While it’s important to visit a mechanic when your car needs an oil change or you want your tires rotated, there are some minor vehicle repairs you can complete on your own. For example, if you notice one of your windshield wipers is broken or missing, you may be able to change them without the guidance of a technician. Here’s an overview of steps you can follow to change them yourself, and how to choose the right blades for your vehicle.
How To Change Your Windshield Wipers
Getting stuck in a storm with a faulty pair of windshield wipers can create an unsafe driving situation and increase the likelihood that you lose visibility on the road. This means it’s important to understand how to swap them out if the occasion arises, especially if you’re unable to get to a mechanic.
When you’re planning on replacing your windshield wipers, it’s important to first consult your owner’s manual for exact instructions, since specific details can vary from car to car. However, you may be able to follow the same basic steps to replace them on a variety of vehicle makes and models. Here are some steps that describe how to change your windshield wipers on your own.
- Locate and lift the blades: Most models don’t require you to use tools to replace your windshield wipers, and you should be able to locate and lift your windshield wiper blades easily on your own. Spring tension typically holds them in place, allowing them to stay lifted without you needing to hold them up.
- Lift the hood if necessary: If you can’t locate the arms of your windshield wipers, you may need to lift the hood of your vehicle to access them.
- Reference the owner’s manual: Once you’ve lifted the blades, you can remove them from your windshield. However, the particular maneuvers, pulling, and pushing you may need to do can vary depending on the vehicle you drive, so it’s important to consult the owner’s manual to get a better understanding of your car’s specific needs.
- Transfer your old wipers: Next, you can take the wiper blades you just removed and lay them down, right by the new set. This can help you ensure both pairs are the same size, and that they have the same connection points, which is important to verify before you try to attach the new blades to your vehicle.
- Pop on your new blades: Reverse the strategy you used to detach the old pair of windshield wiper blades to pop on the new set. Once they’re securely attached, lower the windshield wiper arms and lay them back on the windshield gently.
Tips for Changing Your Windshield Wipers
While it’s important to understand the steps you can follow to change your wipers, there are also a few tips you may want to keep in mind. Here are some tips to consider to ensure you change your wipers correctly and prevent yourself from accidentally breaking your windshield in the process.
- Proceed with caution: Once the windshield wipers are off, it’s essential to proceed carefully. The metal wiper arm is designed to make contact with the glass of your windshield, so if you accidentally nudge it while changing your blades, you run the risk of it hitting and cracking your windshield.
- Use a towel as a barrier: When you’re in the middle of changing your wiper blades, consider laying down some towels on the windshield. This can help protect it from the windshield wiper arm smacking and cracking it.
- Make sure they work before you hit the road: While you may feel like your job is done after lowering your windshield wipers back down, it’s a good idea to check them and ensure they function before you take off for a drive. This can help you avoid getting stuck in a rainstorm with a pair of malfunctioning wipers.
How To Choose the Right Windshield Wipers
Before you can swap out your old windshield wipers, it’s important to select the right replacement pair. With a seemingly endless supply of windshield wiper options, make sure to select ones that suit your particular make and model. When browsing wipers, prioritize reputable brands so you can make a well-informed decision. Opting for OEM wipers can help you make sure the wipers are a perfect match for your car, truck, or SUV.
To take the guesswork out of the selection process, head over to our parts center and chat with one of our technicians. They can answer your questions and help you determine which windshield wipers are the right choice for your vehicle and budget. If you already know what you’re looking for, you can also fill out a parts order form online. This can make the windshield wiper replacement process even easier, and help ensure you find the exact pair you need.
Service at Huffines Chevrolet Plano
While it’s pretty simple to replace your windshield wipers independently, there are a variety of other maintenance and service tasks you’ll need a technician to complete. It’s important to stay on top of regular oil changes, brake inspections, and tire rotations to keep your vehicle performing as well as possible. At Huffines Chevrolet Plano, you can count on our team of knowledgeable technicians to inspect your vehicle, perform diagnostic tests, and identify any issues that they need to handle.
They can also take care of a variety of minor tune-up tasks, like air filter replacements or spark plug repairs, that can have a big impact on the performance of your vehicle. If you’re not sure which windshield wipers to shop for or you need a mechanic’s expertise for another part of your vehicle, you can stop by our service center or give us a call at 888-705-5980 to chat with a technician and get the peace of mind you need.
While you’re visiting our dealership, head over to our lot to browse our extensive inventory of new and pre-owned vehicles. You can check out the latest Chevy line-up and explore their new features and high-tech elements. If you find a model you love, feel free to speak with a member of our sales team to learn more about its capabilities and take it for a test drive. We even offer used car specials to help you get into the vehicle you really want. For everything from service to sales, you can count on the experts at Huffines Chevrolet Plano to take care of your auto needs in and around Plano, Texas.