Windshield Wiper Replacement

Windshields wipers are synonymous with windshields for almost all vehicles. The simple task of the wiper is to wipe rain and dust from the vehicle's windshield. It consists of an arm connected to a rubber blade and is powered mechanically. The wiper consists of a mechanical assembly that is powered by a motor. The motor rotates a protruding shaft, which is usually attached to the gear. The gear in turn connects to a linkage that converts the rotational motion of the motor to a back and forth motion of the wiper blades. The windshield wiper replacement does not need any set frequency, but replacement should be done as often the wiper gets worn out.

Replacement of Windshield Wipers

No matter how simple a windshield wiper's function is, its importance lies in the fact that without the wiper, a driver's ability to see through the windshield, is compromised. Having a bad wiper is probably as good as having no wiper at all. A worn-out wiper typically leaves raindrops scattered all over the windshield. A hardened rubber blade, accumulated with dust particles, may scratch the windshield. Vehicle owners need to replace the wiper, whenever it loses its ability to wipe. You must be wondering how to replace windshield wiper? Windshield wiper replacement means a replacement of the wiping blade and not the entire assembly, as it is the rubber blades that fail, most often. The cost depends upon the manufacturer, type of wiper blade and the number of units in the package, but mostly ranges between $200 to $300. The cost for changing the wiper blades is anything between $10 and $30.

How to Replace Windshield Wiper Blades?

Car manufacturers often provide the wiper blade details in the vehicle's manual. Wiper blade manufacturers also mention the corresponding car make and the model, against the blades that they sell. It is very important to refer to this before the new wipe blades are bought. The new wiper blade package also contains blade attachments, which attach the blade to the wiper arms. Before replacing the wiper blade, it should be noted that wiper arms are spring loaded so that the rubber blades stick to the windshield to enhance wiping efficiency. When replacing the wiper blades, the wiper arm should be pulled away from the windshield in a manner that it remains perpendicular to the windshield. Following are the steps to replace windshield wiper blades.

• From the new wiper blade package, choose the attachment that best matches the existing attachment of your car's wiper arms.
• Remove the existing wiper blade. If the wiper blade is a filter type, then pull out the existing blade. If there is an attachment that holds the blade with the arm, then look for a snap or tab or hook which can be depressed in order to free the attachment from the arm.
• Replace with the new blade accordingly, give a final check by turning on the wipers.

Even though the wiper blade is most vulnerable to problems, replacement may also be needed on the other components that make up the wiper assembly. Replacement of wiper motors, linkages and wiper arms can be done by a service shop or mechanic. It is recommended that these wiper parts are not changed without prior knowledge, as doing so may lead to failure of the entire assembly. Selecting a replacement motor is also important, as most vehicles have their own standard of motor type and input amperage and wattage. Types of replacement parts and the associated cost of replacement vary between car make and model, as well as manufacturer's price of the replacement parts.

Having said so, it may well be good to check your car's wiper assembly with a auto mechanic shop, if there are any problems and windshield wiper replacement is required in case of potential failures. Most often, it is the rain that reminds you to change your wiper, but, it is still not too late!