Good visibility is the most important factor when driving. However, you may find that, like many other drivers, you delay in changing your windscreen wiper blades for too long! Ideally, wiper blades should be replaced every 6 months, more often if you park outside in a dusty environment such as the desert region.
The windscreen wiper assembly consists of 3 parts: the wiper arm (lower arm that sticks out of the hood of the car), the wiper blade that attaches to the arm, and the rubber insert (that wipes the glass). The small thin rubber insert is the first part to fail because of extreme heat, dust, and dirt conditions.
Most of the time, you can replace the windshield wiper insert only. The procedure to change the insert is included in our blog post “How to Change Your Windshield Wipers”.
Sometimes the wiper blade itself may fail because it becomes weak over time, loses its tension against the windshield, or may lose its shape during the winter months when in contact with ice and snow.
When this happens, you have to replace the entire wiper blade. It only takes 1 minute to install wiper blades. It’s suggested that you replace the entire blade sold with inserts every 2 years.
Tip: Clean your windshield every time you fill up with gas to improve the longevity and effectiveness of your wiper blades. Clean the rubber insert with a damp cloth to remove dirt.
When Should You Replace Your Wiper Blades?
If you’re unsure whether or not to get new wiper blades, look at how well they work while you’re driving. When wiper blades are in use, do tend to leave your windshield (or areas covered by the blades) just as dirty or wet after blending. Also, is there any residue left behind after every cycle of the wiper?
Is there any time that, while driving in inclement weather, you need to look through a small, cleared part of your windshield to see the road? If you can answer yes to any of the above, the wiper blades are obviously past the point of being useful.
Another way to tell if your wipers need replacement is chattering, or if they don’t glide over the windshield properly.
Additionally, visual inspection is a decent approach: if you notice the rubber on the blades to be cracked or worn, chances are replacement blades are required. Usually, these types of blades will need replacement between one-time per year, depending on your use of them and the harshness or mildness of your geographical location.
If at any point you experience impaired visibility due to dirt and moisture on the windshield, it’s time to invest in a wiper blade replacement.
How to Change Wiper Blades?
- Your new blade should be removed from its packaging as soon as possible since the metal arms of your wipers can scratch or crack your windshield if they fall off; and if you happen to take too much time to locate and remove an old blade, it may fall to the ground, leaving you with a very scratched up windshield.
- Start by lifting the wiper arm up away from the windshield and holding the blade perpendicular to the wiper arm. Locate the release tab on the blade assembly.
- Press the release tab while pulling the blade toward yourself with your other hand. Pulling too hard will damage your new blade, but it will not allow you to remove the blade from the wiper arm.
- After removing the old blade, align the new blade with the wiper arm and slide it into place. It really is that easy!
- To install the new blade, simply reverse the procedure you just used to remove the old one; align the new blade parallel to the wiper arm, insert it in the slot, rotate the blade perpendicular to the arm, and raise the blade slightly to lock it in position. The new blade will be locked into position when you hear a snapping sound or feel it click into place.
- After completing the installation, use a windshield wiper fluid or soap to wet the windshield and try the new blades out; be proud of your accomplishment and enjoy the experience of performing such a simple and easy repair task for your vehicle!
How Much Does a Wiper Blade Replacement Cost?
When replacing a windshield wiper blade, expect to pay: $23-38. Labor will cost $8-12, while the blades are about $15-26. This estimate does not include tax or any other fees associated with the labor.