How to Replace Wiper Blades Video

Introduction

In foul weather is it a must to have new wiper blades to ensure proper windshield vision and control of the car. Replacing car wiper blades is relatively simple and can be done with simple tools. 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 100° 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.

How to Replace Wiper Blades Video: 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.

Change Wiper Blades Filter Video

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

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 below 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

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.

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