After months of wiping snow, rain, and dust off the windshield, it is natural for the rubber blades to wear out. Wiper blades lose their effectiveness after 3 to 6 months of service and need to be replaced with new ones.
Normally, people take cars to the mechanics for windshield replacement or windshield repair. However, it is a simple process, a person can do it himself and save some money and time.
The installation procedure is simple, it only takes a few minutes to replace the windshield wipers. If you do not know how to, follow this step-by-step guide to replace windshield wiper blades.
Table of Contents
Identify the Parts That Need Replacing
Windshields constitute three basic parts; lower wiper arm, metal or plastic blade, and rubber blade. Rubber blades are the part that wipes away rainwater, snow, and dust, this part needs replacing with some regularity.
Measure Blades Size and Purchase Replacement Blades
Use a ruler or measuring tape to take measurements. Do not just assume blade size, the size of the left and right blades differ from each other. Visit auto parts store and purchase replacement blades as per the exact size. It will cost $15 to buy a blade. Plus, you will be saving labor costs when installing the blades yourself.
Unlock the Old Wiper Blades
Now that you have bought a new pair, it is time to unhook the older windscreen wiper blades. Lift the metal wiper arm and hold steady in a position perpendicular to the windshield. The wiper metal arm is spring-loaded, so, if it is not positioned correctly, it may hit and crack the windscreen.
Navigate to the joint that connects rubber blades with the metal wiper arm. Look for the small plastic stopper that is responsible for holding the blade in place. Unhook the wiper blades by pressing the plastic stopper. This will separate the metal wiper arm from the wiper blades.
Install the New Wipers
As you have pulled out the old wiper, slide the new ones into the same end. Wait for the clicking sound, it indicates the new wiper blades are locked in place. Lay the metal arm slowly onto the windscreen.
Repeat the Installation Procedure – Congratulations on installing the new wiper blades, replacing the other wiper arm would not be difficult as you already know the drill. Just be careful with the sizes, install the correct size for each wiper blade.
That’s it! It’s that easy. Do not be embarrassed as you must be thinking why you did not do this simple DIY car maintenance task before. Test out the new wiper blades to see if they are working properly.
Putting it all together, worn-out wipers lose effective touch, use a wet rag to wipe the dirt and hardened rubber from the wiper blades, it might improve the functionality. If not, replacing the old blades is the last resort. Worn wipers leave streaks and compromise visibility. Windshield replacement installation is a simple procedure, save the labor cost by doing it yourself.