Replacing Windshield Wipers Video
Changing Windshield Wiper Blades
A vehicles wiper blades
are mandatory to clear obstacles that unobstructed vision while driving a car.
Wiper blades are used to clean
the windshield when rain and dirt is on the windshield. Oil and dirt adhering to
the cars windshield is a natural condition that occurs when a car is in use. These
contaminates are thrown into the air by additional car's on the road ahead of yours.
When additional cleaning power is needed wiper blades are used in conjunction with
windshield washer
solvent. This solvent is applied to the windshield while the wipers are in operation.
Washer fluid is also used to help lubricate the wipers while removing dirt and oil
from the windshield. This operation can clean windshield debris well enough to obtain
satisfactory visual capabilities.
Wiper blades are subject to weather conditions such as over 100F heat to sub
zero degree ice. These conditions can cause wiper blades to become cracked causing
them to fail. In states with colder climate this condition can worsen due to ice
frozen on the windshield. Car wiper blades should be replaced every other year and
in some cases every year for maximum wiping power. Some vehicles are equipped with
dual or triple action wiper blades that designed to give additional cleaning action.
It should be noted that additional blades are needed for extreme conditions only
and are not needed under normal driving conditions. Washer fluid solvent is a mixture
of a mild anti foaming soap with an added degreaser to remove road grime.
Wipers are control and powered by a wiper arm and motor mechanism with control
arms connecting to the wiper pivots. A twelve volt motor is used to supply power
to the wiper system. Most wiper systems are designed with two main pivot points
that protrude through the body so the wiper arm can be attached. Connected to these
pivots are arms that attach to the wiper motor. A wiper motor contains an armature,
park mechanism and electronics that control mode selector i.e. park, three to five
variable speeds and pulse modes. A electronic switch a speed control determine how
fast and in which mode the wipers will operate in. These modes can vary from high
speed operation to just one swipe in thirty seconds.
Typical Wiper Blade Configuration
When the wipers are demanded to operate in a duration pattern, duration meaning
the time the wiper is parked in the down position it is called "pulse" or "pulse
wipers". It is good practice to change all wiper blades at the same time. This is
done to prevent uneven wiper blade wear patterns which can cause a visual obstruction.
Some cars have been designed with an automatic rain sensing system that can measure
the amount of rain is on the windshield and will adjust the wiper operation according
to volume of rain at any giving time. This RSS system is handy when the amount of
rainfall in a given storm varies greatly by allowing the driver to keep their attention
on the road and not fiddling with a wiper switch. It is a little known fact that
wiper blades should be used with washer solvent even when there are not needed.
The reason for this is to keep the blades from becoming folded in one direction.
When the blade is folded it can cause the wiper blade to make an annoying "chattering"
sound as it is in operation. Also a wiper blade can create this chattering noise
because the blade is not properly balanced not allowing the blade to "flop" back
and forth as the wiper direction changes. To repair this chattering problem the
actual wiper control arm must be bent to allow proper balance from side to side
to achieve the "flop" back and forth of the wiper blade. To fix this problem protected
jaw pliers are required to prevent damage to the wiper arm. It is advised not to
allow a worn or damaged blade to continue to operate because of the danger of destroying
the car windshield. This condition can occur when the metal brackets that holds
the blades in place to contact the glass while the wipers are in motion.
How to Replace Wiper Blades Guide:
Potential tools needed to replace wiper blades:
- Flat blade screwdriver (small)
- Small nosed pliers
- Latex or vinyl gloves
- Safety goggles
In foul weather is it a must to have new wiper blades to ensure proper windshield
vision and to help you control the car. Replacing car wiper blades is relatively
simple and can be done with simple tools.To replace wiper blades the actual action
of replacing the blade is no big deal, it's the location of the blade down below
the hood that can make it difficult
though. Sometimes it helps to open the hood to gain access to the wiper blades.
Other times it is helpful if the wiper blade is somewhere in the motion line of
wiper action. The trick is to get the wiper to stop somewhere in the wiper arc.
Turn the wipers to the on position and allow the wipers to start, and then shut
the key off when the wiper has arrived in a desirable position on the windshield.
To replace your wiper blades please follow the step by step instruction below.
Also, watch the "How to replace
wiper blades video" to gain additional information. The method in which the
wiper blades are attached will vary slightly. If you are unable to remove the wiper
blades on your car please consult our car repair forum one of our technicians will
be happy to help, or check out an online car repair manual.
Step 1 - With the hood closed, turn the wipers on, when the
wipers are in the middle of their arc turn the key to the off position. (Note: if
this can't be done because of wiper condition and you want to avoid scratching the
windshield please open your hood to gain access)
Step 2 - Locate the mounting clips at the top pivot on the wiper
blade
Step 3 - Release the clip and remove the wiper arm
Step 4 - Match the size of the old blade against the new blade
to ensure proper fit and operation
Step 5 - Reinstall the new wiper blade and recheck wiper operation
In foul weather is it a must to have new wiper blades to ensure proper windshield
vision and to help you control the car. Replacing car wiper blades is relatively
simple and can be done with simple tools. If you follow this replacement procedure
and you need further assistance please submit a question to our car repair forum.
Our professional car repair technicians will be happy to help you.
Common Problems
- Make sure the wiper blades are the same size as the original blades.
- When replacing wiper blades not getting the blade on the mounting pin completely
allowing the wiper arm to become dislodged and possibly causing damage to the
windshield.
- Using wiper blades after the blade has failed permanently damaging the windshield
by craving scratches in the wiper arc.
- Wiper blade can create a chattering noise when the blade is not properly
balanced allowing the blade to "flop" back and forth as the wiper direction
changes.
If further assistance is needed, our certified car repair technicians are ready
to answer your car questions. Also, gain manufacturer
specific instructions and information by clicking -
Auto Repair Manual
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