Windshield wipers keep your windshield clear so you can drive safely, even in heavy rain or nighttime sleet. The right windshield wipers will improve visibility, reduce distractions, and even help protect the windshield from damage from debris.
At Groppetti Auto Family | Nissan Visalia, we help our clients stay safe on the road with reliable maintenance and windshield wiper replacement services. We also provide information so you can maintain your windshield wipers and recognize when it’s time for a replacement. Use this quick guide on how to change windshield wipers to keep your vehicle in great condition.
How to Choose the Right Size of Windshield Wiper
Windshield wipers come in many different sizes and styles, and every car has a recommended wiper blade size and shape that’s ideal for the windshield. Even the driver and passenger size blades may be different. The first step in how to change windshield wipers is selecting the right product, and you can make sure you get the right wipers by using any of these strategies:
- Check your owner’s manual, which will detail exactly which windshield wipers to get.
- Measure each blade (rounding the measurements to the nearest inch), and take a picture of how it attaches so you can find a comparable product in stores.
- Ask an auto parts store what the right wipers are for your make and model.
- Take your car into a service center for hands-off selection, replacement, and maintenance.
Step-by-Step: Changing Windshield Wipers
Once you have the right windshield wipers, it’s time to install them. Learn how to replace windshield wipers in these simple steps:
- Gently lift the wipers up away from the windshield surface.
- Identify your windshield wipers’ locking mechanism:
- Clip-On: Press down the locking button, and then pull the wiper out and away from the arm. Set it aside, and line the new wiper up with the arm. Slide it into place. Once it’s engaged, you’ll hear the locking tab click into place.
- Hook-Mount: Press down on the wiper tab and pull the wiper down to disengage it from the arm. It may feel slightly stuck in place. Set the old wiper aside and pick up the new one. Position it so the arm’s hook sits the wiper’s adapter, and pull up. It should snap into place.
- Pin-Mount: Open the latch mechanism that attaches the wiper to the arm. Then slide the blade off the perpendicular pin (typically toward your windshield). Set the old blade aside, pick up the new one, and slide it into place so the pin goes through both holes. Snap the latch shut.
- Gently lower the arm and new wiper blade back against the windshield.
Whether you need to replace your windshield wipers because of age or because one was damaged, it’s generally best to replace both at once.
When to Replace Your Windshield Wipers
Staying on top of when to replace your windshield wipers is an easy way to stay safe and comfortable as you drive. Generally, you should replace them every six or twelve months, depending on how much you drive and the road and weather conditions. However, you may need to replace them sooner if you see these signs of damage:
- Streaking on the windshield
- If the windshield wipers skip or squeak on the windshield
- Visible damage, such as cracks and gaps on the blade
- If the wipers simply aren’t working as well as they should
Windshield Wiper Maintenance Tips
You can extend the life of your windshield wipers by cleaning them every month or so. Rubbing alcohol or soapy water can remove dirt and buildup, which might even clear up any streaking on your windshield! You can also extend your windshield wipers by choosing premium products built to last, parking in the shade to minimize sun damage, and keeping your washer fluid compartment full so there’s less friction.
Call Nissan of Visalia Today!
Looking for more helpful advice and support to keep your car in great shape beyond knowing how to change windshield wipers? The team at Nissan of Visalia is here to help. Call us with your questions, or schedule maintenance and repair services for convenient car care.
Image Source: Korawat photo shoot/Shutterstock
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