Car maintenance tips you need to know
These basic car maintenance tips are essential for your car’s longevity.
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- Changing your own wipers is quick and easy.
- Save time and money by replacing yourself instead of going to the dealer.
The windshield wiper is one of the most important parts of your car. If you’ve ever experienced roads during severe bad weather and if we all have, you know what we’re talking about.
Without wipers, it is almost impossible to survive the rain and snow. No one wants to make driving even more dangerous already. Like the rest of the vehicle, they break down and need to be replaced in the end.
There are several options when it comes to maintenance. You can either replace it at a dealer or an automatic repair shop or process it yourself to save time and money.
Here we present a quick and useful guide to help you take turns like a pro.
Make sure you have the right size
Windshield wipers have a specific size for each vehicle, with the left wipers slightly longer than the right of most makers and models. To find the right size wiper for your car, you can look up the manual that comes with your vehicle, search online, ask employees at the auto retailer, or measure them yourself.
Make sure the windshield is clean
Before you begin replacing the blade, spray the windshield into a glass cleaner and wipe it completely with a microfiber towel. This removes dirt, residue and other contaminants from the glass, and keeps them clean once new blades are installed.
Raise the wiper arm and wipe off the old blade
To remove loose debris, you will need to wipe off the old blades with a microfiber towel. Gently lift the wiper arms and make sure they hold firmly. Most wiper arms are made of metal or hard plastic and can break the windshield if they are actively knocked down into the working position. Keep that in mind when dealing with them.
Remove the old blades and replace the pair
First, press the release button. This is usually where the arm and blade connect. Once the blade is loose, pull it out and set it aside, then repeat the same as the others. Many wiper blade packages come with multiple adapters, so make sure you have the right adapter for your wipers. Connect the adapter to the blade and clamp it to the arm. When you hear the click, you will see it is in place. Once the first blade is set up, repeat the process with the other blades.
Be sure to test it
It may seem like a new wiper is ready, but don’t be too careful. Be sure to test the wipers by turning them on at different speeds to ensure they stay connected. It’s important to go on the drive and see if they stay in place. Don’t forget to use the windshield washer feature to make sure there are no streaks left.
Is the process the same for the rear windshield wiper?
Yes, the process of changing the rear wiper blade is the same as the front. Before you begin, make sure you have a blade of the right size and clean the rear window. Most importantly, make sure you test your blades before hitting the road.
How long do the windshield wipers last and how often should they be replaced?
It is best to replace the windshield wiper every 12 months. If you believe they will hold on, you can keep them a little longer. Once you notice wear, you need to replace them so you’re ready in case you get through the rough weather unexpectedly.
Windshield wipers are an important but often overlooked part of the vehicle. In clear weather conditions, they are non-factors, but key to safe driving in rain and snow. Now you can save time and money by making changes yourself, and you can quickly get back to the road.
