Replacing the windshield wiper blade, or what is commonly called the wiper, is one of the most important things in your car's regular maintenance, and fortunately it's very easy to do. Wiper blades should be replaced at least once a year, and a sign you should replace them is when the wiper rubber starts to wear out or crack. You'll also notice that the wipers start to not clean enough to remove water, leave a thin film on the windshield, or wipe unevenly. Replacing both wipers at the same time is the best option, assuming that if one is damaged, the other will soon follow to be replaced. You can replace your own wiper blades in just a few steps. Follow the instructions below to learn how.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Preparing to Replace the Wiper
Step 1. Determine the part of the wiper that needs to be replaced
A wiper consists of three parts assembled together: a metal arm or handle, a wiper blade attached to the arm, and a rubber blade as a filler blade that attaches to the surface of the windshield.
If the wiper blades are not pressed against the glass with sufficient pressure or have warped, you will need to replace the entire wiper blade
Step 2. Purchase the appropriate rubber or wiper blades for your car model at an auto parts store
Ask the salesperson to help you choose the right wiper or you can first measure your old wiper and take it to the store.
Note that the left and right wipers can be of different lengths
Step 3. Pull the entire wiper from the arm away from the windshield and into a standing position
Pull the wiper arm so that it is perpendicular to the base of the arm. Repeat on the other wipers.
- Some wipers will only move 5 - 8 cm from the windshield. If your wiper model is like this, don't force it to move any further.
- In some cars, turning on the wipers and then turning off the car when the wipers start to move may be easier. This position allows you to slide the wiper arm up so that it is easier to remove the blade.
Part 2 of 3: Replacing the Wiper Blade
Step 1. Remove the wiper blades
Start by locating the plastic lock on the back of the wiper blade (near where the wiper rubber meets the metal arm), then push in (or in some cases, pull it out) to release the lock. Pull the wiper blade down, and the tool will slide off the metal arm hook.
- If there is a build-up of dust or rust, you may have to lightly pat or move the blade to remove it.
- Pushing the wiper into the handle then pressing the latch can sometimes help too.
- An empty metal arm without wiper blades, if left in a standing position, can suddenly turn toward the windshield and injure it (these arms are spring-loaded). Just in case, very slowly return it to position against the glass. Leave it like that until you are ready to insert the new bar.
- If you want to be even more secure, tuck a piece of rag or rag between the metal sleeve and the windshield.
Step 2. Prepare the new wipers
If the left and right wipers are not the same size, make sure the new wipers are installed on the right side. Press the lock on the new wiper blade so that it is perpendicular to the blade itself.
Step 3. Align the new wiper blade with the metal sleeve until the arm latch fits into the hole in the blade
Press the metal latch into the hole in the wiper blade.
The metal latch on the wiper arm must be in contact with the rubber back of the wiper
Step 4. Pull the wiper blade up until you can hear and feel a click indicating it is firmly seated
Slowly return the entire wiper position so that it is against the windshield.
Repeat on the other wiper blades
Step 5. Check the angle of the wiper arm
If the angle of the wiper arm is incorrect, a crackling sound will be heard. As a general guide, make sure the wiper blades form a 90-degree angle with the mirror in the middle of the swing. The reason for using the midpoint as a reference is because the slope of the wiper can change at the top and bottom of the windshield due to the curvature of the glass.
Step 6. Start the car engine and wet the windshield with car glass cleaner to see if the new wipers are installed properly
If the glass cleaning results leave streaks, try cleaning the wiper rubber with alcohol wipes or a rag dipped in mineral spirit. If after that it still leaves traces of streaks, check that the installation is correct: check that you have installed the wiper blades on the correct side and that they are oriented correctly. If the problem persists after that, visit the nearest repair shop for assistance
Part 3 of 3: Replacing the Wiper Rubber
Step 1. Start by locating the rubber pads on each end of the wiper blade
This wedge has small bumps.
Press the protrusion, hold and pull the wiper rubber to slide it off the blade. If you're having trouble pressing down on the bumps, use sharp-tipped pliers to help
Step 2. Slide the wiper rubber all the way out
Once the rubber bumps have passed through the blade lock (near the center of the blade), release your pressure, and pull the wiper rubber off the wiper blade completely.
The wiper blades, now empty, if left in a standing position may reverse themselves and injure the windshield. To be safe, slowly return it to position it against the windshield and leave it until you are ready to install the new wiper rubber. If you want to be even more secure, place a rag or rag between the wiper blade and the windshield
Step 3. Prepare the new wiper rubber
If the left and right wipers are different sizes, be sure to install the appropriate rubber for the size. Insert the wiper rubber into the blade, starting at the end where you pulled the old rubber.
When the wiper rubber is fully inserted, make sure that the retaining latch is working properly holding the rubber in place. Also make sure that the very end of the protrusion is properly held by the last hook
Step 4. Return the wiper position slowly so that it sticks back to the windshield and repeat the steps for installing this wiper rubber on the other wiper
If the result of cleaning the glass leaves streaks, try cleaning the wiper rubber with alcohol wipes or a rag dipped in mineral spirit. If after that it still leaves traces of streaks, check that the installation is correct: check that you have installed the wiper blades on the correct side and that they are oriented correctly. If the problem persists after that, visit a sealed repair shop for help
Tips
- Most auto parts stores will help replace your wipers at no cost when you buy new wiper blades from them.
- Rub an alcohol wipe or rag dipped in mineral diluent along the wiper rubber to clean and prolong its life.
- Before starting to replace the wipers, start your car's engine, turn on the wipers and stop the engine while the wipers are in half arc. Stopping the wiper in this position will make it a little easier to replace the wiper blades.
- For more details on how to purchase and install the right wiper blades for your car, check your car's manual.
Ingredients
- New wiper blades or rubber to replace
- Pointed pliers (optional)
- Two pieces of rag or rag (optional)
