How to Replace Your Windshield Wipers

At Landers Kia in Little Rock, Arkansas, we believe fortune favors the prepared! You don’t want to be caught in a torrential downpour with ineffective or broken windshield wipers. It is crucial to replace old wipers before you encounter serious weather. For maximum safety and visibility, wiper blades should be replaced every six to twelve months, or sooner if needed. Fortunately, replacing your wipers is a straightforward task that you can easily do yourself!

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Buying New Wipers

Before you start, it’s important to have the correct replacement wiper blades on hand. You need to make sure the new blades are the proper length and are compatible with your vehicle’s make and model. The easiest thing to do is to order new wipers online or stop by our parts department. Our experts can get you exactly what you need and even make sure your new blades are properly installed! However, if you’re in a time crunch, most auto parts stores have blade-size guidelines for you to consult.

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Removing the Old Wipers

To remove the old blades, lift the wiper arm away from the windshield until it locks into an upright position. It should snap into a 90-degree angle. Now, you’ll need to locate the mechanism that attaches the blade to the wiper arm. This piece can vary between vehicle manufacturers — it could be a button that needs to be pushed, a lock that slides open, or a small pin that needs to be removed. It’s usually located on the underside of the wiper blade. 

If you can’t locate the release mechanism, your owner’s manual should have instructions on how to remove the wiper blades. Once the blade is released, simply slide the old blade off the wiper arm.

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Installing the New Wipers

The end of your new wiper blades should have a tab with a hole in the middle. Take a new wiper blade and line it up with the wiper arm — you should see a metal hook or attachment mechanism. Slide the new blade onto the arm, connect the hook to the tab on the blade, and gently pull the blade until you hear or feel a click. Your new blade should feel securely attached. Repeat this process for the other wiper arm and you’re done! Be sure to gently lower the wiper arms back onto the windshield and test the wipers before driving.

We hope you found replacing your windshield wipers to be quick and easy! To make sure your tires, brakes, and other vehicle parts are in good condition as well, schedule a service appointment at Landers Kia in Little Rock, Arkansas!

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