An unsung hero in the realm of automotive components, your vehicle’s windshield wipers tirelessly work to provide you with clearer vision during challenging weather conditions. They are crucial components that ensure safety while driving. Over time, these resilient tools can wear out and require replacement. This article will guide you on how to replace windshield wipers on your car in a few simple steps.
Knowing When to Replace Your Windshield Wipers
A robust pair of windshield wipers are your first line of defense against inclement weather. You don’t want to find out in the middle of a downpour that they have given up the ghost. Therefore, it’s critical to know the signs that indicate it’s time to replace them.
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The average lifespan of good quality windshield wipers is usually six months to a year. However, several factors can affect this. Exposure to harsh weather conditions, the quality of the wipers, and how often they are used are some of the key elements that determine their longevity.
Watch out for the following signs that tell you it’s time for a replacement:
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Streaking: Occurs when the rubber squeegee dries, hardens, or splits. It’s often noticeable during a heavy rain or car wash.
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Skipping: When the wiper blade develops a curvature from lack of use, it can skip across the windshield rather than wipe the water off.
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Splitting: The rubber squeegee can split from exposure to sunlight and weather extremes, compromising its efficacy.
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Worn rubber: The rubber edge looks rounded instead of squared off, indicating wear and tear.
Choosing the Right Windshield Wipers
Before you head out to buy new windshield wipers, it’s important to know which ones are right for your car. Not all wipers are created equal, and the right ones for your vehicle will depend on its make, model, and year.
Use your car’s owner’s manual or consult an auto parts store to determine the correct size. Windshield wipers usually range from 12 to 28 inches in length. It’s important to note that the driver’s side wiper might be longer than the passenger’s side wiper.
There are also different types of wiper blades to consider:
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Conventional blades: These are the common type, have a metal body, and are often the least expensive.
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Beam blades: Also known as flat blades, they have a tensioned steel strip and are better for snowy conditions as they don’t have external frames to collect ice.
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Hybrid blades: Combine the best of both the conventional and beam blades. They are designed to provide a clean, streak-free wipe.
How to Remove Old Windshield Wipers
Once you have your new wipers ready, it’s time to remove the old ones. This is a simple process that doesn’t require any special tools.
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Lift the wiper arm away from the windshield. It should stay in a lifted position on its own.
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Push the small tab under the wiper where it meets the wiper arm. This will release the wiper blade from the arm.
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Wiggle and pull the blade down towards the base of the wiper arm. It should slide off the hook easily.
Remember to be gentle during this process to avoid damaging the wiper arm.
Installing the New Windshield Wipers
Once the old wipers have been removed, you can install the new ones. Here’s how:
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Take your new wiper blade and line it up with the wiper arm. The blade’s attachment point should be facing the hook of the wiper arm.
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Pull the wiper blade up, so its hook goes through the attachment point of the wiper blade.
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Pull it tight. You should hear a clicking sound, which signifies that the wiper blade is locked into place on the arm.
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Lower the wiper arm gently back onto the windshield.
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Repeat the process for the other wiper.
Maintaining Your Windshield Wipers
Once you’ve installed your new windshield wipers, you’ll want to ensure they last as long as possible. Regular maintenance can significantly extend the life span of your wipers.
Clean your windshield regularly to prevent dirt and debris from wearing down your wipers. You can also clean the wiper blades themselves with a soft cloth or sponge and a mixture of warm water and dish soap. In winter, always clear off heavy snow and ice from your windshield manually. Using your wipers to do this can damage them.
Replacing the windshield wipers on your car is a straightforward process that most car owners can handle themselves. It not only saves you a trip to the mechanic but also ensures that you are never caught unprepared in bad weather. Always remember that safety is paramount, and clear vision is a key part of that. You don’t want your sight to be impaired while driving, something that efficient windshield wipers can help ensure.
Troubleshooting Windshield Wiper Problems
In the course of your vehicle ownership, you may occasionally face some hitches with your windshield wipers. Being able to troubleshoot common problems can save you time, money, and the risk of driving with an obscured view.
If your wipers have stopped working completely, the likely culprit is a blown fuse. Wipers are protected by a fuse that disconnects the power when the current exceeds safe levels. Check your car’s manual to locate the fuse box and inspect the wiper fuse. If it’s blown, you’ll need to replace it. Always remember to use a fuse of the same amperage to avoid damaging the circuit.
Another common problem is when the wipers work, but the blades only smear the water, leaving worse visibility than before. This could be a sign that the wiper blades are worn out and need replacing. Always choose high-quality wiper blades that are the correct size for your car.
In case the wiper speed is inconsistent or the wipers don’t park correctly, the issue might be with the wiper motor. While this is not as common, it might require the expertise of a mechanic to fix.
Conclusion
Replacing and maintaining your windshield wipers is not just about the aesthetics of your car or keeping it in good condition, it’s about your safety on the road. When wiper blades are worn out, they can’t effectively clear water from your windshield. This can lead to decreased visibility, which is a significant safety concern.
By learning how to replace your wiper blades, you’re not only saving money on mechanic fees, but you’re also ensuring that you can take immediate action when you notice your wipers aren’t performing effectively. This gives you the peace of mind knowing that you’re prepared for any weather conditions you might face on the road.
Windshield wipers might seem insignificant in the grand scheme of your car’s components, but they play a crucial role in ensuring you have a clear sight of the road ahead. Therefore, regular inspection, timely replacement, and proper maintenance of your windshield wipers should be a key part of your vehicle care routine.
Remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. So, the next time your windshield wipers start to streak, skip, split, or simply wear out, you now know what to do.
