Maintaining the condition of windshield wipers should be an integral part of normal vehicle maintenance. Installing new windshield wipers every six to nine months, or as soon as deterioration begins to occur, will ensure effective performance and a streak-free windshield. Consult your owner's manual or look up replacement recommendations at your local auto store to choose the correct windshield wiper for your vehicle and follow general guidelines for correct installation.

Considerations

While you can opt to replace only the rubber part of the wiper blade, refill inserts may not fit correctly on the arm drive arm, which can cause poor performance. The National Automotive Parts Association (NAPA) recommends replacing the entire wiper blade for optimum safety and performance. Prevent damage to your windshield by laying a towel across it when you install windshield wipers. If the wiper arm should snap back against the windshield without a rubber blade attached, the windshield could crack.

Removal

Gently pull the windshield wiper up and away from the vehicle so it sticks out perpendicular to the windshield. If you cannot pull it out more than a few inches, it has a locking mechanism. Locate the clip or tab at the base of the wiper and unlock it. If you cannot reach the blade, start your car and turn the wipers on until they are within easy reach. Before you remove the blade, locate the attachment mechanism at the base of the blade and identify attachment type. Then, remove the windshield wipers and apply some antiseize compound to the arm to help protect metal parts from rust and corrosion. The most common attachment types include: Hook-slot connector: This type of connector has a tab you will need to lift to release a lock that holds the blade pivot within a hook slot. After releasing the tab, a shove toward the base of the wiper arm will release the blade from the hook slot. Pin-type arm: Removal is identical to the hook-slot connector, except you will see a pin instead of a tab. Straight-end connector: This one can be a little tricky. Use a screwdriver to lift a tab clear of the locking mechanism. If necessary, move the blade out just a bit from the arm and then slide it to remove.

Installation

To install new windshield wipers, first install the correct attachment type to the new windshield wiper blades. Depending on the attachment type, either snap or slide it on. Then, slide the new blade onto the wiper arm. Listen for a snap or click to be sire the blade is secure. Do not forget to test your new windshield wipers. If a blade appears to be slipping, give it a shove to make sure the blade is firmly in place.

Source:

ConsumerReports.org: Even Good Wipers Fade Fast

DMV.org: Replacing Your Windshield Wipers

NAPAOnline.com: Wiper Blades

More Information:

BestCovery.com: Best Replacement Windshield Wipers

RainX.com: Wiper Blades