Learning how to change wiper blades is a simple yet overlooked skill every driver should learn. An optimal wiper blade will help improve the windshield’s visibility, especially during rainy or snowy conditions.
Instead, worn-out wiper blades harm your safety and may damage the windshield. You don’t want to drive in the snow only to find the worn-out blades.
Fortunately, replacing the blades is a breeze and can be done by almost anyone in 15 minutes. This guide will teach you the step-by-step process of how to change your wiper blades. Besides, we will discuss symptoms, choosing suitable blades, and other essential questions.
Symptoms of Bad Wiper Blades
If you suspect your wiper blades have become damaged or faulty, some signs will let you know. Signs indicating your wiper blades need to be replaced include:
Streaking lines on glass: if you notice a streak of water/debris as your wiper blades move, it indicates worn-out blades. In this case, the rubber around the blades may be faulty or weakened.
Noisy wiper blade: You will often hear a squeaking noise from the wiper blades. The noises usually start when the wiper is in motion, indicating wear and tear of the wiper blades. It may be from the rubber on the blade or edges.
Visible splits and cracks: Over time, small cracks and splits may appear on a wiper blade, reducing the blade’s effectiveness. Most times, cracks are caused by exposure to sunlight, heat, and other elements you may encounter while driving. To resolve this issue, you must replace wiper blades or inserts that have become faulty.
Uneven Pressure: You may notice streaks or residue around some windscreen areas. Here, a part of the wiper blade may be higher or lower than the other. It causes an uneven distribution of pressure when cleaning your windshield.
If you notice these signs during inspection or driving, replacing corrupt wiper blades or inserts is the call of time.
Read Also: Windshield Wiper Not Touching Glass: Causes and Fixes
How Do You Purchase a New Wiper Blade?
You just noticed certain defects with your wiper blade; your best and safest option is to purchase a new one. However, before buying a new wiper blade, ensure you pick the right fit for your vehicle.
Here is how to purchase a new wiper blade for your vehicle:
Measure the correct size.
First, determine the wiper size that would fit your vehicle accurately. You can check the owner’s manual for this information, consult online sources, or drive into an auto part store for technical assistance if unavailable.
Check Compatibility:
Your new wiper blade should match your vehicle’s make, model, and year. For instance, if you are searching to replace the windshield wiper arm, you should abide by all the specific instructions provided by our vehicle manufacturer.
Explore competitive prices
First-time buyers may need to Skim prices from different dealerships. It is normal for prices to differ depending on the quality and brand of the product. The idea is to go for the best available option within your budget.
Seek Quality
Buy quality blades even though they may cost more than regular ones. Quality blades have extended lifespans and will give more value for money.
How to change wiper blades?
Step 1: Purchase a new wiper blade: ensure that the blade you buy fits your vehicle correctly. You can consult your manual to find the correct size for replacement. If you don’t have access to a manual, you measure the wiper yourself or go to a repair store with the old wiper blades. Generally, you must choose sizes from “9 to 32”. A short wiper blade wouldn’t cover your windshield properly.
Step 2: Gently pull the wiper arm away from your windshield: Proceed with care as you lift the wiper arm. A slight mistake can cause the wiper to fling back toward your windscreen and cause damage.
Step 3: Locate the release mechanism: The release mechanism is usually a tab where the wiper blade connects to the wiper arm.
Step 4: Remove the old wiper blade: once you’ve located the tab near the wiper arm, slide the old blade downwards to remove it. On how to change wiper blades j-hook, turn the blade sideways to form a T-shape, then pull down on the tab between the metal backing and the rubber blade to remove it.
Step 5: Attach your new wiper blade: Slide it upwards to connect it to the wiper arm. This motion here would be the opposite of how you remove the old blade. If you need help installing hook wiper blades, align the blade with the hook attachment on your wiper arm to ensure a secure and snug fit.
Step 6: Check to ensure proper attachment: Double-check that the blade sits securely in place before lowering the wiper arm back onto the windshield. Turn on your wipers and check if the new blade is functioning properly. Make sure it clears the windshield without leaving streaks or making unusual noises.
Step 7: Change the other wiper blade: Repeat this process to change the second wiper blade.
You must follow a process specific to your vehicle. Each process can vary slightly between vehicle models. If you drive a honda civic, you must follow specific instructions on changing the wiper blades. Likewise, if you drive a BMW 5 Series, consult your vehicle’s manual for specific instructions or variations on changing wiper blades on the BMW 5 series.
Read Also: Windshield Wiper Fluid Not Coming Out: Causes and Fixes
What happens if you don’t change the wiper blade right time?
Using a faulty wiper blade isn’t safe, especially when driving in extreme weather conditions is dangerous. It immediately becomes a safety hazard when you have poor vision.
Here are something that happens if you don’t change your wiper blade on time:
Visibility on the road is reduced: with a faulty wiper blade, your ability to properly view obstacles while driving is affected. It would negatively impact your driving experience. It may cause you to make dangerous stretches, twists, and turns as you circumvent your way to see more clearly.
It becomes a safety Hazard: Driving without a proper working wiper blade is a safety hazard. Your impaired vision can easily cause a road accident. It is as easy as that. A slight distraction or inability to see clearly may be all it takes. So, anytime you drive with a bad wiper blade, you put yourself and innocent pedestrians at risk.
Damage to the windshield:
Worn wiper blades with hardened or damaged edges can scratch or damage your windshield. Over time visible cracks may appear on your windshield, which impairs visibility. If this issue is not curbed on time, it may lead to costly damage to your windshield.
Increased driving period: the job of wiper blades saves time. Instead of manually clearing your windshield, the blades do it instantly. You may need short stops to remove debris blocking your vision manually.
In addition, poor visibility due to worn wiper blades can affect your ability to gauge distances accurately. If you must make frequent stops to access distance, your likelihood of encountering an accident will increase.
How much does changing the wiper blade of your car cost?
A wiper blade replacement will cost you between $25 and $40. You should budget from $15 to $25 and $10 to $15 for labor costs. Higher-quality blades may cost more.
Cost depends on several factors, such as the quality of the wiper blades, the brand, the type of wiper blades (standard, conventional, beam, hybrid, etc.), the size of the blades, or even where you purchase them.
If you need help changing the wiper blades in Mercedes A class 2019, check the pricing on wiper blades as it relates to the 2019 Mercedes A class.
Final words!
It is advisable always to ensure you are driving under safe conditions. Maintaining a functioning wiper blade is essential for visibility on the road. It should not be taken for granted. By replacing worn-out wiper blades at the right time, you can avoid issues such as reduced visibility, inadequate cleaning, and potential damage to your windshield.
