Written by Timothy Dale | Published 8:32 PM, November 23, 2021

In order to drive safely, you must be able to see where you are going, which is why learning how to replace the windshield wiper is a key skill for any driver. Figuring out how to replace the windshield wiper is not that difficult. In fact, learning how to remove the wiper may be more difficult than mastering how to install the wiper, but the whole process is relatively simple.

You can check the wiper blades regularly to determine when you need to replace the wiper blades-at least once a month. When the rubber starts to wear or crack, or if you notice that the wiper blade is wet, leaving a thin layer of water on the windshield, or only part of the windshield is removed, then learn how to replace the windshield The glass wiper blades. Follow the steps below to determine how to install the windshield wiper so that you can avoid paying the local mechanic for this simple DIY job.

Before you learn how to replace the wiper blades on a car, you need to understand the different parts of the windshield wiper. The wiper consists of three basic parts: the wiper arm that is directly connected to the car, the wiper blade that is connected to the wiper arm and fixes the rubber insert, and the rubber insert that is responsible for removing water. Usually, when you need to replace the windshield wiper, you will replace the wiper blade. In some cases, you can replace the rubber insert, but this is not a common repair.

The first step in replacing a vehicle’s windshield wiper is to use a tape measure to determine the correct size wiper for the vehicle. Be sure to measure two wiper blades, because many vehicles use a short blade and a long blade to keep the windshield clean. To ensure that you get the correct wiper blade, it is best to write down or record the year, make and model of the vehicle.

Once you have this information, you can go online, drive to a local auto parts store, or go to a nearby Wal-Mart to choose a compatible windshield wiper for your vehicle. If you are still not sure what kind of wiper blade you need, please ask the staff to help you figure it out, because if you make the wrong wiper blade, their length or attachment may not be suitable for your vehicle.

Once you have a new set of compatible wiper blades, you can start working. Disassembling a windshield wiper is not a complicated process, but if you have never seen how to remove a wiper before, then initially learning how to remove a wiper can be tricky. First lift the windshield wiper arm from the windshield and put down an old towel. If the arm snaps back into place, the towel will grab the arm and prevent the windshield from being damaged in the process. Or, you can put the sock on your arm after removing the old wiper blade, and then lower your arm onto the windshield until you are ready to replace the wiper blade.

Locate the small tab on the windshield wiper blade where the wiper and the wiper arm meet. By pressing this small tab, you can loosen the old wiper blade and slide it off the wiper arm hook. However, if the windshield wiper has a pin instead of a hook, then you need to pull up the tab of the blade and then remove the blade from the pin on the wiper arm. If necessary, you can also use a flat-head screwdriver to help press or lift the tab.

Installing the wiper blade is as simple as sliding the new wiper blade into the same slot as the old wiper blade. Just align the new blade with the hook on the wiper arm and slide it up until you hear and feel a click, indicating that the blade has clicked into place. Just make sure to install the correct wiper blade on the correct wiper arm, because the size of the wiper blades of some vehicles does not match, mixing them together will cause the wiper to not work properly.

If your windshield wiper uses a pin connection instead of the more common hook connection, then you must slide the new blade onto the pin and close the tab to lock the new blade in place. Repeat the process with the second wiper blade, then remove the towel and gently lower the wiper onto the windshield.

Whenever you complete a vehicle repair, the last step in the process should be to test the new parts to make sure they are installed correctly. If you don't want to wait for rain, please wet the windshield with a hose or spray windshield wiper fluid. This provides a wet surface for the new wiper to slide over, and also gives you a good idea of ​​whether the new wiper is cleaning the windshield properly.

Turn on the ignition switch and start the wiper. If there are any streaks, consider cleaning the rubber on the wipers with alcohol wipes to remove any debris. Test the wiper again. If there are still streaks or the wiper does not seem to clean the windshield evenly, the wiper may not be fixed to the wiper arm, or you may have the wiper blade wrong.

Check the wiper and make necessary installation corrections. If everything is normal and you are still experiencing problems, you may need to take the vehicle to a local mechanic to find out what caused the problem.

Windshield wipers should be replaced at least once a year, but if you find that the wiper blades wear out faster, then you may be doing one or more things that may cause premature damage to the wiper blades. To help keep the wiper blades in good condition, please wipe off any visible debris with a soft cloth before driving.

It is also a good idea to avoid using windshield wipers when the windshield is dry or covered with ice. A dry windshield can cause the rubber blades to be dragged across the glass, abrading the rubber and possibly damaging the windshield in the process. Use an ice scraper to remove ice cubes instead of relying on wipers, as the ice can cut, gouge, or otherwise damage the rubber on the wipers.

Proper maintenance of wiper blades helps ensure that you only need to replace them once a year, saving you time and money in the process.

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