Here is a simple step-by-step procedure on “how to change windshield wipers?”
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- Understand the windshield parts
- Familiarize yourself with a wiper blade size
- Raise the metal wiper arm
- Remove the old wiper blade
- Install the new wiper
- Repeat the process to install the second wiper
Your vehicle’s wipers are extremely critical components, especially if you don't during rainy or snowy days. Overtime reviews, the windshield wipers might wear out since they're made of rubber. Thus, before the second season starts, you might get to a point where you have to replace the windshield wipers.
While you can take the vehicle to a professional mechanic and have him change the wipers for you, the process is very simple and doesn't require any level of mechanical skill sets. Therefore, let's go through this article to get an idea about how to change windshield wipers yourself without needing a professional.
Can you replace windshield wipers yourself?
Yes, many other water experts indicated that you could easily replace your windshield wipers without needing a mechanic here. The process is very simple, and fitting the windshields is the same process in most vehicles.
Therefore, if you're looking to save on labor costs, you are advised to replace your windshield wipers by yourself. The challenging part would be choosing the right windshield wipers with the best quality that works for your vehicle and provides more durability.
How to change windshield wipers?
As we indicated earlier, replacing the windshield wipers is not a complicated job, and here's all you need to do:
- Understand the windshield parts
Before you go ahead and replace any component of your windshield, it's important to understand the different parts making up the windshield wiper. Every windshields wiper consists of three main components: the windshield base, which consists of the lower wiper arm, the plastic or metal blades connecting both the lower and upper wiper arm, and the actual rubber wiper arm that cleans up your windshield.
Typically, when you're planning to change the windshields, you must change the upper rubber component that is expected to wear out over time of use.
- Familiarize yourself with a wiper blade size
Before you go to any store and grab a windshield that you like, you must measure the old one carefully, so you don't buy the wrong Windshield wiper. Typically, the wiper should cost you about $15, and when purchasing the wrong one, it can be a waste of money.
One thing to note is that your windshield wipers are not the same size, and one wiper should be one inch or more longer than the other one. Therefore, you don't need to purchase two identical windshield wipers, and you must carefully measure the old ones to ensure the right purchase.
- Raise the metal wiper arm
Once you have the right windshield wiper, the next step is to raise the windshield metal wiper arm. As you raise it, it should state the position perpendicular to the windshield. However, if you're not very careful about how you raise the middle wiper arm, it can snap back and break your windshields. Thus, before you let it go, make sure that it's staying stable.
- Remove the old wiper blade
Locate the plastic stopper that should be somewhere between the rubber wiper blades and the metal arm. Once you find it, press on it to unhook the old rubber wiper blade and installed the new one.
As you're sniping out the old wiper blades, ensure that you're holding both arms away from your windshield so you don't suddenly break the windshields with any of the arms. To avoid causing damages to your windshield, you might please a folded towel underneath the windshield so if anything happens and if any part of the windshield wiper snaps back to the windshield, it doesn't break the glass.
- Install the new wiper
After removing the old wiper blades, you should understand how to reverse the process and install the new one. It's important to note that installing the new wipers does not require any pressure, and you can gently insert it and hook it back to the wiper arm.
- Repeat the process to install the second wiper
Once you've successfully installed the first wiper arm, the next step is to repeat the same process on the other side of the vehicle to install the second wiper blade.
How much does it cost to replace a windshield wiper?
Windshield wipers replacement is an inexpensive repair. Parts should cost you somewhere between $35 and 52 dollars. On the other hand, labor costs should cost somewhere between $26 and $33.
That's why many drivers prefer to learn how to replace their windshield wipers because it helps them eliminate labor costs and since the process is very simple and doesn't require any advanced mechanical skill sets.
2021 best all-season wiper blades
While it's important to learn about how to change windshield wipers, it's as important to find the best quality wipers that serve your needs. If you don't want to worry about replacing your windshield wipers every season, there are some good and high-quality windshield wiper blades that you might want to consider. Thedrive.com performed a thorough review of the mean available windshield wiper blades in the markets and provided you with the top brands to consider:
- Bosch Icon Wiper Blade
- Anco 31 Series
- Aero OEM Quality All Season Beam Windshield Wiper
- Michelin rainforce All Weather Performance Windshield Wiper Blade
- Rain-X Latitude 2-IN-1 Water Wiper Blade
Autoguide.com Came up with a different list that you might also want to consider when shopping for your next windshield wiper:
1. Bosch ICON
The first wiper is suitable for all weather conditions; you don't have to worry about installation because it's very simple, doesn't make any loud noises, and provides the best performance. However, it's one of the most expensive wipers that not everybody can afford.
2. Best Budget Option: ANCO 31-Series
The second wiper is a recommended affordable wiper for those looking for a cheap one with high quality. It's a great option for moderate and low rain but not heavy rain, and it's very easy to install.
However, experts do not recommend this blade for snowy or icy environments, and the blade doesn't last long, which is not surprising considering the affordable price.
3. Best for Winter: Michelin Stealth Ultra Hybrid Wiper Blade
This blade is one of the highest qualities, and it doesn't require a lot of effort to install. It's suitable for all weathers and is made of very durable material. Unfortunately, this blade might not be compatible with every vehicle, which means that you need to review your vehicle's current blade before deciding to go with this one.
4. Aero Premium All-Season Wipers
This blade is another great affordable price option that is suitable for all seasons. Unfortunately, you can't enjoy a six-month warranty when purchasing this blade. Unfortunately, some customers did not like the blade's durability and mentioned that it's not very suitable for harsh weather conditions.
5. Bosch OE Specialty aero twin
This blade is covered with a very durable material, which means it lasts for a long time. It doesn't require much effort to install and is very suitable for harsh weather conditions. However, it's not great for wiping snow or ice.
6. Valeo 900 Ultimate Series
The nice thing about this blade is that you can find all sorts of sizes that you're looking for. It doesn't require much effort to install, but it's not great in ice or snow cleanup.
7. PIAA Silicone Wipers
Enjoy a one-year warranty with this grade silicone-covered wiper blade. It's a great option, but it's not recommended for extreme weather conditions, and it can be relatively expensive compared to other wipers mentioned in this list.
8. Rain-X Latitude Water Repellency 2-n-1 Wiper Blades
Finally, the last wiper blade is great at repelling water and comes with a universal adapter. However, some customers questioned the durability and casting of the blades and indicated that they might get clogged with snow or ice.
What are the benefits of all-season wiper blades?
If you haven't already, certain wiper blades fit all seasons and provide you with the old benefits you are looking for during rainy, snowy, or dusty days. There are many benefits you can gain from investing in all season’s wipers, including:
- Improves your safety
One of the first and most important benefits of installing all-season wipers is enhancing the visibility of your vehicle and therefore improving your safety. Thus, you don't have to worry about safety issues when driving on a heavy rainy day or when it's very hard to see.
- Suits all seasons
As the name suggests, all seasons’ wipers are great for all types of harsh weather conditions. So, for example, if you're looking for a high-quality windshield wiper suitable for frozen windshields or probably small water drops, you should go with old season wipers.
- It lasts a long time
According to experts, all-season wipers are expected to last must longer than the regular windshield wipers. Therefore, you don't have to worry about changing the wipers frequently because they're made of very durable material and have certain coatings to prevent premature wear-outs.
- Enhance the functionality of the wiper
Finally, all seasons’ wipers are designed in a certain way to eliminate any weird loud noises or streaks that could generate from older worn-out wipers. Therefore, you don't have to worry about nonfunctioning wipers, and you will continuously achieve the best results from your wipers.
How much do windshield wipers cost?
If you learned about how to change windshield wipers yourself and ready to shop for your next windshield wiper, it might be worth understanding the different cost range that you should expect. Typically, windshield wipers are not very expensive, and they don't go to the $100 range.
Let's take a closer look at the comment prices for windshield wipers:
- Wipers under $10
If you're looking for a cheap wiper that serves you for a short time, you might need to purchase one of those. However, it's important to note that their quality is not the best, and they don't come longer than 18 inches. Thus, you might need to replace them sometime very soon.
- Wipers between $11 and $20
In this category, you'll find the most common types of windshield wipers types. These wipers are relatively good quality, and they're not the most expensive, but they come with better quality than the ones under $10. Most wipers in this category are longer than 18 inches.
- Wipers greater than $20
Finally, the most expensive and high-quality windshield wipers should cost you at least $20 and above. These wipers should be coated with a specific type of rubber silicone that provides them with additional durability and higher quality to help the wipers last at least six months.
How to change windshield wipers: Final thoughts
Your vehicle wipers are important components, especially if you're driving in areas where there's a lot of snow or rain or probably dust blocking your visibility. Maintaining a high-quality wiper helps keep you safe and improves your visibility.
This article provided you with a step-by-step procedure on how to change windshield wipers. The process doesn't require any mechanical skill sets, and you can do it by yourself to save on labor costs. All that it costs you is just the parts costs.
Before you invest your time and effort installing new windshield wipers, automotive experts recommend investing your time in evaluating whether your vehicle is worth the replacement or not. If your car has major mechanical problems, for example, and repair costs are approaching 75% or more from your vehicle's value, it's not worth their appearance, and you should sell your vehicle instead.
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