Dealership vs. Independent Mechanics

Your car is made up of many moving parts, and at some time or another, they need to be replaced. One part you might not spend a lot of time thinking about is your windshield wipers. The only time you give them any real thought is when it's raining. However, over time, your wipers begin to fail and don't remove as much water as they once did, making it hard to see while driving in the rain. If you live in some place that gets a lot of rain, you might need to change your wiper blades more often than you would if you lived somewhere drier. Knowing how to change windshield wipers is a skill that you can learn quickly and that saves you money over the life of your vehicle. Here's a look at how to replace windshield wipers on your car. The Critical Question: When to Change Windshield Wipers? The average lifespan of a windshield wiper is six to twelve months. Some signs that it's time to change your wiper blades include: Streaking or smearing Skipping or jumping Chattering or squeaking Unwiped areas Cracks or tears Warped or bent frame Rounded or worn edge If you see one or more of these signs, it might be time to replace your blades. Selecting the Right Replacement Blade You need to know the size of your windshield wiper blade, and this information is available in your vehicle's owner's manual. If your budget is tight, you can opt for conventional wipers or splurge on high-performance, all-weather wiper blades. Check the blades' attachment type to ensure it fits on your wiper arm. Step-by-Step Guide: How to Change Windshield Wipers There are a few simple steps for how to change windshield wipers. Even for a first try, it shouldn't take you longer than 10 to 15 minutes to replace your wiper blades. The steps are: Place your key in the ignition and turn it to the on position. The engine should not turn over. Turn on your windshield wipers and turn them off again when they reach a vertical position. Turn the car back off. Pull the wiper blade away from the glass. When you pull it out far enough, you'll feel it click into place, where it will remain stable. At an angle, turn the blade away from the wiper. At the bottom of the arm, you'll see a lock pin or tab. Squeeze it to release the blade. Slide the blade out from the arm and remove it. Slide the new wiper blade through the wiper arm's channel. Pull the tab through the bottom of the arm and press it into place. The sound of a click tells you the blade is in place. Repeat the steps on the other windshield wiper blade. Extending the Life of Your Wipers New windshield wiper blades are an investment in your car, truck, or SUV. You want them to last as long as possible. Here are a few tips for extending the life of your wiper blades: Keep them clean by wiping them with a damp cloth regularly, Use a soft cloth with washer fluid to clean the blades themselves Keep your windshield clean to avoid abrasive dirt Contact Our Service Center for a Professional Installation While you need to know the steps for how to change windshield wipers, you can navigate this chore with minimal effort on your part. You don't want to have to pay someone to do it for you. At Visalia Ford, we can help you get the replacement parts you need or provide professional service for your car, truck, or SUV. Contact us now to order your new windshield wipers. Frequently Asked Questions How often should you change windshield wipers? The average lifespan of a windshield wiper is six to twelve months. If you live somewhere that gets a lot of rain, you might need to change your wiper blades more often than you would if you lived somewhere drier. What are the signs that windshield wipers need to be replaced? Signs that it's time to change your wiper blades include streaking or smearing, skipping or jumping, chattering or squeaking, unwiped areas, cracks or tears, a warped or bent frame, and a rounded or worn edge. How do you change windshield wipers? Place your key in the ignition and turn it to the on position without starting the engine. Turn on your wipers and turn them off when they reach a vertical position, then turn the car off. Pull the wiper blade away from the glass until it clicks into place. Turn the blade away from the wiper at an angle, squeeze the lock pin or tab at the bottom of the arm to release the blade, and slide it out. Slide the new blade through the wiper arm's channel, pull the tab through the bottom of the arm, and press it into place until you hear a click. Repeat on the other side. How long does it take to change windshield wipers? Even for a first try, it shouldn't take you longer than 10 to 15 minutes to replace your wiper blades. How do you extend the life of windshield wiper blades? Keep them clean by wiping them with a damp cloth regularly, use a soft cloth with washer fluid to clean the blades themselves, and keep your windshield clean to avoid abrasive dirt. Image Source: GS23 /Shutterstock

Ford truck owners know the value of their truck. Upgrading a Ford truck with must-have accessories and tools makes it that much better. Whether you're upgrading your truck to equip it for work, travel, or everyday use, Groppetti Auto Family in Visalia, California, is here to guide you through the top Ford truck accessories on the market. Power and Illumination for the Job Site Make sure your Ford truck is ready for whatever the workday brings. A remote start system allows you to start your engine and pre-condition your car from a distance, so that it's ready whenever you are. If you need off-roading abilities or extra traction support, consider upgrading the wheels or tires. You can choose different sizes and materials, including tires that are specially made for summer or winter. Custom Ford truck toolboxes fit into your bed for easy access and superior organization. Find the toolbox system that works for you, choosing from lockable options, side mount styles, low profile styles, chest toolboxes, and more. When a job needs to be done after the sun is down, there's nothing like having LED lights integrated on your truck's bull bar. You can also boost visibility with enhanced LED cargo lighting for the interior. Essential Towing and Hauling Upgrades Do you do a lot of hauling with your Ford truck? Step up with a tailgate step or ladder. This is an easy upgrade that keeps you safer and allows you to conveniently access your gear or load in the truck bed. A foldable design keeps the tailgate step or ladder out of the way when not in use. Looking for an accessory that makes it easier to carry more gear? Find Ford truck racks that fit your rig. Towing upgrades for your Ford truck include a towing hitch with a stainless steel hitch ball, which gives your truck the extra strength to tow up to 6,000 lbs. When you are towing a trailer, boat, or camper, upgrade your mirrors to tow mirrors, designed to give the driver more visibility for safer driving. Ensure smooth braking with a Ford trailer brake controller. Customizing Your Ford F-150 Experience For the ultimate Ford F-150 experience, consider upgrading with the best F-150 accessories. Keep your truck bed in excellent condition with the help of a durable bed liner. A premium tonneau cover designed specifically for your truck keeps whatever is in your bed protected and secure. Tonneau covers come in soft, roll-up options and durable, hardcover options. Protect the interior of your F-150 with all-weather floor liners that trap dirt and water and are easy to clean. A bed extender is the perfect Ford F-150 accessory for owners who like to haul oversized items, such as lumber, ladders, or kayaks. The bed extender stabilizes the cargo and keeps it safer on the road, and retractable tie-down anchors keep everything strapped down. The Ford F-150 can be customized with Pro Power Onboard™, a feature that gives your truck the ability to serve as a mobile generator. It has three levels of electrical output to meet your power needs. Need extra illumination behind your F-150? Enhance the functionality and style of your Ford truck with tailgate lights bars. Solar-powered options allow for wireless, multi-purpose lighting that can be easily mounted without a drill. Let's Upgrade Your Ford Truck Take your Ford truck to the next level with accessories and tools that make your job easier and your truck better. Contact the Visalia Ford Parts or Sales Team to discuss your options. We're here to help you get the most out of your Ford truck!

You rely on your Ford key fob battery to lock and unlock your doors. In some cases, it also helps to start your car or offer reassurances when you hit the Panic button. However, there may come a time when you click the button and nothing happens. It's time to change the battery. Here's a look at everything you need to know: The Telltale Signs of a Dying Battery You probably don't spend a lot of time thinking about your key fob battery. This is okay because there will be warning signs when it's time to replace the battery. Some signs are subtle while others are obvious. Here's a look at a few of the telltale signs of a dying battery: Bad signal strength Reduced signal range Locking and unlocking are delayed Warning lights on the dashboard Difficulty starting the car Unresponsive buttons Inconsistent performance If you've noticed any of these signs, it's time to go ahead and change the battery before it fails. Preparation: Necessary Tools and Battery Selection When it's time to replace your key fob battery, you want to have everything you need on hand. You need to assemble your tools, including a screwdriver and the new battery. It's a good idea to locate your owner's manual and read the instructions for replacing the battery a couple of times before you get started. You want to quickly and easily change the battery without looking for additional tools or going to the store for a different size battery. Before you take the first step in replacing your Ford key fob battery, you should verify the size battery based on the year and model of your vehicle. Step-by-Step Guide: Replacing the Ford Key Fob Battery Depending on the year and trim level, the answer for how to replace the battery in a Ford key fob may vary a little. The type of Ford key fob battery can be one of three major types of batteries. Here's a look at the steps: Release the key blade. If it's an older model, you'll need to manually release it, while newer models have a button to release it. Gently pry the key fob open using a screwdriver. Start at the key blade, and insert the screwdriver at that end. Wiggle the screwdriver, and the plastic cover should pop off, revealing the battery underneath. Use the screwdriver to pry the battery out. Ensuring the plus side is up, replace the battery. Click the key fob cover back in place. If you have any challenges in replacing your key fob battery, consult your owner's manual for specific instructions for your year and model. Troubleshooting and Parts You need a minimum of tools and parts to change your key fob battery. These tools include: A replacement battery, typically CR2032 or CR2025 Small flathead screwdriver When you're replacing your battery, you might run into a problem. Here's some help with troubleshooting the process: Placing the battery in the incorrect position. The positive side should be facing up. When you take off the cover, take a picture of the battery before removing it, so you can ensure correct placement. The fob doesn't work when the casing is replaced. Press down the buttons slowly to see if they click back in place. If that doesn't work, you may need to take it to a professional. Contact the Visalia Ford Service Center for More Complex Issues or Professional Assistance When it's time to replace the key fob battery, you need to act quickly. Visalia Ford Service Center can get the parts you need. For more complex issues, we want to be your first call. Contact us now. Frequently Asked Questions What are the signs of a dying Ford key fob battery? Signs of a dying key fob battery include bad signal strength, reduced signal range, delayed locking and unlocking, warning lights on the dashboard, difficulty starting the car, unresponsive buttons, and inconsistent performance. What battery does a Ford key fob use? A Ford key fob typically uses a CR2032 or CR2025 battery. How do you replace a Ford key fob battery? Release the key blade, then gently pry the key fob open using a screwdriver starting at the key blade end. Wiggle the screwdriver until the plastic cover pops off, revealing the battery. Use the screwdriver to pry the battery out, then replace it with the positive side facing up and click the cover back in place. What should I do if my key fob still doesn't work after replacing the battery? Press down the buttons slowly to see if they click back in place. If that doesn't work, you may need to take it to a professional. Image Source: Anatoliy Cherkas /Shutterstock