I''m writing regarding BJ of Basingstoke's question in Saturday 27th April Motoring section of the Daily Telegraph about his rear windscreen wiper failure on his Skoda Octavia. Having had the same problem, I decided to investigate and discovered that the problem is the carbon brushes that are too tight in their holders. It is just a DIY job requiring a nail file and pins. Carefully remove the brushes and slightly file down the edges so that when placed back in the holder (using pins to hold brushes in place) they move easily within the holder. When satisfied remove the pins and replace wiper motor. If successful it is far cheaper than a new car.