Windshield wipers are an important part of your vehicle's safety equipment. Worn-out or damaged windshield wipers can cause visibility problems that could lead to an accident. You should change them at least once a year, and more often if you drive in harsh conditions.
Clean the Windshield Glass
Start by cleaning the windshield glass. Use a glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth to remove all existing dirt, grime, and debris from the windshield. Don't use paper towels to clean your car's windshield; they can scratch it and leave behind residue that will make it harder for you to see through. If you want to avoid scratching your own car's windshield, never clean it with household cleaning products -- they can damage the glass!
Locate the Wiper Arm
The wiper arms are usually located on the driver's side of the windshield, but some vehicles have a wiper arm for each side of the car. If you can't locate one, check your vehicle owner's manual for diagrams and instructions. If you still can't find it, look under your hood for any cables or wires that may be attached to something that looks like an arm or lever.
Remove the Wiper Arm
If you want to replace your windshield wipers, first you'll need to remove the old ones from your windshield. To do this, grab hold of the wiper arm and gently pull it straight out from underneath where it meets with your car's windshield frame (see image). If there is any resistance or tension, look for any obstructions in between that may be causing friction and try removing them before continuing on with step 4 below.
Remove the Wiper Blade
This step is identical to how you'd remove a wiper blade from your car's windshield, so if you've ever done that before, it should be easy. If not: Use a screwdriver or mallet to remove the wiper arm from the wiper blade. You may need to apply more force than usual-the rubber may be frozen onto the car. Remove this by using either an adjustable wrench or channel locks (depending on what kind of wiper arm you have).
Replace the Wiper Blade
It's time to replace the old, cruddy-looking wiper blades with a new set of shiny ones. Make sure they're clean before you install them on your car and use a little bit of oil to help them slide on easily. Make sure that they're attached to the arm securely and won't fall off in any more than two weeks (unless you don't mind buying another set).
Attach the New Wiper Blade
Before you attach the new wiper blade, make sure it is securely attached to the arm. If you are not sure if they are attached properly or not, detach them and reattach them until they are completely secure. The last thing that you want is your windshield wipers flying off mid-driving because of an improperly installed blade. Check that the new blade is aligned properly on both sides of your car so that it does not rub against your windshield when turned on.
Maintaining your Wiper Blades
Wiper blades should be replaced at least twice a year, unless they are just a few months old. Wiper blades should also be replaced if they are streaking or smearing, if they're missing pieces, or if they're cracked or torn. If you see any of these problems with your windshield wipers then it's time to get new ones!
In addition to getting new wiper blades when yours aren't working properly, you should also think about replacing them once every five years or so regardless of how well they seem to be functioning. This is because rubber parts will lose their elasticity over time and need replacing for safety reasons as well as performance ones.
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