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A striped windshield is not only annoying but also very dangerous. Don’t let your wiper blades put you at risk. We’ll show you how to change them. See all of us Autoblog Wrenched video for more tips on diagnosing, fixing, and modifying cars from expert detailer Larry Kosilla. While you’re at it, check out Larry’s other auto maintenance and cleaning video series Automatic log details!
Striped windshields are not only annoying, but also dangerous. If your windshield wipers fit properly or wiper fluid isn’t coming out, I show you a few tricks for cleaning glass with Crystal. Here’s what you need to get the job done:
Remove streaks
Wipers tend to be overlooked, until you use them in the rain or snow, and don’t have time to discover the wipers are worn and you can’t see the road ahead. And think about the last time you pressed your washing machine liquid button and nothing happened. Both of these problems can be easily avoided. – Even though I obsessively clean my windshield, I still get streaks sometimes. Is there anything I can do with the wipers themselves to prevent that? – Sure. A lot of times, you just have some imperfections and things on the blade, that you can clean up. In addition, the windshield may be dirty.
Sharpen your blade
However, if the propellers are damaged, you must replace them. There is no way around that. You should replace your blades every six months. Spring and fall are the right times to do that. First, run your fingers down the blade. Is it smooth, or do you feel a build-up? To clean your blade, apply a little isopropyl alcohol or glass cleaner to a clean, light-colored soft cloth and run it gently along the length of the blade. Do this a few times, you will see black streaks on the fabric. You should do this every time you wash your car.
If it’s time for you to change your blades, remember that when you replace them, they’re actually sold in length. Auto parts stores often have an app guide, on the wiper screen, where you can easily look up the size needed for the front and rear windshield.
Wiper Anatomy 101
There are three basic mount styles: side-post, J-hook, and bayonet, however, upgrade or aftermarket blade types have adapters to accommodate a variety of mounts. Check existing blades to choose the right clamp. To remove your old blade, you need to press a tab or sometimes a button for the plastic to come out of the wiper arm. Try to recall how the old blade was attached to make it easier to install the new one. Try to avoid cheap replacement blades, as they can strip and often wear out faster.
While most people simply replace the entire unit, you can also install just one refill, which is the flexible rubber part. Usually you can only do this on original factory blades or only some aftermarket models. Installing a replacement feeder takes longer and can be a bit frustrating to get it right, but they are cheaper than replacement blades and if purchased from a dealer they have the same quality of the original equipment, as So it’s a good choice if you’re on a budget.
There are also different types of wiper blades and brackets: the beam style and the old conventional rack style. Beam patterns are more aerodynamic and come standard on most cars today, as they are smoother and less likely to generate wind drag or noise. There are also winter blades for extreme weather, which are more resistant to freezing, as the frame is stiffer and the rubber is a special synthetic designed to perform well in cold climates. winter. You should replace the wiper blades in pairs and don’t forget to replace the rear wiper if applicable.
Close shave
Thoroughly clean the windshield before installing new wipers, and use a razor if necessary to remove hard debris from the windshield that could damage the rubber of the new wiper. Use a razor blade at a 30-degree angle, like scraping glass, and no, you won’t scratch the glass if it’s angled right.
Don’t forget your washing machine liquid
When refilling your washing machine’s tank, it’s never a good idea to use cold water, especially in northern climates, as it can freeze and crack the lines. It’s cheap and easy to combine with an all-weather laundry detergent mix, then switch to a winter dehumidifier as winter approaches. If your washer’s jets aren’t on target, use a pin or paper clip to poke the hole and redirect the target. You can also use a pin to open a wax-filled or plugged-in nozzle. Before waxing your car, put tape on the Jets to prevent excess product from entering the holes, which will dry out and clog, or at least redirect the flow of the washer fluid. Driving in the rain or a blizzard doesn’t have time to find out that your wipers need to be replaced. Regular servicing of your windshield wipers and washer fluid will help keep you on the road ahead, in any season. For more auto repair videos, visit Autoblog Wrenched.
