Windshield wipers are made of rubber, so after several months of cleaning snow, rain, and dust from the windshield they wear out naturally. You can take your car to the workshop to have them changed, but it is very easy to change them yourself. The process to change them is identical for most cars on the market.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Getting Ready to Change Your Windshield Wipers
Step 1. Find out which part of the windshield wiper you need to change
Windshield wipers are made up of three basic parts: the lower arm that extends from the base of the windshield, the metal or plastic blade attached to the lower arm, and the rubber feather (edge) that cleans the windshield itself. When your windshield wiper wears out, the only thing you change is the rubber feathers that wear out from water and inclement weather.
Step 2. Measure the size of the replacement pens you need and buy
To find the size of replacement pens you need, measure your old rubbers using a ruler or tape measure. Write down the exact measurements and take them to an auto parts store to purchase the rubber pens with those exact measurements.
- Don't assume that the left and right arms are the same pen size. Usually one is about 2, 5-5 cm (1-2 inches) shorter than the other.
- Windshield wipers typically cost about $ 15 each. You will save the assembly cost if you change them yourself.
Part 2 of 3: Installing the New Windshield Wipers
Step 1. Lift the metal arm off the windshield
It should be able to hold steady in a position perpendicular to the windshield. Please be careful when you put it on; The metal arm is spring loaded and can return to its original position and crack your windshield.
Step 2. Unhook the old rubber pen
Look at the joint where the rubber meets the metal arm. There should be a small plastic stop holding the blade in place. Squeeze the stopper and unhook the old rubber pen to separate it from the metal arm.
- Some windshield wipers have pins to hold the rubber pen in place instead of a hook.
- Make sure one hand holds the wiper away from the windshield throughout the process.
- You can protect your windshield with a folded towel, to protect it in case the arm snaps back into position while you try to change the windshield wiper.
Step 3. Insert the new windshield wiper
Slide the refill over the same exit point on the arm that you removed the old pen from. Gently twist the new wiper until the hook snaps back into place and locks it into place. Place the windshield wiper against the windshield.
Step 4. Repeat on the second windshield wiper
The procedure is exactly the same for changing the second windshield wiper. Just make sure you wear the correct size on each side.
Part 3 of 3: figuring out when to change the windshield wipers
Step 1. Examine the windshield wipers for cracks
Old windshield wipers get tough and break over time, especially in hot, dry weather. If it looks like your windshield wiper has lost its elasticity, you should probably replace it.
Step 2. Pay attention the next time it rains
If your windshield wipers leave water spots on the windshield that make it difficult to see through the rain, the rubber has probably lost its grip.