A DIY approach is a popular option for replacing windshield wiper blades because it’s cheap and easy to do. You can save money by buying the replacement blades online rather than at your auto parts store, and you won’t need any special tools or equipment.
To install new wiper blades yourself, follow these simple steps:
Purchase new windshield wiper blades. You can find them at most auto parts stores. If you’re replacing them on a car with power windows, get wiper blades that are a similar length to the old ones so they will fit properly in the arm. If your car has manual windows, you’ll need longer blades.
Ensure the new wiper blades are for the correct year, make, and model of your vehicle so they fit properly. Wiper blade sizes vary depending on the year, make, and model of your car.
Remove the Old Wiper Blades and Clean Off the Arms
Safety first! Always wear eye protection when working with sharp objects. Start by removing the old wiper blades from your car’s windshield. Use an adjustable wrench to loosen and remove the mounting nuts on both sides of the arm, then pull off the old blade. Next, clean off any remaining adhesive residue from the arms by spraying them with a household cleaner like Goo Gone or WD-40 and wiping them down with a cloth towel or paper towel.
Now that your windshield is clean and clear of any leftover tape residue install new double-sided tape onto each arm using an Exacto knife (or another sharp instrument) to cut it into strips slightly wider than each side of the arm itself. Be sure to leave enough room around each edge so you can later affix each strip to itself without overlapping or coming loose during use.
Trim the Replacement Wiper Blades to Fit
The best way to do this is with a sharp pair of scissors or a utility knife. Use a tape measure to ensure the length is correct, and then mark it on both sides of the blade so that you can cut straight through without worrying about accidentally cutting into the rubber part of the blade. Hold one hand firmly on top of the rubber, so it doesn’t move while cutting with your other hand underneath where you’re cutting. This will ensure that both ends are cut at the same length.
Next, you’ll want to start installing your new blades by attaching them to your vehicle’s frame with double-sided tape or suction cups if they come with them. You can also use zip ties if they aren’t too long and won’t interfere with other parts of your vehicle such as mirrors. This will ensure that they don’t fall off while driving down the road or during other situations where they might be jostled around unpredictably.
Place the blade onto one end of the arm, lining up the holes in the blade with those on the arm. Apply a thin layer of adhesive cement to each side of the blade’s arms and place them over the corresponding holes on the arm.
Press down firmly on each end of the blade to ensure it’s seated properly against its respective arm and secure with nuts. Tighten nuts securely with pliers, but don’t overdo it. You don’t want to strip them out!
If you’re worried about how to make your windshield wipers last, or if they’re too expensive to get, consider DIYing them instead. You can often scour stores for the best deal and do it yourself in a matter of minutes.