How to Change Windshield Wiper Blades
You may not think much of your car’s windshield wiper blades when it’s not raining or snowing, but they make all the difference to make you and your passengers safe during bad weather conditions. When new, wiper blades are very effective at keeping your windshield clean and clear. Over time, the soft material that keeps the wiper blade pliable and flexible hardens, causing streaks and scratches to form on the windshield’s surface. Changing wiper blades is an important part of auto maintenance, and it’s very easy to do.
When to Replace Windshield Wiper Blades
Older car models have wiper blades made from soft rubber strips, although newer car models have wiper blades made from synthetic rubber. Wiper blades harden, crack and tear because of moisture and extreme weather conditions, especially if you drive your car in cold weather conditions. Old or ruined wiper blades are not very effective in cleaning dirt, rain and snow from the windshield.
Often, old blades can cause streaks and scratches to form on the windshield; the streaks and scratches are particularly dangerous, because they compromise visibility and safety during harsh road and weather conditions. Here are some signs that tell you that you need to change your wiper blades:
When you hear scratching, streaking noises when you turn the wiper system on.
If the wipers do not completely clear your windshield of dirt and water droplets when they are activated.
If the wiper blades are broken, or if the wiper strip is too hard or soft to the touch.
Choosing Windshield Wiper Blades
Buying windshield wipers can be tricky, especially if you own an older car. Owner’s manuals usually have the specifications for the correct wiper blade; you can jot down the part number and buy the specific part from an auto supply store. You may also need to look up the make and model of your car from a book, and look for the specific wiper blades that you need to buy for it.
Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts. For new and late-model cars, you should always buy OEM parts. OEM wiper blades can be purchased from showrooms, retail outlets, and auto supply stores.
Aftermarket parts. The windshield wipers of older cars need to be replaced with aftermarket reproductions. Aftermarket parts can also be used if you want a cooler-looking wiper blade, provided that the blade itself still matches the specifications for your vehicle.
Steps
Replacing wiper blades can be quite tricky, especially if you do it the first time. Remember that if you’re not absolutely sure about what you’re doing, have a professional mechanic or car care specialist replace the wiper blades for you. While it is easy to replace the windshield wiper blades, it is also very easy to run the risk of cracking your windshield or breaking the wiper mechanism.
Look for the correct wiper blade specified for your car.
When you open the replacement kit, you’ll see the wiper blade and four different attachments. Examine the existing tab on the wiper blade that you’re replacing, and choose the correct tab from the package.
Carefully lift the wiper level up and away from the windshield of the car until it is perpendicular to the windshield.
The wiper blade is secured to the wiper arm with a tab that you can disengage by pressing on it with a screwdriver. Some newer cars have wiper blades that simply snap on to the wiper assembly.
Carefully remove the wiper blade by grasping it from the tab or the middle portion, and pulling it away from the wiper arm. You may need to tug or yank on the wiper blade to completely remove it from the wiper mechanism. Make sure that you do not bend the wiper arm, or completely snap or break it from the base.
Install the new wiper blade on the wiper arm. Make sure that the blade is absolutely secure.
Carefully place the wiper mechanism back to its original position.
Test the wiper blades by turning on the wiper system. If the blades slip, turn the wiper system off and seat the blade attachments more securely on the wiper arm.
Replacing wiper blades is a very easy task that you can do at home. With new wiper blades, driving in wet, dusty, and harsh weather conditions becomes very easy; you and your passengers’ safety know no compromise.