The wiper blade (a tool for wiping water or dirt on the windshield) is made of rubber so it will naturally wear out after being used for some time to wipe rainwater or dust from your windshield. You can take your car to a repair shop to have the wiper blades replaced, but it's actually very easy to replace them yourself. The fitting process is relatively the same for most types of cars driven.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Preparing to Replace the Wiper Blade
Step 1. Know which part of the wiper blade to replace
Windshield cleaners are made with three basic parts: a forearm that extends from the base of the windshield, a metal or plastic blade attached to the forearm, and a rubber blade that wipes the windshield. When you replace the windshield wiper blades, you're really just replacing the rubber blades that have been worn down by the effects of water and bad weather.
Step 2. Measure the wiper blades you need and purchase a replacement
To find out the size of the replacement blade, first measure the old rubber blade with the help of a ruler or tape measure. Write down the measurements exactly, then go to the auto parts store to buy rubber blades of that size.
- Don't assume that the left and right wiper blades are the same size. One side of the blade is often ±2.5–5 cm shorter than the other.
- The installation cost for a wiper is around Rp. 195,000, 00 (at an exchange rate of Rp. 13,000, 00 per 1 USD). You will save money if you can install it yourself.
Part 2 of 3: Installing New Wiper Blades
Step 1. Lift and keep the metal wiper arm away from the windshield
The wiper arm should be stable in a position perpendicular to the windshield. Be careful with changing positions; Metal wiper arms have springs, and they can jerk back and crack the windshield.
Step 2. Remove the old wiper blades
Pay attention to the joint where the rubber wiper blade meets the metal arm. There should be a small plastic stopper holding the blade in position. Press the stopper and remove the old wiper blade to separate it from the metal arm.
- Some wiper blades have clamps, not hooks, to hold the rubber wiper blades in position.
- Make sure one hand holds and keeps the wiper away from the windshield during the entire removal process.
- You can protect your windshield by placing a folded towel down, just in case the arm jerks back when you're changing the wipers.
Step 3. Install new wipers
Slide the replacement wiper into the same end on the arm from which you pulled out the old wiper. Gently rotate the new wiper until the latch snaps into place to secure the wiper. Lay the wiper back on the windshield.
Step 4. Repeat with the second wiper
To replace the second wiper, the method is exactly the same as the first wiper replacement. Just make sure you use the right size for each side.
Part 3 of 3: Know When to Change the Wiper
Step 1. Check the wiper for cracks
Older car windshield cleaners gradually harden and crack, especially in hot and dry climates. If your wipers appear to have lost their rubber springs, it may be time to replace them.
Step 2. Watch for rain in the future
If the wipers leave a trail of rain that isn't easily visible on the windshield, it's possible that the wiper rubber has lost its grip.
