim on my 1990 998 (that had all black trim) and the chrome wiper arms/blades were just awful in the rain.

Once I was over that aesthetic I removed all chrome trim and put the original parts back on the car (inc. door handles, mirrors, wiper arms/blades the lot) and as far as the wipers are concerned they were great again.

Another thing that helps with wiper speed/performance is rain-x or similar product

 

The Minispares 'Heavy Duty' arms and wiper blades are supposed to be a lot better than many of the cheaper lightweight versions which can often look a bargain on ebay or at Mini shows until it rains...

 

Minispares - WIPER ARM & BLADE STRONG TYPE:-

https://www.minispar...right-hand-park

 

(Also check whether 'RH or LH Park' versions are required before ordering).

 

Edited by mab01uk, 28 August 2026 - 01:13 PM.

[Steam]

Thanks for your posts, but non have answered my question of how fast compared to modern wipers are Mini wipers?
My speed 2 or fast is about the same as modern car normal speed.

[Designer]

Hi Steam,

 

I would say that on Moop a 1988 reg  2nd speed (fastest) is definitely slower than the second speed (middle speed) of my Ford Focus ST Line 2024 reg car but not by that much.

Slow speed is slow though not quite intermittent. But like you do not take her out in the rain unless coaught out on a drive.

 

Paddy

[68+86auto]

The mini windscreen is smaller so they don't need to move as fast or at least won't appear as fast.

 

The arms won't appear as fast as a modern car can go but they do the job just fine. I actually wish they had a slower speed as I have to constantly do single wipes.

Edited by 68+86auto, 29 August 2026 - 05:19 AM.

[cooperd70]

Definitely slower than a modern car

[Mr.greenPullover]

I still daily my Mini in almost every condition and rumours claim we live in the rainiest city in germany...

 

As 68+89auto mentioned the arms appears slower than at a modern car, but if You compare how long a single wipe needs, they are about the same as in a modern car, and almost as effective but I also wish sometimes there would be a slower speed or an intermittent speed.

 

But it's also a very good idea like Midas Mk1 stated to maintain the wipers and linkage once in a while, clean and regrease or lubricate, the difference is astonishing every single time...

 

[Ethel]

A Mini's motor is 14 watts. A "modern" car will typically be about double the power. But a Mini's wiper blades are only 10 or 11 inches compared to....

 

 

A longer blade moving in an arc must cover exponentially more screen area too.

[Steam]

Thanks all, it would seem my wipers are fine.
We do tend to find fault where non exists.

[PoolGuy]

I actually wish they had a slower speed as I have to constantly do single wipes.

I can recommend this, https://retronicsonl...m/product/rwtm/

[68+86auto]

 

I actually wish they had a slower speed as I have to constantly do single wipes.

I can recommend this, https://retronicsonl...m/product/rwtm/

 

 

I have an intermittent wiper controller which has been in the box for decades. Will fit it to something one day.

[Spider]

Dave - Slow speed is 44 - 48 sweeps per minute and High Speed is 58 - 68.

 

 

 

I actually wish they had a slower speed as I have to constantly do single wipes.

I can recommend this, https://retronicsonl...m/product/rwtm/

 

 

I bought a 'module' from K-mart back in the 80's and moved it from car to car for many years. Great bit of kit, but I left in one of the last Minis I sold. It has a pot rater than a switch and was continuously variable from a sweep every 2 to 60 seconds. It's one thing I don't have in the current Moke but must fit one. I thought I'd have to make a module as they just don't come up anywhere anymore - thanks for the link !