Driving with damaged or ineffective wiper blades puts you at risk of an accident. Check your windshield wipers at least every six months. If your wiper blades are used often, they may need to be changed sooner. You will know that it is time to change your wiper blades when they are damaged or don't clear your windshield well enough for you to drive safely.
One of the most effective inspection methods is just to use your wipers. If your wipers clean the windshield perfectly, no matter how old the wiper blades are, they are fine and do not need to be replaced. If your wiper blades leave streaks or chatter (skipping over the glass), it is time for new blades.
Visual inspections are also effective in determining the need for new wiper blades. If the wiping edge is rounded off, the rubber is cracked, split or deteriorated, or the blade frame is bent, broken or otherwise damaged, it is time for a new set of wiper blades.
There are many different qualities of wiper blades available. Blades designed for use in cold, winter weather are able to handle snow, ice, chemicals used for melting snow and ice, and frigid temperatures. There are also wiper blades designed for the occasional rainstorm. Blades are made of basic rubber, high-quality soft rubber or even silicone. Assess your needs based on the climate you live in, the time of the year and the most appropriate wiper blade style and type for the conditions you'll be driving in.
When you remove your old set of wipers, pay attention to the method used to remove them, because the installation method will be the exact opposite process. The three most common installation methods are the universal slide, the side pin and the bayonet arm.
The universal arm is the most widely used wiper blade installation method. The universal slide wiper blade simply hooks into place on the wiper arm. A built-in clip securely holds the wiper blade on the wiper arm.
The side pin method uses a 7 mm metal pin to attach the wiper blade to the main wiper arm. The side pin wiper blade clips onto the pin connected to the wiper arm.
The bayonet arm method requires you to lift a locking lever and pull the old wiper blade away from the car. The bayonet wiper blade connects to the wiper arm via a locking lever that is engaged when the wiper blade is slid toward the vehicle.
In all cases, there will be a small but audible click when the clips are engaged and in place. Attempt to pull the new wiper blade away from the wiper arm to be sure the blade is securely attached to the arm. Spray your windshield with washer fluid and turn the wipers on to be sure your new wiper blades work correctly.
