Since the wiper blades are made of rubber, they wear out day after day with rain, snow and dust. You can of course take your car to the garage to have them changed for you, but it is very easy to change them yourself. The installation is almost identical for all cars.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Prepare
Step 1. Locate which part of the wiper needs to be changed
A wiper is made up of three parts: the wiper arm that extends from the base of the windshield, a metal blade that attaches to the arm, and the rubber blade that rests on the windshield. When your windshield is no longer cleaned properly, it's time to change the brushes that have been worn out by the weather.
Step 2. Buy new brooms
To find out which brushes to install, consult the manufacturer's manual and go to a spare parts store or supermarket. There you will find a small plastic plate with all the types of windshield wipers listed, by brand, model and year. As a precaution, measure the old rubber blades and compare with the wipers we offer.
- Normally the wipers are the same size, but not always!
- Windshield wipers have variable prices depending on the car: it varies from 20 to 60 euros. By changing them yourself, you will save the cost of installation
Part 2 of 3: install new wipers
Step 1. Lift up the wiper arm
It should be roughly perpendicular to the windshield. Be careful with this arm. It is held against the windshield by a spring and it is made of metal. If ever you do not pull it enough, it may come back against the windshield with some violence and crack it.
Step 2. Remove the old broom
Locate where the rubber broom snaps into the metal arm. There is a small plastic tab that holds the broom in place. Press this tab and slide to either side to release the broom.
- Some wiper blades have pins in place of a small tab.
- Take care that the arm does not come back violently against the windshield during the operation.
- You can protect your windshield with a folded towel as a precaution.
Step 3. Insert the new broom
Slide the refill wiper in reverse. Gently slide the new wiper until you hear a click, a sign that the blade is properly engaged. Gently rest your arm against the windshield.
Step 4. Repeat with the second wiper
The procedure is exactly the same for the other wiper. If your brooms are different sizes, be sure to install the correct broom.
Part 3 of 3: know when to change your wipers
Step 1. Examine the wiper pads for any cracks
Old wipers get hard and crack over time, especially in hot, dry climates. If your wiper seems to have lost its elasticity, it is probably time to replace it.
Step 2. Be careful the next time it rains
If your windshield wipers leave streaks on your windshield and your visibility is not optimal, the rubber is damaged and the blade should therefore be replaced.