How to Replace Windshield Wiper Blades?
4 Answers
To replace windshield wiper blades: 1. Lift the metal wiper arm away from the windshield and keep it perpendicular to the glass in a stable position; 2. Press the tab to remove the old wiper blade; 3. Insert the new wiper blade and gently rotate it; 4. Secure the hook into place to fix it, then return the wiper to the windshield. Maintenance tips for wiper blades: 1. Always use windshield washer fluid when operating wiper blades—never use them dry; 2. Avoid using wiper blades on stubborn or hard debris—clean manually instead; 3. When lifting wipers during car washing or routine cleaning, hold only the backbone of the wiper arm.
I can change the wiper blades on my old car with my eyes closed. Be careful when lifting the wiper arm—the spring has quite a bit of force and can easily snap against the windshield. Just press the small clip at the base of the old wiper blade, and it slides out easily. Align the new rubber blade with the slot and push it in until you hear a 'click.' It's best to clean the windshield beforehand—I always treat it with glass degreaser for better adhesion. In winter, remember to do it inside the car; plastic parts can easily break in sub-zero temperatures outside. Lastly, don’t forget to peel off the protective film from the new rubber blade—last week, my neighbor made the mistake of forgetting and ended up scratching the glass.
Last weekend, I just replaced my wife's car with a pair of beam wipers. When opening the online shopping package, first check the interface model to avoid buying the wrong H interface like I did the first time, which made a wasted trip to the auto parts market. When lifting the wiper arm, grab it at the base and lift upwards. Place a thick towel under the metal bracket when it's suspended in the air—last time I accidentally let go and left a white mark on the windshield. Press the clip at the connection of the old rubber strip inward and push it forward to remove it. When aligning the new wiper with the track and pushing it all the way in, you'll feel a noticeable rebound. After installation, spray windshield fluid to test the wiper—the sound of the scraping will tell you if it's properly installed. The rubber strip lasts about half a year, so replacing it before the rainy season is the most cost-effective.
A lazy repair shop worker taught me a 10-second wiper replacement trick: First, lift the wiper arm upright, then pinch the square buckle at the root of the rubber blade and press downward. When you hear a 'click,' you can pull out the entire wiper blade. Simply insert the new blade into the U-shaped connector and push it all the way down until it locks. The key is to identify the connector type when purchasing—German cars often use dovetail slots, while Japanese models prefer hook-style clips. After installation, always test the wipers by spraying water; if they leave fan-shaped water streaks, the rubber blade angle is incorrect. While you're at it, use an old toothbrush to clear tree seeds from the drainage channels—blocked drains can cause water accumulation during rain.
