Introduction: How to Install Windshield Wipers

Have you ever been driving down the road and all of a sudden a rainstorm hits and you throw the wipers on to experience a horrible response from the wipers trying to clean the windshield? Windshield wipers are an extreme safety feature to any vehicle. The issue is they don't last forever. They sit out in the heat and cold all year long and take massive abuse. How can you tell if your vehicle is ready for a new set of wipers? The wipers may be squeaky, not cleaning the windshield when it's raining or snowing out, or the rubber on the wiper blades are wavy.

Before deciding to go out and buy new wipers, some information is needed. The exact make and model of your car. This includes the year, make model, and type. This information can be found on your registration paperwork.

Step 1: Head to Auto Parts Store and Buy Wipers

Head to the nearest auto parts store and give them your information. Here they will enter the information into the computer which will tell what type of wipers are needed. Wipers can range from $10 - $45. They can come as a set or individual. Depending on if one is bad or if they both are in need of replacing, A good rule to follow by here is not to go with the cheap ones and to replace both blades at the same time. If one blade is bad, the other blade probably isn't much better.

Step 2: Removal of Old Wiper Blades

First, pull both wiper assemblies' so that they are standing by themselves. Now turn the blade perpendicular to the arm so the hinge is visible. There will be a small tab on one side of the hinge. Pull that small tab out and then pull the wiper down, towards the vehicle. Now that the arm and blade are separated, remove the blade by pulling, it through one of the holes on the blade. With the blade not being on the arm, do not let the arm slam or go onto the windshield. Lay down the old wiper (when removed) in a way so if the arm does happen to fall it will hit the blade and not the windshield.

Step 3: Installation of New Wiper Blades

Take the new wiper(s), (one at a time) and insert the arm through the lade hole (the same way you took the old one off), so it pushes the actual wiper up. Once the arm is inside the hole, just line up the hook over the hinge and snap them together. There will be a snap sound when this takes place. Lower the arm down to the windshield slowly so the windshield or the wiper don't get damaged. If the other side is needed to be done repeat this step.

After completing these steps, there should be a huge difference between the old wipers and the new wipers. Throw the old wipers in the garbage and you should be ready for the next adventure.