Maintenance Monday: Windshield Wiper Replacement
Windshield wipers are an often overlooked part of your car's safety system. If your windshield wipers are not working properly, it can be difficult to see when it rains. Faulty windshield wiper blades can smear your windshield, creating visibility hazards. So, it's important to make sure your wiper blades are in good shape.
What Needs To Be Done:
Windshield wiper blades need to be inspected and replaced, if needed, on a regular basis.
Why Do It?
- Windshield wiper blades are made out of rubber, which can wear even with limited use.
- By being certain that your windshield wiper blades are in optimum condition, you are ensuring the safety of your vehicle and its passengers.
- If you are driving your car in pouring rain, snow or sleet, worn-out wiper blades can impede the wipers' ability to clean the windshield, which can limit your visibility.
- Making sure your windshield wipers are newly inspected and replaced, if necessary, can help ensure safety.
How Often?
The frequency at which your windshield wiper blades need replacement depends, in part, on the conditions where you live and drive. Some general information is listed below, but always defer to your car owner's manual and the information that comes with your wiper blades for advice on maintenance.
| Check? | Replacement? | |
| Sunny, Hot Climate | At least every six months | At least once yearly |
| Even if you use your wipers very little, the hot sun can damage the rubber on your wiper blades, making the wipers unusable,according to Autos.yahoo.com. | ||
| Cold Climate | At least every six months | At least once yearly |
| According to Autos.com, the grit and salt used in cold climates can wear out the rubber wiper blades quickly. | ||
| Dusty And Sandy Regions | Every several months | Every six months to a year |
| If you regularly drive in dusty or sandy areas, even if you don't use your wipers often, grit and sand can accumulate around and on the wiper blade, resulting in fast wear. | ||
How to Do It:
Changing your wiper blades is simple. If you're unsure about your wiper blade-changing abilities, it's always a good idea to leave it to the professionals. This is something that is often done when you take your car in for an oil change, so ask your car dealership or quick-lube shop about it the next time you go in. But, if you want to do it yourself, you can follow these steps:
Step 1. Remove the old wiper.
Lift the wiper arm away from the windshield, depress the small tab and slide the blade off the arm.
Lift the wiper arm away from the windshield and depress the small tab on the underside of the wiper where it meets the wiper arm. When the tab is depressed, slide the wiper blade off the arm by pulling the center toward the bottom of the arm.
Step 2. Line up the new wiper blade with the arm.
Move the hook on the arm over the plastic clip on the new wiper blade.Step 3. Pull it tight.
Attach the new wiper blade, making sure it clicks into place.
Pull the wiper blade tight onto the arm. You will hear a clicking sound when it clicks into place. Now, simply lower the arm slowly back onto the windshield and repeat this process on the other wiper arm.
Tips provided by Allstate
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Maintenance Monday,
Windshield Wiper Replacement
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