Depending on where you live, your windshield wipers may be one of the least used items on your car. Even though you may not use your windshield wipers often, the rubber that wipes away the water wears down, requiring replacement. There are three different mechanisms found on windshield wipers: a universal slide, a side pin and a bayonet. Replacing the side-pin windshield wiper can be a little tricky. With a little patience, you can change your side-pin wipers in a short amount of time.
Lift the wiper arm off the windshield, pulling it away from the vehicle so the side pins are more visible.
Raise the arm and take a close look at the type of locking tab holding the blade on the pin. Push the tab up from underneath the blade or lift the tab from the top with a screwdriver. Once the tab unlocks the pin, pull the blade assembly sideways, away from the arm.
Apply the new blade following the instructions on the package. The new unit may simply lock onto the pin. Some new blades will contain an adapter that locks into the blade opening and accepts pins in different sizes. Secure the new blade and lay the wipers back down on the windshield.
Follow the directions that come with your new windshield wiper blades. Replace the pin mechanism using the same technique you used to remove it, pushing the pins back in until they snap into place. Fold the wipers back down on the windshield.
