The rule of thumb is to change wipers before winter and again before the summer driving season. This schedule gives you the clearest windshield when you need it the most. Bottom line: Replace your windshield wipers every six months.
How long does it take to change windshield wipers?
Changing windshield wipers is easy, but attachment styles vary by manufacturer. For most cars, new wipers slide on and off with a clip. The entire task should take less than 30 minutes.
Get a few more details about
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Measure the wiper on your vehicle and buy new wiper blades that match the size. The wiper should reach a half-inch from the top and bottom of the windscreen at the furthest point of the wiper’s arch. In other words, there should be a half-inch gap to protect your paint from making contact with a wiper blade.
If you can’t find the correct length, use a slightly smaller size. Also, ensure the wipers don’t touch each other, which can happen on some older vehicles.
There is a retaining clip in the center of the wiper blade. The most common type is a U-shaped hook.
The U-shaped mount on a universal blade (left) works with most wiper mounts except the single side-pin style. When you use an adapter (right), the holes align to lock into a single-pin mount.
Other mounts include a bayonet push button, single-side pin (push-on/off), pinch-tab, top-lock, and slim top-style mounts.
Most replacement wiper blades are universal, meaning they have multiple mounts on the blade frame. If you have a single-side pin mount, ensure the replacement blade you buy has a pin-mount option.
It depends on the mount style, but you will probably press a release tab to disconnect the wiper blade from the arm.
For easier access, lift the wiper arm away from the windshield by 90 degrees until it stays upright. Remember, the windshield could be damaged if the arm is upright and suddenly snaps down to the glass.
After raising the arm, rotate the blade perpendicular to the arm. Gently push down on the blade frame to remove it from the arm. Light pressure is usually enough to remove the blade from the arm. Slide the blade up (left) and off the arm (right).
If you have a single-side pin, gently pry the blade frame off the pin. Some frames (side pins, hook- and top-mount styles) require you to push a release tab. Sometimes, the locking tab is under the blade.
Installing a blade is the reverse of removing it. Slide the new blade over the arm and into the mount. The hook mount is the most common type, as shown here.
Slip the blade mount inside the hook and pull against the wiper arm to fully seat the wiper blade. Some hook mounts have locking tabs.
If you have a single-side pin, snap the new blade onto the wiper arm with the center adapter lined up with the mounting hole. For top mounts, hook the outer clip onto the wiper arm, swing the blade towards the clip, and press it until it locks.
With the new wiper blade installed, lower the arm to the windshield. That’s all there is to installing wiper blades. The process is easy for nearly all vehicles. Replace your blades every six months or at the first sign of wear or damage.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.
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