Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement

How To Replace Windshield Wiper Blade 

Helpful Information

A wiper blade can "chatter" across the windshield if the blade is not balanced. (Lip of the wiper must rock back and forth as the wiper changes direction.) If wiper is not balanced, slightly bend the wiper arm to adjust the blade set. A vehicles wiper blades are mandatory to clear water and obstacles that obstruct vision of the driver, windshield washer solvent is used to help clean the windshield. Wiper blades are subject to severe weather conditions which can cause wiper blades to become cracked or dilapidated.

Some vehicles are equipped with dual or triple action wiper blades that designed to give additional cleaning action. Beware of wiper blades that show signs of wear as they can damage the windshield while in use.

Tools and Supplies Needed

• Small screwdriver
• Replacement wiper blades
• Protective eyewear and gloves

Common Problems

• When replacing wiper blades, not getting the blade on the mounting pin completely can allow the wiper arm to become dislodged and possibly cause damage to the windshield.
• Using wiper blades after the blade has failed permanently damaging the windshield by craving scratches in the wiper arc.
• Wiper blades can create a chattering noise when the blade is not properly balanced allowing the blade to "flop" back and forth as the wiper direction changes.

Best Practices

• Clean windshield before the first time operating new wiper blades.
• Replace wiper blades each winter season.
• Check windshield washer reservoir fluid

Easy step by step guide on how to replace an automotive windshield wiper blade set, though each application is different, it follows the same process.

Difficulty Scale: 1 of 10

Begin with the vehicle on level ground with the parking brake on, while the transmissions is in park.

Step 1 - Locate the wiper blade for replacement.

Wiper Blade

Step 2 - Once the wiper is located and ready for replacement, lift the wiper arm into its service position away from the windshield. Some vehicles are designed with the wipers below the hood level. for this, turn the wipers "ON", then while the wipers are up on the windshield, shut the key "OFF", this will stop the wipers on the windshield. If the wipers return to the park position, lift the hood to gain access.

Lift Wiper Arm

Step 3 - After the wiper arm is parked position the blade to expose the release tab.

Wiper Release Tab

Step 4 - Using a small screw driver or simply a finger, release the wiper tab.

Wiper Release Tab

Step 5 - With the tab released, thrust the wiper arm downward to disconnect the wiper from the arm.

Thrust Wiper Blade Downward

Step 6 - When the wiper has disconnected, lift the wiper blade away from the arm to complete the wiper blade removal.

Lift Wiper Blade

Step 7 - Once the wiper has been removed, compare the new replacement wiper to the used wiper.

Compare Worn Wiper Blade

Step 8 - After comparing wipers, position blade over the arm located near the clasp.

Position Blade

Step 9 - Pull the wiper blade over the wiper arm to align the wiper clasp.

Pull Wiper Down Over Arm

Step 10 - Then, align the wiper clasp with the arm mount and push the wiper into place, this action will be accompanied by a slight click.

Align Wiper Clasp

Step 11 - Once the wiper has been installed, pull down on the wiper to ensure proper installation.

Check Wiper Installation

Step 12 - After confirmation of a successful installation, return the wiper arm to its original position.

Wiper Installation Successful

Once the job is completed, check wipers to confirm proper operation. Inspect and replace any other wipers that show signs of wear. The method in which the wiper blades are attached can vary slightly.