How to change wiper blades yourself?

Wiper blades are an essential part of every car and it is important to replace them regularly to ensure a clear view while driving. Most windshield wiper systems include the wiper blades, wiper arms, linkage system, and motor. In some cases, there may also be a purge pump and reservoir.

 

The average lifespan of most wiper blades is about one year, depending on the type of wiper blade, the climate and how often the wipers are used. If you live in a rainy or snowy area, you may need to replace your wiper blades more often.

 

This article will show you how to replace wiper blades in a few easy steps. Follow these instructions and you’ll save time and money.

Common Wiper Blade Problems and How to Solve Them?

During the fall and most of the winter, you will need to use windshield wipers while driving to ensure you have proper visibility, so it is very important to make sure they work effectively.

 

Do you sometimes find that the wiper either jumps across the windshield, leaving streaks and smudges, or doesn’t remove water properly, because the wiper isn’t working properly?

The following describes the most common windshield wiper problems and provides some solutions to fix them.

 

The blades aren’t moving as they should

If your blades are not moving, moving slowly, or not adjusting, there may be a failure of the wiper motor. First determine if there is any blockage that could be causing the problem. If you start your wiper but don’t hear a buzzing sound, your wiper motor is likely broken.

 

If your wiper motor needs to be repaired or replaced, reach out to a local mechanic. This is a quick and easy fix that won’t cost you much.

 

No Fluid

The wiper’s inability to squirt water may be due to two reasons. Your washer nozzle may be blocked, or there may be no liquid in the reservoir.

 

Cleaner nozzle clogging is relatively easy to solve. Use a pin to remove any blockage inside the nozzle, taking care not to puncture the internal hose or lose the pin. If there is no liquid in the reservoir, just check it for cracks and pour in a new cleaning solution.

 

Blades are smearing or shuttering

If your blades are stained or cracked, it’s likely that your wiper blades are torn, cracked, or degraded in some way.

 

To fix this, you’ll need a new set of blades or a refill, depending on your car’s type of wiper. Toppa offers a variety of refills to suit all budgets and wiper styles.

 

Water Beads

Traditionally, beaded water means it is easier to remove than normal, but if the water is beaded and not removed by the wipers, it is due to a build-up of oil and residue that the wipers cannot sufficiently remove.

 

To solve this problem, the windshield and wipers need to be cleaned regularly to remove dirt and residue that builds up over time.

 

Wiper Arms are loose

If your wiper arm is loose, the pivot nut may be loose. The wiper pivot nut is a small nut that ensures that the wiper arm is tightly connected to the motor and operating mechanism.

 

Use a socket wrench to gently tighten the nut at the bottom of the wiper arm. This will ensure that your wiper blades are always in close contact with the windshield.

When Should You Replace Your Wiper Blades?

If the following situations occur during the inspection of the wiper, it needs to be replaced in time.

 

Leave scratches on the windshield

When you use the wipers, they can leave scratches on the windshield. There could be several reasons why this happens. The first is that the wipers are old and need to be replaced. The second is that the wipers are not aligned properly with the windshield. The third is that the windshield is dirty and needs to be cleaned.

 

Have squeaking or trailing noises

If you find that the wiper blades squeak or trail during use, it may be caused by excessive use and wear and tear. At this time, the wiper blades need to be replaced in time.

 

Replacement time is more than six months

It’s generally recommended that you replace your wiper blades every six months, due to either seasonal changes or regular wear and tear. This will help improve your visibility and safety while driving. Be sure to choose wiper blades that are suited for the current weather.

 

How to Buy Wiper Blades?

Wiper blades are one of the most frequently replaced parts on a car. There are a few things you should keep in mind when shopping for new wiper blades.

 

Buy the right size wiper blades

When it comes to wiper blades, size does matter. Buying the right size wiper blades for your car is important for two main reasons: safety and efficiency.

 

First, let’s talk about security. If your wiper blades are the wrong size, they won’t make proper contact with your windshield, which means they won’t be able to clear all the rain, snow, or debris. This can lead to reduced visibility and, in some cases, accidents.

 

Second, efficiency. Wiper blades that are the wrong size can also reduce productivity. This means they take longer to clean the windshield, which can be frustrating, especially in bad weather. Also, an incorrectly sized wiper blade will wear out faster than a properly sized wiper blade.

Choose the right type of wiper blade

Once you have the right size wiper blades, you’ll need to decide on the type of blades you want. There are three main types of wiper blades: traditional, beam, and hybrid. Traditional wiper blades are the most common and are the simplest to install. Beam wiper blades are designed to provide a streak-free wipe, and hybrid wiper blades are a combination of the two.

 

So which type of wiper blade is right for you? It depends on your needs and preferences. If you’re looking for the most affordable option, go with conventional blades. If you want to take advantage of the advances made in wiper technology, choose beam blades. But if you want the best possible visibility and the most weather protection, go with hybrid blades!

 

How to Change Your Wiper Blades Yourself?

Replacing wiper blades sounds like a chore, but it’s actually not that difficult, and the process of removing and installing them is relatively simple.

 

What follows will walk you through the steps from wiper removal, installation, and testing so you can avoid paying a local mechanic for this easy DIY job.

 

Preparation before you begin

When you replace your windshield wipers, you usually only need to replace the wiper blades. In some cases, you can replace the rubber insert responsible for clear water, but this is not a common repair.

 

Before replacing your car wipers, you should know where the different parts of your windshield wiper are located. The wiper arm attached to the car, the wiper blade is attached to the arm with the rubber insert, and the rubber insert itself.

 

Measure the wiper blade size and get compatible replacement blades

Use a measuring tape to determine if the pre-purchased wiper blades fit your vehicle. Be sure to measure both wiper blades, as some vehicles have short and long blades. This is to ensure that the windshield is fully clear.

 

Another point to note is that wiper blades are usually sold in pairs. This means that you will need to purchase two wiper blades of the same size to replace the two wiper blades on your car.

 

Remove the old wiper blades

If your windshield wipers are streaking or not wiping the water away effectively, it’s time to replace the blades.

Here’s a quick and easy guide on how to remove your old wiper blades and install new ones:

• Lift the windshield wiper arms off the windshield and lay down an old towel. If it snaps back into place, the towel grabs the arm, preventing damage to the windshield in the process.
• Locate the small tab on the end of the wiper arm. This is what holds the wiper blades in place.
• Press the tab and slide the old wiper blade off the arm.
• Take the new wiper blade and slide it onto the arm. Make sure it is seated properly and the tabs lock into place.
• Repeat the process for the other wiper blade.

 

Install the new wiper blades

Installing the wiper blade is very simple, just follow the steps below to complete the on-site operation easily.

• Install the new wiper blade by aligning the wiper bracket with the tab on the arm and snapping it into place.
• Repeat steps 4-5 on the passenger side wiper blade.

 

Test the newly installed wiper blades

It is important to test newly installed wiper blades before use. First, turn the wiper switch to the “on” position and gently press the wiper arm against the windshield. If the wiper blades are not moving, they are defective and should be replaced.

 

If your wiper blades leave streaks, try cleaning the rubber with rubbing alcohol to remove any fragments. If there are still streaks or the wipers don’t seem to be cleaning the windshield completely, the wipers may not be attached to the wiper arms, or you may be using the wrong wiper blades.

 

Conclusion

All in all, replacing wiper blades is a relatively simple affair that can be done with the right tools and a little know-how. To learn more about wiper blades and how to use and maintain them, feel free to contact us at jacky@topexwiper.com.