Changing your windshield wipers is a relatively simple task that can greatly improve your visibility while driving in rainy or snowy conditions. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to change your windshield wipers:
Tools and Materials You’ll Need:
- New Windshield Wiper Blades: Ensure you have the correct size for your vehicle. You can usually find this information in your car’s owner’s manual or by checking with your vehicle manufacturer.
- Flathead Screwdriver (optional): You might need this to help remove the old wiper blades.
Steps to Change Windshield Wipers:
1.Purchase the Right Wiper Blades:
- Measure your old wiper blades or consult your vehicle’s manual to determine the correct size.
- Purchase the appropriate replacement wiper blades.
2.Park Your Car: Make sure your car is parked safely, with the engine turned off.
3.Lift the Wiper Arm: Lift the wiper arm away from the windshield. It should stay in a raised position due to a spring-loaded hinge or by locking into place.
4.Remove the Old Wiper Blade: If your wiper arm has a small tab that you can push, press it to release the old wiper blade.
If there’s no tab, use a flathead screwdriver to carefully pry up the wiper blade away from the wiper arm.
5.Slide Off the Old Blade: Slide the old wiper blade out of the wiper arm’s hook or attachment point.
6.Prepare the New Wiper Blade:
- Before attaching the new wiper blade, take a moment to compare it with the old one to make sure it’s the correct size and style.
- Most new wiper blades come with a pre-installed adapter that fits multiple arm styles. If your wiper blade has this, you might need to remove the old adapter from the wiper arm.
7.Attach the New Wiper Blade:
- Slide the new wiper blade onto the wiper arm, ensuring it clicks or snaps securely into place. You should hear a satisfying click when it’s properly attached.
- If the new wiper blade has a tab, make sure it locks into place.
8.Lower the Wiper Arm:
- Gently lower the wiper arm back onto the windshield. Be cautious not to let it slam against the glass, as this could damage the windshield.
9.Test the Wipers:
- Turn on your car’s wipers and test them to ensure they are working correctly and not making any unusual noises.
10.Repeat for the Other Side (if necessary):
- If your vehicle has wipers on both sides of the windshield, repeat the same process for the other wiper.
Changing your windshield wipers is a quick and affordable maintenance task that can significantly improve your safety on the road. It’s recommended to replace your wiper blades at least once a year or whenever they start to show signs of wear, such as streaking or skipping across the windshield.