Windshield wipers are an essential part of your car’s safety system, helping you to see clearly in inclement weather. But what do you do when one of your wipers breaks or needs to be replaced? If you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, you can always take your car to a mechanic. However, if you’re feeling handy, it’s a relatively easy job that you can do in your own driveway with a few simple tools.
The first step is to identify the type of wiper blade you have. There are two main types: conventional wipers and beam wipers. Conventional wipers have a metal frame with a rubber blade attached, while beam wipers are made of a single piece of rubber with a metal insert. Once you know what type of wiper blade you have, you can purchase a replacement blade at your local auto parts store. Please refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual for the correct size and type of wiper blades.
Now that you have a new wiper blade, it’s time to remove the old one. Start by lifting the wiper arm away from the windshield. Be careful not to bend the arm too far, as it can damage the wiper motor. Once the arm is lifted, you’ll see a small plastic cap covering the end of the wiper blade. Use a flathead screwdriver to pry off the cap, then slide the old blade out of the arm. To install the new blade, simply slide it into the arm and snap on the plastic cap. Lower the wiper arm back onto the windshield, and you’re done!
Reattaching the Wiper Arm
1. Lift the windshield wiper arm away from the windshield.
2. Locate the small plastic cap at the base of the wiper arm.
3. Use a small screwdriver or a pair of pliers to pry off the cap.
4. Underneath the cap, you will see a nut securing the wiper arm to the linkage.
5. Use a wrench or socket to loosen the nut.
6. Carefully lift the wiper arm off the linkage.
7. Clean the linkage and the base of the wiper arm with a rag or a brush. Check for any signs of corrosion or damage. If any damage is found, it should be repaired or replaced before reattaching the wiper arm. Apply a small amount of grease to the linkage and the base of the wiper arm. This will help to prevent corrosion and ensure smooth operation of the wiper arm. Insert the wiper blade onto the hook found on the center of the wiper arm. Push down on the wiper blade until it locks into place. Snap the small plastic cap back into place at the base of the wiper arm.
Installing the New Wiper Blade
Now that the old wiper blade has been removed, it is time to install the new one. Here’s how to do it:
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Locate the small plastic tab: On the new wiper blade, there will be a small plastic tab located on the opposite side of the hook. Locate this tab and depress it using your thumb.
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Align the blade with the wiper arm: Grab the wiper blade and position it directly in front of the wiper arm. Ensure the blade is properly aligned with the arm.
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Slide the blade onto the arm: While pressing down on the plastic tab, carefully slide the wiper blade onto the wiper arm. Make sure it fits snugly into place.
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Release the tab: Once the blade is fully seated on the arm, release the plastic tab. You should hear a “click” sound, indicating that the blade is securely attached.
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Check the alignment: Lower the wiper arm to its resting position and make sure the wiper blade is properly aligned with the windshield. Adjust it if necessary.
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Test the wipers: Turn on the wipers and check if they are wiping effectively. If not, repeat steps 1-5 to ensure the blade is properly installed.
Here is a table summarizing the steps for installing the new wiper blade:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Locate the plastic tab on the new wiper blade. |
| 2 | Align the blade with the wiper arm. |
| 3 | Slide the blade onto the arm while pressing down on the tab. |
| 4 | Release the tab. |
| 5 | Check the alignment and test the wipers. |
How To Unhook A Windshield Wiper
Follow these simple steps to unhook a windshield wiper:
- Turn off the car and park it in a safe location.
- Locate the wiper arm on the windshield.
- At the base of the wiper arm, there will be a small plastic or metal cap or tab. Press up on this cap or tab and pull the wiper arm towards you.
- Once the wiper arm is unhooked, you can pull the wiper blade off of the arm.
- To hook the wiper arm back on, simply align the arm with the hook on the windshield and push down until it clicks into place.
People Also Ask
How often should I replace my windshield wipers?
It is recommended to replace your windshield wipers every 6-12 months, or more often if you live in an area with harsh weather conditions.
What are the signs that my windshield wipers need to be replaced?
Some signs that your windshield wipers need to be replaced include:
- Streaking or chattering when wiping the windshield
- Skipping or jumping across the windshield
- Torn or cracked rubber blades
- Loose or wobbly wiper arms
Can I replace my windshield wipers myself?
Yes, it is possible to replace your windshield wipers yourself. However, if you are not comfortable doing this, you can have it done by a mechanic.
