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.
Image Source: GS23/Shutterstock
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