How to replace a windscreen wiper?

Windshield wipers may not seem like the most important part of your car, but they're essential to keeping you and your loved ones safe in wet weather.  Since wiper blades are made of rubber, they wear out day after day with rain, snow and dust. So don't hesitate to change your wipers every year.

You can take your car to a garage to have them changed, but it's very easy to change them yourself. The installation is virtually the same for all cars.

How long will your wiper blades last?

If you notice your wipers making noise and moving jerkily across your windshield as you drive, this may be an indicator of premature wiper blade wear. The average lifespan of wiper blades is six to twelve months, but most drivers wait until they're damaged before replacing them. In most cases, we recommend replacing your wipers when they leave marks on your windshield.

For example, if your wiper rubber is damaged, we recommend replacing your wiper blades. If you're thinking about replacing your wiper blades, look at the curvature of the blade on your windshield. If the blade is deformed or no longer matches the curvature of your windshield, it's time to replace your wiper blades. Some pairs of wiper blades have built-in wear indicators that are an excellent indicator of how worn your wipers are.

How to replace your wiper blades?

Step 1: Get ready

Find out what part of the wiper needs to be replaced. A windshield wiper has three parts: the wiper arm that extends from the base of the windshield, a metal blade that attaches to the arm, and the rubber blade that rests on the windshield. If your windshield isn't being cleaned properly, it's time to replace the weathered blades.

Step 2: Purchase new wipers

Before you can replace your wipers, you'll need new blades. Start by consulting your vehicle's owner's manual to identify the wipers you need.

Step 3: Raise the wipers

Raise the wipers to the same position they should be in during the winter to prevent icing.

Be careful not to fold the wiper back onto the windshield when the blade is no longer on the windshield. The base of the blade is a metal part that could break the windshield on impact.

Step 4: Remove the wiper

Remove the wiper blade, being careful not to break the attachment system, which is often a small clip. Pull on the plastic tabs and slide the wiper down.

Step 5: Prepare a new wiper

Carefully remove the new wiper from the package. If you're using a cutter to open your wiper package, be careful not to nick the fragile blade.

Step 6: Install the new wiper

Replace the wiper on the windshield, taking care not to break it. Note, however, that once the blade is back in place, breakage is highly unlikely, but wear may occur in the event of an impact.

Step 7: Test the Wiper

Use the windshield washer to check that the wiper is working properly. Repeat the operation to make sure the newly installed part is not malfunctioning or has a slight installation problem that will show up after several washes.

Finally, repeat the operation on the rest of your car's wipers.

Maintaining your windshield wipers will improve your life. When driving in winter, don't use the wipers if the windshield is covered with ice. Instead, use a scraper to remove the ice and wait for the defrosting process to melt it.