How To Replace Wiper Blades?

Do you know how to replace wiper blades on your SUV?

Although simple parts, wiper blades play a crucial role in keeping your windshield clean. When they’re not working well, you’ll likely see streaks across your windshield and possibly even spots from rain that didn’t wash away properly.

That’s why it’s important to replace wiper blades every six months to a year, depending on use and climate.

Wiper blades are easy to replace yourself. You’ll need a new blade and possibly a screwdriver to remove the old one. Most blades are installed on the bottom of the windshield wiper arm,

Wiper blades are pretty cheap and easy to install, but there are a few things you should know before you get up on the ladder. Here are some tips on how to replace your wipers.

When Should You Replace Them?

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The best time to replace your wiper blades is when you notice them starting to make noise or if they’re not clearing away water properly anymore 

Wiper blades are pretty cheap and easy to install, but there are a few things you should know before you get up on the ladder. Here are some tips on how to replace your wipers.

Where Can You Buy Them?

You can buy blades wiper at most auto parts stores and even some big box retailers. The price will vary depending on the size and brand, but expect to pay around $12-25 for a pair. If you want something more durable, you might consider buying an aftermarket version from a reputable auto parts store or online retailer.

What Are The Parts of a Wiper Blade?

There are three main parts to every wiper blade: the frame, arm and blade itself. The frame is what connects to your vehicle and holds everything in place.

The arm is where you connect the wiper blade on either end. And the blade itself is what cleans your windshield. Most blades are made with rubber or plastic materials that can flex and resist heat up to 3176 degrees Celsius.

What Do Wiper Blades Look Like? 

The most common blade style is the flat blades, which have a small curved frame on one end and an arm extending from it. Flat blades are typically installed on top of your windshield near the rearview mirror. Another popular style is the flexible beam blades that can be bent in any direction so they fit right to your vehicle’s windshield. 

They’re also easy to install. Most blades come with double or triple wipers depending on the size. The blades are usually black or gray, but some newer models come with colour options like yellow and orange.

What Are the Different Types of Wiper Blades?

There are two main types of wipers: traditional and beam style. Traditional blades have one set of arms that run across the entire bottom of your windshield.

Beam blades, on the other hand, have a separate arm for each blade so they can move independently from side to side. This is good because it allows you to better control where you want the blade to go. But traditional blades are typically cheaper and easier to replace.

There are also hybrid blades wiper that have both traditional and beam style. These are good if you want the benefits of both types, but they’re more expensive than other models.

The size of your vehicle is also important when choosing blades because the blades need to be long enough to reach all areas of your windshield while still providing proper clearance from other objects like trees or buildings.  [1]

What Do You Need to Replace Your Wipers? 

The new wiper blades, a screwdriver, tape measure, scissors and possibly some extra wire or cable ties. You’ll also want to make sure you have a clean workspace and an extra pair of hands if possible.

  1. Remove the Old Blades

The first thing you need to do is remove the old blades from your vehicle. This can be done by unscrewing them from the arm or simply pulling them off with some pliers if they’re stuck on there. If you see rust or other particles in the area where the blade was attached, use a brush or some steel wool to clean it off.

  1. Measure and Cut the Blades

Once you have your new blades in hand, measure them against your vehicle’s wiper arm and set of blades so that they’re all the same size.

If one is slightly larger than the others, make sure to use scissors or a sharp knife to cut off any excess material until they’re all about the same length. You’ll want to leave some room for error here because if one blade is too long, it could hit against your car or another object. 

  1. Install The New Blades

Once you’ve got the new blades in place and properly measured, begin installing them on either end of the wiper arm. You may need an extra pair of hands for this part if one blade is heavier than the others or if you have a curved arm that makes it difficult to reach certain areas. If so, use some wire or cable ties to secure the blades in place while you work on the others.

  1. Test Them Out

Now that all of your blades are installed, test them out by running your wipers and making sure they’re working properly. If one blade isn’t moving when you turn it on, check to see if there’s any extra material stuck in its place or if another blade is getting in the way. 

If you’ve got a curved arm, take note of where each blade is positioned so that you can adjust them if necessary. If you’re having trouble reaching one area or another, make sure to move the blades around until they’re all properly positioned.

If your new wiper blades don’t seem to be clearing away water as well as they should, check the following:

Make sure that both sides of the blade are contacting the windshield at once. If not, adjust the blades in their mounts so that they overlap more and contact more of the windshield.

Make sure that the blade is clean and free of dirt, leaves or other obstructions. If so, you may need to replace the blade more frequently than every six months to a year. 

Check for any cracks in your wiper blades that might be causing them not to clear properly. This is especially important if you live in an area with cold weather because it can freeze up the blades and cause them to crack. [2]

Read Next: Leasing vs Buying a Car

Bottom Line

The task of changing wipers could be tricky. We explained how to change wiper blades in four easy steps. If you often drive on muddy terrains make sure that you installed mud flaps.

Read Next: Eco Friendly Driving  Tips