How to Replace Windshield Wiper Blades? Understanding the Process

People live in a misconception that windshield wipers are not that important to maintain. But that is not the case! Windshields are as important as any other part of your car. Windshield wipers help you drive safely with no obstruction to your viewing experience. Are you looking for how to replace windshield wiper blades? Then you are in the right place. The following section would steer clear your doubts on how a windshield replacement is conducted effectively.

Guide to How to Replace Windshield Wiper Blades

If the windshield wiper blade of your car is broken, bent or producing irksome sound, replacing it becomes important. You may think that it is not worth an investment, but replacing windshield wipers should be a priority when your safety is in question. But the question that arises next is how to move through the process?

Read on to get an idea about how to replace windshield wiper blade rubber and wipe off every drop of water and every speck of debris that may ruin your visibility while driving.

1. Purchase the Right Size Refills

Refill or more aptly the wiper blade refill is a major attachment that helps wipe off any external element from the car’s windshield. These rubber refills are the first to be impacted by the extremities of weather. And, it is only the rubber refill that is actually replaced when it is said that your windshield blade needs to be changed.

When buying wiper blade, start with measuring the blade length. This will help in making a valuable purchase as no size issue would be witnessed. Go to an auto spare parts store and ask for the exact length refills with no variations. Also, do not presume that both the windshields would have the same measurement. One should know that there is always a difference of an inch or so between the two lengths.

         SEE MORE:

• How to go about fixing windshield wipers not returning the rest position
• The right procedure to fix windshield wiper related problems

2. Remove the Worn Out Blade

This process starts with lifting off the wiper arm so that it positions perpendicular to the windshield. Make sure you do not bend the wiper arm at a greater angle as the spring in the wiper arm can hit back at the windshield and even crack it. Next comes, loosening of the rubber wiper blade. First look for the joint where the rubber blade attaches to the metal portion. This joint would be a plastic stopper that holds the blade firmly. Push the stopper a bit and free the rubber blade from the metal arm.

Do not get confused if you can’t find any plastic stopper as some wipers have pins in place to hold the metal arm and the rubber blade together. Also, it is recommended to keep a towel on the edge of the windshield to protect it from the forceful snapping back of windshield wipers.

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3. Install the New Blade

If “how to put wiper blades” is ruling your thoughts, refer to the mentioned procedure. Take hold of the refill blade you bought from the auto store and attach it to the same hook you took the old one out from. Once the blade has entered through the hook, slide it a bit so that it reaches the hinge of the hook. Now, push the hook and the wiper together, until a click like sound is heard.

Lower the arm of the wiper arm so that it rests itself against the windshield. Now you may move on with repeating the mentioned process for the other wiper. The only thing to take into consideration is remembering, which size wiper blade was for what side of the windshield.

4. Test Windshield Performance

Once you have installed a new pair of windshield wipers, open your car’s hood and locate the washer fluid reservoir. Fill it up with water or other washer fluids available in the market. Now you can move on with testing your windshields’ performance and can pat your back for doing the job well. It is recommended to replace your windshield blades every 6 months or in a year at least if your car is vulnerable to the effects of hot and cold weathers. You can also go through maintenance tips to know how often to change your windshield blades.

Check out the video below to see How to replace windshield wiper blades in more details:

Conclusion

If your windshield wipers seem to be cracked or the wipers seem to be ineffective in cleaning off your windshield, you definitely need a wiper replacement. The next time someone asks you how to replace windshield wiper blades, go on with explaining to them the process like a pro. Having known the A-Z of wiper blade replacement, save some bucks by doing it yourself and feel great about it.