How to Remove Old Windshield Wipers Blades and Install New Ones

Broken or worn-out windshield wipers are not the end of the world; however, there will be no discounting their importance when your vision is unclear and blurred because it’s pouring rain or snowing out. When that happens, your wiper blades’ utility will become all too obvious. It is much better to keep a close eye on your wipers and to be aware of their condition than to be caught in a horrible situation on the road that could’ve been avoided. Being able to recognize the signs of aging blades and learning how to unhook old windshield wipers to replace them with new, can definitely serve you well.

Do you Need to Change your Windshield Wipers?

Many experts will recommend changing your windshield wipers or at least checking them every six to 12 months. If you check them this often, you should be able to spot a worn-out part before it’s too late.

How can you recognize the signs of a deteriorating blade? First, your wipers may begin to do an inadequate job of clearing your windshield. This may include smearing and streaking whatever is on your windshield, such as water or dirt, rather than effectively wiping it off. When the rubber on your wipers gets frayed, brittle and cracked, you may even hear screeching as the rubber struggles to properly wipe your windshield. In extremely worn wiper cases, the plastic (or graphite) body of the blade can rub the window.

If you go extended periods of time without ever having to use your windshield wiper blades, you may not have to worry about these problems; however, this is not to say that blades do not naturally wear over time. This is another reason why proactively checking your blades at least once every year is a good idea.

Removing old and Installing New Windshield Wiper Blades

When the time comes for you to replace your blades, you will have to purchase new wipers, take your old windshield wipers off and install the new ones.

Purchasing new blades should be very easy. The AutoShack website utilizes a Year/Make/Model search functionality so customers can quickly find the appropriate auto parts for their vehicle. You will be able to search for the direct fit part that you need. The AutoShack web store will help you select the exact size that you need. Plus, when you order your part online, you can save up to 70% and will also get free shipping.

Before you put your new blades on, you will have the task of removing your worn out windshield wiper blades. If you have never done this before, there are a few things you need to know about the different kinds of wiper blades. The first thing you will need to do is lift the wiper arms off the windshield. This will make it easier to work on, and it will allow you to determine what type of wiper blades you currently have. These are three different types of blade removal mechanisms:

How to Get Slide Connector Windshield Wipers Off

To remove a blade of this style, after pressing on the lever or unlatching it on the bottom of the connection, you will slide the wiper down towards the base of the wiper arm.

How to Take Off Side Pin Windshield Wiper Blades

To remove this type of blade, take a flat-head screwdriver and press the spring lock button. You may need to slightly wiggle the blade until it fully releases, and then pull the blade away from the arm.

How to Remove J Hook Wiper Blades (Bayonet Arms)

To remove this type, simply lift the blade’s locking lever, and slide it back to the wiper arm’s base (towards the car).

Your New AutoShack HydroForm2™ Blades

AutoShack HydroForm2™ wiper blades are known for easy installation, and they come with the hardware that you will need to install them included. These blades will fit all vehicles equipped with a “9x3 J-Hook” wiper arm. Plus, they come with multiple add-on connectors that will allow fitment on 98% of all vehicles. Their frame-less design prevents ice and snow build-up by eliminating exposed metal components. Lastly, their flex-form design ensures constant pressure along the full expanse of the blade.

Once you get your wiper blades in place, you should try testing them out right away by using your vehicle washer fluid mister. A clean, smooth wipe means you were successful in the windshield wiper blade replacement project.