Replace windscreen wiper blades easily with this simple step by step guide. You could take your car to the mechanic to have them changed, but it’s just as easy to change them yourself. The fitting process is identical for the vast majority of cars on the road.
Step One
Know what part of the blade to change. Windshield wipers are made with three basic parts: the lower wiper arm that extends from the base of the windshield, the metal blade attached to the lower arm, and the rubber blade that actually wipes the windshield. When your windshield wiper blades, you’re really only changing the rubber blades that get worn down by water and inclement weather.
Step Two
Buy replacement blades. To find out what size replacement blades you need, measure the old rubber blades using a ruler or measuring tape. Write down the exact measurements, then go to an auto parts store and buy rubber blades in those exact sizes.Don’t assume that the left and right wiper take the same size blade. One side is often an inch or two shorter than the other.Wiper blades usually run about $15.00 a piece. You’ll save the cost of labor by installing them yourself.
Step Three
Raise the metal wiper arm away from the windshield. It should be able to hold steady in a position perpendicular to the windshield. Be careful with the positioning; the metal wiper arm is spring-loaded, and it could snap back and crack your windshield.
Step Four
Unhook the old wiper blade. Look at the joint where the rubber wiper blade meets the metal arm. There should be a small plastic stopper holding the blade in place. Press the stopper and unhook the old wiper blade to separate it from the metal arm.Some wiper blades have pins to hold the rubber wiper in place, rather than a hook.Make sure one hand is holding the wiper away from the windshield during this entire process.You may want to protect your windshield with a folded towel, just in case you the arm snaps back while you’re trying to change the wiper.
Step Five
Insert the new wiper. Slide the refill wiper into the same end of the arm where you pulled the old wiper out. Gently pivot the new wiper until the hook snaps into place to secure it. Lay the wiper back against the windshield.
Step Six
Repeat with the second wiper. The procedure is exactly the same for replacing the second wiper. Just make sure you use the correct size for each side.