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How to Repair a Car
/ How
to Change Wiper Blades
How to Replace Wiper Blades
READ COMPLETELY BEFORE BEGINNING:
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.
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
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
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.
How to Repair a Car
/ How
to Change Wiper Blades
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