Changing your wiper blades is an important (and thankfully quite simple) part of regular car maintenance. Wiper blades need to be replaced annually, and you’ll find they need to be replaced when the rubber begins to corrode or crack. Read on and learn how to change front and rear wiper blades.
You may notice that the wiper blades will begin to smear water, leave a film on the windshield, or wipe the water unevenly. It’s usually a good idea to replace both wiper blades at the same time, based on the assumption that if one is worn, the other will likely need to be replaced soon as well.
How to change the windshield wiper blades?
To learn how to replace wiper blades, read the following guide:
1. Preparation to change the windshield wipers
The first thing to do before replacing and adjusting wiper blades is to:
Decide which part of the windshield wiper you need to change
The wiper system on the outside of the car consists of three parts: a rubber, the arm and a brush that is fixed or connected to the metal arm. The rubber insert that rests against the windshield glass for the most part is not available separately.
- If the wiper blade isn’t sitting against the glass with the proper tension or perhaps it’s bent, you’ll need to replace the entire wiper blade.
You must have the right brushes
Purchase the proper blades or brushes or the ones that match your car model at a motor vehicle supply store. Ask a dealer to guide you in selecting the right wiper blades or, in turn, take a measurement first on each of the old wiper blades and take those measurements with you to the store.
- You should know that the windshield wiper blades, both the one on the left side and the one on the right side, can have different sizes.
Stand up wipers
Pull the entire wiper mounting arm away from the windshield and into a standing position. Position the wiper blade in a position perpendicular to the metal arm. Repeat this same procedure but this time with the other wiper arm.
- Some windshield wipers are only two or three inches away from the windshield; if perhaps this is so in your vehicle, do not try to drive more forcefully upwards.
- On some cars it may be easier to turn on the windshield wipers and when they start to move turn off the ignition. This will allow you to move the arm up for better access to remove the wiper blade.
2. Change the wiper blades
After having followed the previous steps, you would already have everything in your favor to change the windshield wiper blades.
Release the wiper blade
Locate the small tab on the bottom of the wiper blade (near where the rubber insert meets the metal arm), then push it in (or in some cases, pull on it) to release it. You must pull down on the brush and it will roll off the hook of the metal arm.
- Chances are you may need to tap or tug on the wiper blade (or brush) a bit to remove it if you notice build-up or wear.
- Sometimes it helps to push the wiper up on the bracket, depress the tab, and then remove it.
- The bare metal arms are now exposed and if left in the upright position could snap back and damage your windshield. So, to be on the safe side, gently place the metal arms against the windshield until you’re ready to attach the new ones.
- For added security, place a rag or cloth under the metal arm as it rests on the windshield.
Take out the new windshield wiper
If the left and right windshield wipers are different sizes, make sure that the new windshield wiper matches the correct side, so it will fit the same. Force the movable hinge on the new wiper blade until the hinge is finally perpendicular to the rest of the wiper blade.
Fix sheet with metal arm
You must arrange and rectify the new brush with the metal arm so that the metal hook goes through the hole in the brush, so you have to force the metal hook through the hole in the brush.
- The metal hook has to force up against the rubber insert.
Fit the brush in place
Pull the brush up until you hear and feel it click into place.. Gently push the blade back to a resting position against the windshield.
- Repeat this process again with the other wiper blade.
Check the angle of the wiper arm
If the angle of the wiper arm is misaligned or wrong, it can cause flickering. The general rule of thumb is that the sash is at a 90 degree angle to the glass sliding in the middle. The reason it slides halfway is that it will change the angle from the top of the windshield to the bottom of the windshield due to the curvature of the glass.
Start the car and wet the windshield
Turn on the ignition and wet the windshield with washer fluid to test the new wiper blades for proper installation.
- If the new wiper blades are scratched, first try cleaning the rubber insert with alcohol wipes or a cloth soaked in mineral spirits. If the wiper blades are still scratched, check that the blades are installed correctly.
- Check that you have installed each blade on the correct side and that the wiper blade is facing correctly. If all else fails, visit your local auto parts store for help.
3. Replace the rubber insert
The next thing to do is to change the wiper rubber or rubber insert:
Locate the pads
Start by locating the pads at the end of the blade; the pads should have little tabs sticking out.
- Push the tabs and pull up on the blade to remove it from the assembly. If you find it difficult to push the tabs in, you can use a pair of needle-nose pliers to help.
- On some models, the wiper arm must be removed so the rubber insert can be properly replaced.
Slide the rubber insert out of the wiper arm
Once the tabs are past the blade clamp (near the center of the blade), try to release the tabs and force the rubber insert completely out of the arm.
- The blade is now exposed and if left in the upright position it can snap back and cause damage to your windshield. To be safe, gently place the bare blades against the windshield until you are ready to put on the new rubber inserts or rubber blades. For added security, place a rag or cloth under the blade as it rests against the windshield.
Pull out the new rubber insert
If the left and right windshield wipers are of different sizes, certify that the new comma or rubber insert matches the correct blade. Roll or run the new rubber insert over the blade, starting at the same end where you just removed the old one.
- When the rubber is already in place, make sure that the holders of the brush hold it solidly in its corresponding place. Check that the furthest pad is secured in place by the last clamp.
Put the windshield wiper back in place
Gently force the wiper blade back to a resting position against the windshield and then do the same process but with the other rubber and wiper blades.
- If the new wiper blade inserts are scratched, first try cleaning the rubber insert with alcohol wipes or a cloth soaked in mineral spirits. If the wipers are still scratched, check that the wiper blades are installed correctly
- Check that you have already installed each wiper blade on the correct side and also make sure that the wiper blade is oriented correctly.
- If all else fails, visit your local auto parts store for the proper help.
How to replace rear wiper blades?
The process of changing the rear wiper blade takes an average of 30 minutes and should be repeated annually in conjunction with the replacement of the front wiper blades. If not replaced, they may fall off during use and scratch the entire windshield or not properly clear the glass of obstructions.
Steps to change rear wiper blades
The steps to follow to properly replace the rear wiper blades are as follows:
- Lift the plastic cover off the rear wiper blade.. Unscrew the 13mm screws with a flathead screwdriver. Lift up the wiper arm and the plastic cover under the arm. Unscrew the 22mm bolts and remove the scraper. Get in the car and get in the back seat.
- Remove the rear wiper panel and unplug the wiper motor. Unscrew the 10mm screws. Remove the wiper motor unit from inside, then get out of the car and loosen the old wiper blade from the wiper unit. Replace the old wiper blade with the new one.
- Fix the wiper blade to the wiper blade outside and then go back into the car and fix the wiper motor and screw the drive back into place with the 10mm screws. Get back out of the car and screw in the 22mm bolts.
- Return the wiper arm to its original position so that the new blade touches the rear view window.. Thread the 13mm bolts back in and reattach the plastic cap to the rear wiper.
- Check the windshield wipers. Start the car and then turn on the rear windshield wipers.
Keep the screws in a magnetic tray to prevent them from being lost during the replacement process.
Tips
Here are a number of tips that will also help you in this process:
- Before starting this maintenance process you can turn on your car’s ignition, activate the windshield wipers and then turn off the ignition when it is in the middle of its arc. Stopping them in this position can make changing blades a bit easier..
- For details on purchasing and installing the right or matching wiper blades for your car, consult your owner’s manual.
- Most auto supply stores will replace your wiper blades for free when you buy new blades from them.
- Run an alcohol pad or rag dipped in mineral spirits across the blade’s rubber to clean and extend the rubber’s wear.
things you will need
The things you will need to change the front and rear wiper blades are:
For front wiper:
- Replacement wiper blades or rubber inserts
- Needle nose pliers (optional)
- Two pieces of cloth or cloth (optional)
for rear wiper:
- flat head screwdriver
- 8mm wrench
- 12mm wrench
- 15mm wrench
- 22mm wrench
- Needle nose pliers (you also need it here)
- vehicle guide
- magnetic tray
