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A surprising 46% of weather-related fatalities on the road happen because of rainy weather. If you think it’s time to replace your windshield wipers, don’t wait to do something about it. Every time you drive with faulty wipers, you’re putting your life at risk.
To help make replacing your windshield wipers easier than ever before, we’ve created a step by step guide. We’ll show you how to inspect your wipers, and how to avoid wasting money on the wrong blades.
Read on to learn how to replace wiper blades, the right way.
How to Replace Wiper Blades
Before you learn how to replace wiper blades, you’ll first want to know the best way to check them. It’s a good idea to inspect your wiper blades regularly, even if you don’t think they need replacing. Being in the habit of frequently checking the condition of your blades, will help you avoid going out on the road with faulty wipers.
Here’s what to look for when you inspect your wiper blades:
- Cracks or chips in the blades
- Broken frame
- Metal corrosion
- Inflexible squeegee rubber
- A lack of grip when moving
It’s always a good idea to refer to your car service manual to get guidance on replacing your specific car models wipers. Luckily, you can easily find car manuals online, for easy reference.
1. Locate Each Part of the Wipers
As you lean down to inspect your wiper blades, you’ll notice that they have 2 separate parts. First you have the arm, and second, you have the wiper blade that connects to the arm.
There will also be a rubber insert that sits against the glass of the windshield. The rubber insert however, isn’t something you can buy on its own. Instead, the insert will come preattached to the wiper blades.
2. Buy the Right Blades
To buy replacement wiper blades, you’ll need to know the measurements of your current ones. Measure each of the old wipers, and write the measurements down or text them to yourself. You have to measure both blades since the right and left blades can be different sizes.
Next, you’ll want to visit an automotive supply store. Show one of the employees the measurements for the old blades, and let them know the type of car you have. The salesperson will be able to help you find a new set of blades that will work with your car model.
3. Move the Wiper Assembly Arm
Once you have your new wiper blades, you can begin the process of putting them on. You’ll begin by pulling the wiper assembly arm away from the windshield and placing it into ao standing position. After you finish with the first arm, go ahead and move the other wiper arm away from the windshield as well.
However, as you move the arms, make sure you’re not forcing them at all. Instead, only move the wiper arms as far as they comfortably will go. Certain car models will only allow for the wipers to move a few inches from the windshield.
If you’re having difficulty moving your wiper arm away at all, you’ll need a different approach. Instead of repositioning the arms manually, try turning on the car and starting the wipers. Turn off the car once the wipers are in an up position.
Now, you’ll have easier access to the wiper blade, without hurting the arm assembly.
4. How to Remove Wiper Blades
Looking at your old wiper blade, try to find the small tab where the rubber meets the metal arm. Once you find the tab, give it a push, or for certain models give it a pull. Either pulling or pushing the tab, will cause the wiper blade to release.
Gently pull down on the blade after releasing it with the tab. If there’s a lot of debris built up, you might have to tug on the blade more forcefully or tap it to get it to come off. For some car models, it helps if you push the wiper up and then pull it.
After you remove the blade, you’ll be exposing the bare metal arm. You have to be careful at this point because you could accidentally damage your windshield. If the standing wiper arms snap back into place, the rough metal arm will hit the windshield and possibly break or scratch it.
To protect your windshield from the metal arm, you’ll want to gently lower the wipers back down. We suggest you play it extra safe and have a towel handy to separate the metal arms from the windshield.
5. Install New Wiper
Since the left and right wiper can be different sizes, make sure you pay attention to what wiper you’re opening.
Begin by pushing the hinge on the new wiper blade. You’ll need to keep pushing the hinge until it’s perfectly perpendicular to the rest of the wiper blade.
Next, line the new wiper blade up with the metal arm. You’ll need the metal hook of the arm to go through the hold on the new blade. Once you push the metal hook through the hole, it should be firmly sitting against the rubber insert.
Slowly pull the blade upwards until you feel it click into place. Now you can gently place the blade back against the windshield, and you won’t need the towel anymore.
After completing the first side, go ahead and repeat the process for replacing the second blade. When both new blades are in place, you can turn your car on and test them out.
Enjoy Safe Driving
Now you know how to replace wiper blades, no matter what type of car you own! We hope that our article will inspire you to take action today to stay safe. The next time you’re caught in a rainstorm, you’ll be glad your wipers are in tip-top shape.
Are you ready to learn more tips for staying safe? Go ahead and read another one of our articles.
