Replacing wipers blades is one of the easier services to perform which anyone can do using a small flat blade screwdriver or needle nose pliers.
How Do They Work?
Windshield wipers are designed to remove water from a vehicle's windshield while using a sweeping motion which disperses rain and road grim to help improve visibility, windshield washer solvent can be also used to help clean the windshield. These wipers can be automatically controlled via a rain sensor or they can be activated by the driver at will.
What Goes Wrong?
Wiper blades are subjected to weather elements such as sun and snow which can compromise the integrity of the soft rubber in which they are constructed. This can lead to creating windshield streaks that impede visibility which can be hazardous. Additionally, if the wipers are not balanced the wiper can chatter as it travels back and forth throughout their operation, smooth in one direction and chatter in the reverse direction, (the "lip" of the wiper must rock back and forth as the wiper changes direction.) If the wiper is not balanced, slightly bend or tweak the wiper arm to adjust the blade to be "neutral" or "balanced". Beware of wiper blades that have completely disintegrated as they can scratch the windshield if the metal frame of the wiper is exposed.
What Does It Cost?
Wiper blade replacements can range in price due to their quality of material and workmanship. Labor time to install wipers blades can vary slightly but in general a shop will charge between .2 and .3 hours.
Let's Jump In!
Most wiper blades are exposed when the system is off but some manufacturer designs
have the wipers hidden under the cowl or hood of the vehicle. If this is the case,
turn the ignition switch on, then turn the wipers on, while the wipers are in the
up position shut the key off, this will stop the wipers on the windshield in most
cases. If the wipers return to the park position anyway,
lift the hood to gain access.
Lift the wiper arm into its service position away from the windshield. Check
the clearance between the wiper arm and hood so as to not damage the paint, adjust
the position of the arm via the wiper switch to rectify, opening the hood may help
as well.
At the wiper arm pivot locate the release tab or collar which is near the top
of the wiper arm.
Use a small screwdriver or your finger to release the wiper tab or pull down
the collar retainer.
With the tab or collar released, push the wiper arm downward to disconnect the
wiper from the arm.
Watch the Wiper Blade Replacement Video!
Then continue with the guide for additional helpful information.
Lift the wiper blade away from the arm to complete the blade removal, (CAUTION:
Do not release the wiper arm and allow it to strike the windshield, this could cause
the windshield to crack).
Using the old wiper blade, do a quick comparison of the new replacement wiper,
check the length and mounting mechanism. Replacement blades can be universal which
will feature several mounting options, be sure to assemble the new blades with the
correct attachment adapter.
Position the new windshield wiper blade over the arm located near the clasp on
the wiper arm.
Pull the wiper blade over the wiper arm to align the wiper clasp.
Align the wiper clasp with the arm mount and push the wiper into place, this
action will be accompanied by a slight click letting you know the wiper is fully
installed.
After installation, pull down on the wiper blade to ensure the clasp is holding
the blade to the arm and is working correctly, at this point the wiper should pivot
freely.
Return the wiper arm to its original position to complete the job. Check additional
wipers and replace as needed using the same method as described. Clean the windshield
free from dirt before operating the new wiper blades, recheck wiper operation using
water on the windshield.
Wiper Blade Replacement Videos
Questions?
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Article published 2022-03-08
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