ALT-2 How to Change Windshield Wipers
You are driving in a light rain. There is an inch wide streak of moisture left on your windshield with every pass of the windshield wipers. You realize that there are blind spots in your field of vision. It is time for a change of wiper blades to fix the problem. Many things can cause problems with your car's wiper blades. The age of the rubber and its exposure to the elements can cause it to change shape and not fit tightly to the windshield. During the winter, ice and snow can cause the blades to rip when they first move after being bonded by ice to the windshield.
A few years ago, most windshield wiper changes involved sliding the old rubber refill out of the wiper blade and sliding a new one into its place. Today, in almost all cases, the entire wiper blade that latches onto the wiper arm is replaced. Another difference that has become more prominent in recent years is that most cars have two different length wiper blades cleaning their windshields. A difference in length of two or more inches between the right and left wiper blades is common.
It is best not to wait until your wiper blades fail to change them.
It is best not to wait until your wiper blades fail to change them.
While many people choose to wait until their vision is compromised because of faulty wiper blades, it is better to replace the wiper blades every 3 to 6 months whether they seem to need it or not. It is still possible to have a problem with wiper blade failure, but the odds are much better that it will not happen with a regular replacement regimen.
Be careful to purchase the correct size wiper blades for your vehicle.
Be careful to purchase the correct size wiper blades for your vehicle.
Wiper blades come in lengths from about 14 inches up to around 26 inches with the lengths around 20 to 22 inches being the more common. All stores that carry wiper blades should have a manual that will list every car manufactured for the past 30 or 40 years and the size wiper blades that it requires. Some of these are on automated system. If you are uncertain about how to find the right size, ask for help. Because not all windshields are equal in size, it is critical that you purchase the correct wiper blades.
If you have never changed the wiper blades on this particular vehicle, remove the old blades slowly.
If you have never changed the wiper blades on this particular vehicle, remove the old blades slowly.
Take your time as you remove your old wiper blades and study how they attach to the arms of your windshield wipers. It is important that you get the wiper blades attached properly to prevent them releasing and flying off while driving in the rain. Every type of car's wiper blades attach slightly differently. Using the old blades to teach you how to install the new ones just makes good sense.
Lift the first wiper blade from the windshield.
Lift the first wiper blade from the windshield.
The wiper arm should allow you to raise the wiper blade away from the windshield enough to rotate the blade 180 degrees on the pivot at the end of the arm. Gently release the blade from the arm. Install the new blade in the same way that the old one was removed. The blade should snap into place and feel solid.
Replace the wiper blade onto the windshield.
Replace the wiper blade onto the windshield.
When the new blade is installed, rotate it back to where the rubber will be against your windshield. Repeat the process for the second wiper blade to complete the job. Once both wiper blades are in place, turn on the wipers to make sure that they are solidly in place. It is a good idea to watch the wiper blades for the first 10 to 30 minutes that they run after new blades have been installed. This will make sure that the wiper blades have been installed and are functioning properly.
Dispose of the old blades to complete the job.
Dispose of the old blades to complete the job.
Tools are not usually needed to replace windshield wipers. When the job is finished, find someplace to safely dispose of the old wiper blades. This should complete the job. New wiper blades will cost you between $4 and $15 depending on where you buy them and at what quality level.
