The only thing more frustrating than being caught in the rain with windshield wiper blades that aren’t keeping the windshield clear is trying to replace your windshield wiper blades and not having a clue how to go about it.
Fortunately, replacing windshield wiper blades is one of the simplest types of maintenance you can do on a car, and it’s a great task to begin learning about the specifics of your particular car. The more you know about your car and its maintenance, the better the chances that you’ll be able to keep your car running well for a long time to come.
The first consideration with replacing windshield wiper blades is not the “how,” but the “when.” Pick a regular time, about once a month when the sun is shining and you aren’t actively using the blades to take a look at your windshield wiper blades. Look for signs of wear as well as signs that the blades are cracking, drying out, or losing their pliability. Signs of wear include fraying edges, the blade not lying snugly against the windshield, or any problem with the tension in the arm holding the blade against the windshield. If you see any of these signs, it’s time to replace the blades.
When a windshield wiper blade is beginning to fail, there’s no way to repair it – replacement is your only choice. And as windshield wiper blades are relatively inexpensive and readily available, there’s no reason you should endanger your safety – and that of others – by driving with failing windshield wiper blades.
As for the mechanics of replacing the wiper blades themselves, this will depend on the way the manufacturer of your car has configured the attachments that hold the wiper blades in place. These can range from screws, to snaps, to clips, to grooves into which the blade is placed, depending on the configuration used on your car. Check your owner’s manual, look at the blades themselves, or ask a mechanic to show you how the blades are attached on your car. Once you have this information, actually replacing the blades is the next step and is a fairly straightforward process.
However, all wiper blades are not created equal. To purchase new wiper blades, you’ll need to know the year, make and model of your automobile. Once you’ve purchased the right blades, be sure to read the entire package – there are often replacement tips on the package that you’ll find helpful.
In addition, as there are so many variations on attachments, it would be impossible to provide universal directions in the space of a single article. Your best bet is to look at the package directions together with your owner’s manual, and see if the process makes sense to you. If it does, proceed. If not, take your replacement blades to your local mechanic and ask them to show you what needs to be done. If you’re regularly checking your blades as recommended, you’ll be taking care of this replacement on a sunny day when driving to your local mechanic won’t be a problem.
The regular replacement of your windshield wiper blades can help keep you and your family – not to mention everyone else on the road with you – safer. When you learn how to perform this simple task yourself, you’ll not only save money – you’ll also feel a great deal of pride in knowing that you’re caring for your car, and for the safety of yourself and others.
