How to Change Windshield Wiper Blades
Windshield wipers are usually the last on the list when it comes to your car’s safety system and general car maintenance. They are easy to forget until it rains or snows. Worn out wipers tend to smear a car’s windshield and make visibility even harder on the road to the point of creating a hazard. So, here are a few suggestions for keeping up with your wiper blades.
Checking and Replacing Wiper Blades
Windshield wipers need to be inspected and replaced on a regular basis. They’re made of rubber, which wears quickly even with limited use. Making sure wiper blades are in prime condition ensures safety on the road during seasons of extreme weather. The frequency of replacement varies depending on climate conditions and where you reside.
For sunny, hot climates and cold climates, you want check wiper blades at least every six months and try to replace them once a year. Even if you use them sparingly, the sun can damage the blades’ rubber and cause extra wear and tear, or grit and salt can cause further deterioration in the winter. For dusty, sandy regions, check the blades more frequently. Check them every few months and replace every six months or every year. If you regularly drive in dusty/sandy areas, grit can build up and wear down the blades’ rubber.
Size the Blade
You can measure the size of the wiper blades or check your car’s owner’s manual to see if the exact measurements are listed. Often, the left and right wipers aren’t the same size—one side is usually one or two inches shorter than the other, with the driver’s side typically being longer.
Remove Old Wiper
Carefully raise the wiper arm and hold it in a steady perpendicular position. Make sure it is completely raised, so it won’t snap back on your windshield. Lift the wiper arm away from the windshield and depress the small tab under the wiper where it meets the arm. While pressing the tab, slide the blade off the arm by pulling the center toward the bottom of the arm.
To line up the new blade, align the hook with the new blade and move the hook on the arm over the new wiper’s plastic clip.
Pull Tight
Pull the wiper blade tightly onto the arm until it clicks into place. Lower the arm slowly back onto the windshield and repeat the process on the other side. When putting the wiper blades back, carefully place them back on the windshield. Wipers are often spring loaded and can crack the glass.
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