If your windshield wipers are leaving streaks or you hear a strange noise when they’re in use, it’s probably time to change the blades. Most wipers will last about a year, but depending on the environment and how often you use them, they may need to be replaced more frequently. Fortunately, it’s easy to do it yourself with just a few tools. Here’s how to change windshield wiper blades in 7 steps.
When to Change Windshield Wipers
Most carmakers recommend replacing your windshield wipers at least once a year, or sooner if they show signs of wear. Many automakers have a maintenance reminder system that will tell you when it’s time to replace your wipers, but you can also check them yourself.
To check the condition of your wipers, lift each one off the windshield and inspect the rubber blade. If the blade is cracked, frayed, or otherwise damaged, it needs to be replaced. Also, check to see if the blade is making full contact with the windshield. If it’s not, that’s another sign that it needs to be replaced.
If you live in an area where it rains a lot, you may need to replace your windshield wipers more often. The same goes for if you use your wipers a lot, such as in heavy traffic.
Can You Replace Windshield Wiper Blades Yourself?
Yes, you can replace windshield wiper blades yourself! Here are 7 easy steps to follow:
1. Lift up your windshield wiper arm to access the wiper blade.
2. Use a small screwdriver or other tool to release the locking tab on the wiper blade.
3. Pull the wiper blade away from the arm.
4. Slide the new wiper blade onto the arm.
5. Push the locking tab back into place.
6. Lower the windshield wiper arm.
7. Repeat on the other side!
Wiper Blade Replacement Cost
The cost to replace your wiper blades will depend on the make and model of your vehicle, as well as the type of wiper blades you need. In general, you can expect to spend between $10 and $30 for a new set of wiper blades. If you need speciality wiper blades, such as those for winter weather, you may spend closer to $50.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How often should I change my windshield wiper blades?
It is typically recommended to change your windshield wiper blades at least once a year, or more often if you notice them wearing down. You may need to change them more frequently if you live in an area with a lot of rain or snow.
2. Can I clean my windshield wiper blades instead of replacing them?
You can try to clean your windshield wiper blades, but it is usually not effective for very long. Over time, the blades will become cracked, split, or otherwise damaged and will need to be replaced.
3. How do I know when my windshield wiper blades need to be replaced?
There are a few signs that your windshield wiper blades need to be replaced, such as if they are leaving streaks on your windshield or if they are making noise when they are in use. If you are unsure, you can always take them to a nearby auto shop to have them inspected.
4. How do I change my windshield wiper blades?
Changing your windshield wiper blades is typically a very simple process. First, you will need to purchase the new blades. Then, you will need to remove the old blades from the wiper arm. To do this, you will need to lift the wiper arm away from the windshield and press the release tab. Once the old blade is released, you can snap the new one into place. Finally, you will need to lower the wiper arm back down onto the windshield.
5. What are the different types of windshield wiper blades?
There are a few different types of windshield wiper blades, such as traditional, beam, and hybrid. Traditional wiper blades are the most common type and are the simplest to replace. Beam wiper blades are designed to provide a clearer view in heavy rain or snow. Hybrid wiper blades are a combination of traditional and beam blades and offer the benefits of both.
6. What is the best way to store windshield wiper blades?
If you are not going to be using your windshield wiper blades for a while, it is best to store them in a cool, dry place. This will help to prevent them from drying out or cracking.
7. Do I need to replace my windshield wiper blades if they are not damaged?
It is not necessary to replace your windshield wiper blades if they are not damaged, but you may want to consider doing so if they are starting to show signs of wear. Additionally, if you live in an area with a lot of rain or snow, you may need to replace them more frequently.
Determine What Parts Need to be Changed
If your windshield wipers are leaving streaks on your windshield or they are skipping over certain areas, then it is probably time to change the blades. In order to determine what parts need to be changed, you will need to take a look at your wipers and see if they are cracked, split, or otherwise damaged. If they are, then you will need to replace them. If they are not, then you may just need to clean them or adjust them.
Measure Wiper Blade
To measure your wiper blade, you will need to know the length of your wiper arm. The wiper arm is the metal piece that attaches the wiper blade to the vehicle. To measure the wiper arm, open the hood and measure from the center of the bolt that holds the wiper arm to the end of the wiper arm. This will give you the length of the wiper arm.
Once you have the length of the wiper arm, you can purchase the correct size wiper blade for your vehicle. Wiper blades are available in a variety of sizes, so it is important to know the size of your wiper arm in order to purchase the correct size wiper blade.
Purchase Replacement
1. Purchase the correct replacement blades for your vehicle. You can find the right size by checking the owner’s manual or the sticker on the driver’s side doorjamb.
2. Lift the wiper arm away from the windshield.
3. Push the release tab on the wiper blade to remove it from the arm.
4. Insert the new wiper blade into the arm and push the release tab to lock it in place.
5. Repeat steps 2-4 for the other wiper blade.
6. Lower the wiper arms back onto the windshield.
7. Test the new blades by turning on the wipers and moving them back and forth across the windshield.
Raise Wiper Arm
To raise the wiper arm, first locate the tab on the underside of the arm. Gently pull back on the tab until the arm lifts up. Once the arm is lifted, you can pull it away from the windshield. Be careful not to let the arm fall back down, as this could damage the wiper blade.
Unhook Blade
1. Open your car’s hood and locate the windshield wiper arms.
2. Lift the wiper arm away from the windshield.
3. Press the release tab on the wiper blade and slide it off the wiper arm.
4. Slide the new wiper blade onto the wiper arm until it clicks into place.
5. Repeat steps 2-4 for the other windshield wiper.
6. Close your car’s hood.
7. Test your new windshield wiper blades by turning on your wipers and moving them back and forth across the windshield.
Install New Wiper
Installing new windshield wipers is a pretty simple process that anyone can do. Just follow these seven steps and you’ll have new wipers in no time!
1. Find the right size wiper blades for your vehicle. You can usually find this information in your vehicle’s owner’s manual or on the inside of the driver’s side door.
2. Lift the old wiper blade away from the windshield. On most vehicles, there is a small tab that you need to press in order to release the blade.
3. Remove the old wiper blade from the arm.
4. Attach the new wiper blade to the arm. Make sure that it is secure before moving on to the next step.
5. Place the new wiper blade onto the windshield.
6. Repeat steps 2-5 for the other wiper blade.
7. Test the new wipers by turning on your windshield wipers and moving them back and forth.
Test New Wipers
1. Park your vehicle in a safe, dry place.
2. Lift your windshield wipers away from the windshield.
3. Unhook the old wipers from the arms.
4. Hook on the new windshield wipers.
5. Lower the wipers back onto the windshield.
6. Test the new wipers by turning them on and moving them back and forth across the windshield.
7. If the new windshield wipers don’t work properly, repeat the steps above.
Regular Maintenance
Assuming you have never changed your windshield wiper blades before, here are 7 easy steps to follow to change them:
1. Lift your windshield wipers up from the windshield. You may need to depressing a tab underneath the wiper arm in order to do this.
2. Find the retaining clip or bolt that is holding the wiper blade in place. This is typically located at the base of the wiper blade.
3. Remove the retaining clip or bolt and pull the wiper blade off of the wiper arm.
4. Take the new wiper blade and align it with the wiper arm. Make sure that the new wiper blade is facing the same direction as the old one.
5. Push the new wiper blade onto the wiper arm until it is snug.
6. Replace the retaining clip or bolt and make sure it is tight.
7. Lower the windshield wipers back down onto the windshield.
By following these simple steps, you can easily change your windshield wiper blades at home without having to take your car to a mechanic.
Cracks/Peeling Blades
If you notice that your windshield wiper blades are starting to show signs of wear and tear, it’s important to replace them as soon as possible. Cracks or peeling blades can cause streaking and smearing, which can severely impair your vision while driving.
To change your windshield wiper blades, start by lifting up the wiper arm to access the blade. Then, use a small screwdriver or your fingers to release the retaining clip that holds the blade in place. Once the clip is released, you can pull the old blade off and replace it with a new one. Be sure to snap the retaining clip back into place before lowering the wiper arm.
If your windshield wiper blades are in good condition but the rubber is starting to degrade, you can try revitalizing them with a windshield wiper blade restoration kit. These kits contain a rubber conditioner that can help restore the flexibility of the blade.
Streaking
If your windshield wipers are leaving streaks on your windshield, it’s time to change them. Here’s how to do it in seven easy steps.
1. Park your car in a safe, dry place.
2. Lift your windshield wiper arms away from the windshield.
3. Pull the old wiper blades off the arms.
4. Clean the arms with a rag.
5. Install the new wiper blades.
6. Lower the arms back onto the windshield.
7. Test the wipers to make sure they’re working properly.
Squeaking Sounds
If you’re hearing squeaking sounds coming from your windshield wipers, it’s likely due to the blades being old and worn out. In this case, you’ll need to replace the blades. Follow these steps to do so:
1. Lift up your windshield wiper arm to gain access to the blade.
2. Pull the blade off of the arm.
3. Take the new blade and snap it into place on the arm.
4. Repeat this process for the other windshield wiper.
5. Test out the wipers to make sure the squeaking sound is gone.
Lacking Contact
If your wipers are leaving streaks or failing to make full contact with your windshield, it’s time to replace the blades. Depending on the type of vehicle you have, the process for replacing windshield wiper blades will vary slightly, but the general principles are the same. Here are seven steps to help you change your windshield wiper blades:
1. Park your vehicle in a safe, dry place. Make sure that the engine is turned off and that you have plenty of time to complete the task.
2. Locate the windshield wiper arms. These are the metal arms that connect the wiper blades to the vehicle.
3. Lift the wiper arm away from the windshield. The arm will snap back into place when it is released, so be careful not to let it snap back too quickly or it could break.
4. Remove the old wiper blade. The blade is usually held in place by a small metal clip. Simply press the clip and slide the blade off of the arm.
5. Install the new wiper blade. Slide the new blade onto the arm and snap the clip into place.
6. Repeat the process for the other wiper blade.
7. Test the wipers to make sure they are working properly.
Blades Skipping
One common issue that can occur with windshield wipers is that the blades may start to skip. This can happen for a variety of reasons, but the most common cause is that the blades are not making full contact with the windshield. This can be due to a build-up of dirt and debris on the blades or on the windshield itself. If you notice that your windshield wiper blades are skipping, there are a few things you can do to clean them and make sure they are making full contact with the windshield.
First, clean the blades with a soft cloth. You may also need to use a mild soap and water solution to remove any built-up dirt and debris. Once the blades are clean, check to see if they are making full contact with the windshield. If they are not, adjust the blades so that they are.
If your windshield wiper blades are still skipping after you have cleaned them and made sure they are making full contact with the windshield, it is possible that the blades are worn out and need to be replaced. Blades typically need to be replaced every six months to a year, so if it has been longer than that since you last replaced your blades, it is probably time to do so. You can purchase new windshield wiper blades at most auto parts stores or online.
Is it difficult to change wiper blades?
No, it is not difficult to change wiper blades. In fact, it is a relatively easy process that only takes a few minutes to complete. There are just a few steps that you need to follow in order to change your wiper blades:
1. Lift up your wipers. You will need to locate the tab that is located on the underside of the wiper blade. Once you have found the tab, gently lift up on the wiper blade.
2. Remove the old wiper blade. Once the wiper blade is lifted up, you can simply remove it from the arm.
3. Attach the new wiper blade. Take the new wiper blade and line it up with the wiper arm. Once it is lined up, push down on the wiper blade until you hear it click into place.
4. Repeat the process on the other side. Once you have changed the wiper blade on one side, simply repeat the process on the other side.
5. Lower the wipers. Once you have changed both wiper blades, you can lower the wipers back into place.
And that’s it! You have now successfully changed your wiper blades.
Should I replace both wiper blades at the same time?
If your windshield wipers are leaving streaks on your windshield or they are not making full contact with the windshield, it is time to replace them. You should replace both wiper blades at the same time to ensure that they are both making full contact with the windshield and that they are both the same size. This will help to prevent any further streaking on your windshield.
Are wiper blades sold in pairs?
Yes, most wiper blades are sold in pairs. This is because they are designed to work together in order to provide the best possible visibility while driving. While it is possible to purchase a single wiper blade, it is not recommended as it could cause issues with visibility.
Must Read
1. Lift your windshield wipers away from the windshield.
2. Find the size and type of your windshield wipers.
3. Unclip the old windshield wiper blades.
4. Insert the new windshield wiper blades.
5. Clip the new windshield wiper blades into place.
6. Lower the windshield wipers back onto the windshield.
7. Test the new windshield wiper blades.
Conclusion
Thanks for reading our blog post on how to change windshield wiper blades! We hope you found the information helpful and easy to follow. Be sure to check out our other posts for more tips on keeping your car in top shape. Drive safe!
