Changing wiper blades is essential vehicle maintenance that helps keep your windshield clean and provides a clear view of the road. Wiper blade replacement is a straightforward task accomplished in just a few minutes and even fewer steps.

Read on to learn how to change the wiper blades for your car to ensure smooth operation and good visibility when driving.

Determine the Correct Replacement Blades

Wiper blades are not one-size-fits-all, so you must choose the correct replacements for your vehicle. The cost ranges from less than $8 to more than $30 for a single blade. Driver- and passenger-side wiper blades often are different lengths. Use a tape measure, check your owner’s manual, or use an online resource to find the correct blade size and type. Auto parts stores also have databases or printed size guides to help you find the appropriate wiper blades for your vehicle.

Remove the Old Wiper Blades

Changing wiper blades is a simple DIY fix requiring little preparation after buying the compatible replacements. Have a towel handy for wiping your hands, and you may need a small flat-head screwdriver, depending on your wiper blade design. These instructions are for wiper arms that have a hook connection type. New wiper blades typically come with adapters to be compatible with other connection types.

• Use the car’s accessory mode to stop the wipers while pointing up during mid-swipe, if possible. Not every vehicle allows it, but having the arm in that position makes wiper blade installation easier.
• Open the replacement blade packaging to have the new wiper blade ready to install.
• Lift the wiper arm away from the windshield until it locks in the extended position.
• Pivot the blade perpendicular to the arm and locate the release tab or button on the wiper blade, which can vary depending on the design.
• Press the release tab or button and slide the wiper blade downward, away from the wiper arm. Pivoting the blade parallel to the arm might make it easier to slide down. Sometimes, you may need a small flat-head screwdriver to help release the blade.
• Carefully remove it from the assembly once the blade is free from the wiper arm hook.

Work on replacing wiper blades one at a time. That way, you can refer to an installed blade if you get confused.

Install New Wiper Blades

Here’s how to replace wiper blades that have worn out:

• Look at the new wiper blade and align it with the wiper arm. Ensure the wiper blade’s adapter or hook matches the wiper arm’s connection point.
• Slide the new wiper blade upward onto the wiper arm until you hear or feel it click into place. Make sure it is securely attached.
• Gently lower the wiper arm back onto the windshield, taking care not to let it snap back against the glass.
• Repeat the wiper blader removal and installation procedure on the other side.

Test the New Wiper Blades

After installing new wiper blades, it’s necessary to test them to ensure they are working correctly:

• Turn on your vehicle’s ignition and activate the wiper control.
• Spray windshield washer fluid and observe the new wiper blades moving across the windshield. Check for smooth, streak-free operation.
• Test at different speeds to ensure the new blades stay attached and perform effectively under various conditions.
• Listen for unusual noises or vibrations, indicating incorrect installation or defective blades.

How Often to Change Wiper Blades

At a minimum, changing wiper blades should be an annual maintenance task. However, worn-out blades lead to poor visibility, so inspect them regularly for damage to avoid the safety hazard of having blades that don’t clear the windshield.

Replace the wiper blades for both sides of the front windshield and the rear window, if the vehicle has one, at the same time.

Much like jump-starting a car and changing a flat tire, knowing how to change windshield wiper blades is an essential skill for every driver.

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