You’ve been there or don’t want to be there – the first big summer thunderstorm hits, and it is time to turn on your wipers. You flip the knob, and suddenly, the plastic liner on one of the wiper blades flops off and waves at you, making a sponge noise against the window, or maybe the blade itself flings off somewhere onto the side of the road, leaving you blind and wet.
Now what?
You’ll need to change or replace your wiper blades. The good news is that the task isn’t impossible, and you can do it from the comfort of your driveway or parking spot without much work – you don’t have to go to the repair shop!
You’ll need these tools:
- Two brand-new wiper blades
(Shop distributor-priced brand-name blades at Motor Supply Co )
- Rubbing alcohol
- A clean rag
- A spray bottle of glass cleaner
- A spray bottle of water
Total Cost: $20-25 for two blades (one per package, average $8.32)
You Could Save: Up to $70-90! That’s the average cost of having two windshield wipers replaced at an auto repair shop, per Kelley Blue Book .
Step One: Get New Wiper Blades
The first and most essential step is to buy the correct blades for your car’s make and model. After all, if you were buying a pair of glasses, you would need to make sure they fit on your head, right? A quick Google search will help you find the right option for your car, and there are also reliable options on most auto parts websites that will help you find the right size for your make and model.
Of course, if you are replacing one, it is a good idea to replace the other – your blades wipe simultaneously; they are likely both as worn as the other!
If you’re in the market for new wiper blades, check out the selection at Motor Supply Co – they offer distributor pricing to all customers – you don’t have to be in the auto business to shop with them! In addition, they offer a wide selection of TRICO® blades, known for a defect rate of less than 20 per million units – ahead of many other manufacturers.
Step Two: Prep Your Work Area
Move your car into a safe space with some working space on both the passenger and driver’s side. Next, turn on your vehicle and give the windshield a good coating of wiper fluid. Once you’ve thoroughly wet the windshield, turn on your wipers and stop them once they are horizontal to your view – from tip to tip, the blades should be pointing hood-roof. You may be able to turn off your wipers and stop them independently, or you may simply have to turn your car off, depending on your make and model.
Step Three: Anatomy Class
1. Wiper Blades: The wiper blades are the actual arms that sweep across the windshield to remove rain, snow, or debris. They are typically made of rubber or silicone and attached to metal arms.
2. Wiper Arms: The wiper arms hold the wiper blades and move them back and forth across the windshield. They are usually made of metal or plastic.
3. Wiper Motor: The wiper motor is the power source that drives the wiper arms and blades. It is typically located under the hood near the base of the windshield.
4. Linkages: Linkages connect the wiper motor to the wiper arms and transfer the motion from the motor to the arms. They are usually made of metal or plastic and can vary in design depending on the type of wiper assembly.
5. Wiper Fluid Reservoir: The wiper fluid reservoir stores the fluid used to clean the windshield while the wipers operate. It is usually located under the hood and can be refilled as needed.
6. Washer Pump: The washer pump is responsible for spraying the wiper fluid onto the windshield. It is typically located in the wiper fluid reservoir and is powered by the car’s electrical system.
7. Nozzles: The nozzles are small openings on the hood or windshield that spray the wiper fluid onto the windshield. They can be adjusted to ensure the fluid is evenly distributed across the windshield.
8. Clips: These typically come in different formats depending on your make and model but generally come in J-hook, clip, or push configurations.
Step Four: Remove the Old Blades
Gently pull the wiper toward yourself to bring it away from the windshield, then look at the arm. Depending on the make or model of your car, there may be a few different ways your blades connect with the arm assembly.
1. J-Hook: Push the clip toward the wiper arm while sliding the blade down toward the windshield – this is usually a two-handed job. The old blade should slip free.
2. Push: Some models of blade arms simply require you to grip your fingers in a U-shape around the connection point and pull toward yourself. This will pull the blade free.
3. Clip: There may be a small clip used to hold the blade to the arm – you should be able to flick the clip into “open” with just your finger, but if you have trouble, it may take just a little push from the end of a flathead screwdriver. Once unclipped, pull the old blade free.
Step Five: Install the New Blades
Out with the old, in with the new! With the arms now bare, it is time to open the packaging containing your new blades and prep them for installation. In the meantime, look at the hooks where your old wiper blades were installed – if they are dirty, give them a quick scrub with a cloth and some rubbing alcohol; now’s the chance!
1. J-Hook: Reverse the operation. Push the blade down toward the windshield onto the hook. The blade will lock into place with a click.
2. Push: Reverse the operation. Grip your fingers around the connection point in a U-shape and pull toward yourself. This will lock the blade in – once it is in place, you should hear a click.
3. Clip: Reverse the operation. Push the blade onto the hook and securely re-clip the tab to hold the blade in place.
Step Six: Clean Up and Reset
With your new wiper blades installed, you’re nearly ready to go! Take a moment to do yourself a favor and manually clean your windshield. Once you’re done, lower the arms again to reset the blades, and you’re ready to rock.
Step Seven: Get Back on the Road!
Replacing your windshield wipers is a simple and important maintenance task that can improve your visibility and safety while driving and extend the life of your vehicle. By following these steps and taking the time to choose the right wipers for your vehicle, you can ensure that you have clear, streak-free vision in all weather conditions. Don’t wait until your wipers are completely worn out before replacing them. Instead, make it a regular part of your vehicle maintenance routine, and you’ll be able to drive with confidence, no matter what the weather throws your way.
Sources and Further Reading:
1. “How to Replace Windshield Wipers: A Step-by-Step Guide.” AutoGuide.com, 11 Mar. 2020, https://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2020/03/how-to-replace-windshield-wipers.html .
2. “When to Replace Windshield Wipers.” Consumer Reports, 3 Dec. 2021, https://www.consumerreports.org/car-maintenance/when-to-replace-windshield-wipers/ .
3. “How to Choose the Right Windshield Wiper Blades.” Popular Mechanics, 17 Mar. 2020, https://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/how-to/a31076128/how-to-choose-right-windshield-wiper-blades/ .
4. “How Often Should You Replace Windshield Wiper Blades?” The Drive, 23 Feb. 2022, https://www.thedrive.com/maintenance-repair/29313/how-often-should-you-replace-windshield-wiper-blades .
5. “The Importance of Replacing Windshield Wipers.” Bridgestone Tires, 20 Oct. 2021, https://www.bridgestonetire.com/tread-and-trend/drivers-ed/importance-of-replacing-windshield-wipers .