Road & Track chatted with Kevin Hines, a senior technician at McLaren Philadelphia, to find out the proper technique for quickly and safely changing wiper blades. Hines works on $20 million exotic cars as the sole factory-trained McLaren F1 technician in North America. He is the person who best understands how to replace wiper blades.
For detailed instructions on how to change the wiper blades on your automobile, we advise consulting the owner’s manual before continuing. The manufacturer’s recommendations can be different from the ones shown below.
In This Article...
Choosing the Right Blades
There are numerous wiper blade selections available, but the most important thing is to make sure you get the correct blades for your car’s make and model. Consider trustworthy companies while choosing the model that fits your windshield the best, and make an informed choice. If you want to eliminate guesswork, go OEM.
Replacing Windshield Wiper Blades
You simply need your hands to replace the windshield wiper blades on the majority of autos. Find the wiper blades on your automobile, then raise the wiper arms. Under spring stress, they will typically hold themselves in place, giving you space to quickly change the blades. To access the arms on some cars, you might need to lift the hood.
The next step, which you must work out independently, is how to physically remove the wiper blade from the arm. There are numerous manufacturer designs for this connection, but the majority require a little amount of fumbling and little bending to remove the wiper. For instructions on how to remove the blades from your automobile without breaking anything, we advise consulting your owner’s manual.
When you take the wipers off, drive very carefully. Hines tells us that every time he installs a set of windshield wipers, whether it be on his own vehicle or a McLaren F1, he always covers the windshield with something.
The metal wiper arm is prepared to make contact with the glass while the wiper blades are not in use. It could slap down and fracture the windshield if you unintentionally bump against it when you are switching out the blades. Hines claims that he “never likes to let the arm stand in the air without a wiper blade on it. “I’ve been so close to tears because I’ve cracked windshields.
Does Autozone do windshield wiper installation?
Yes! As long as you purchase your windshield wipers from the store, Autozone will replace them. Additionally, their professionals can assist you in locating the ideal wipers for your Tesla.
It’s a handy service, especially for car owners who lack the time or knowledge for routine maintenance.
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Should I swap out both wiper blades at once?
Your wiper blades should keep your windows clear while it’s raining, sleeting, or snowing. When you use your wipers, if you notice a haze, it’s probably time for a replacement. The majority of individuals don’t give their windshield wipers much care, and some people wait until the blades are frayed and old before replacing them. The rubber blades are not just susceptible to the effects of rain and snow. The rubber deteriorates in the scorching summer sun, causing the blades to hop across the glass and inadequately clean it.
Wiper blades come in three different varieties, including the following:
- In order to keep the blade in contact with the glass, conventional bracket blades include a metal frame with numerous contact points. Although these wiper blades are the cheapest, they have a propensity to accumulate snow or ice during winter weather. Bracket blades are widely available but don’t last as long as other varieties.
- For drivers who frequently face cold weather, winter wiper blades are more practical. Snow and ice are kept off the wiper by a protective rubber coating that surrounds the blade. Winter wipers are less aesthetically pleasing than regular wipers, but they last longer.
- Although premium-beam wiper blades have a more modern and stylish appearance, they are typically more expensive than other types of blades. The newest wiper blade technology, known as beam blades, has the least amount of noise while providing the most cleaning power. These are highly advised if you have the money because of their durability and aerodynamics. Euro-style, bracketless, frameless, and boneless are other names for beam wipers.
If you see any of the following, it’s time to change your wiper blades:
- Streaking
- Splitting
- Skipping
Additionally, you might hear the window’s blades squeaking. In general, both wiper blades should be changed at the same time. Make it a practice to regularly check your windshield wiper fluid to ensure there is enough liquid to remove grime and bugs as needed after installing new wiper blades.
If it’s raining and you can’t see clearly, you need to buy replacement wiper blades immediately away. Wiper blades are cheap and simple to change. Come to any of our servicing locations to acquire the blades that suit your driving preferences and perform well in those situations. We can assist you in determining the proper size blades, and we can also install them at your convenience.
Can I use wiper blades of a different size?
Vehicle-specific wiper blades are used for windshields. On some cars, the size of both wiper blades is the same. The two wiper blades are different diameters on various automobiles. In order to clear as much of the windshield as possible, the manufacturer chooses the best-fitting wiper blade size. You will discover that one or both wiper blades will hang over the side or touch the top of the windshield trim while upright if you change your wiper blades with a larger size blade in an effort to clear more space on the windshield. Furthermore, if both windshield wipers are overly lengthy, they could bump into each other and harm the wiper motor, arms, and blades. When the wiper blade isn’t flush with the windshield, this will result in excessive wear on the wiper blades and areas that don’t get cleared.
You will discover that some parts of the windshield are not cleaned if you change your wipers with smaller-sized blades. And some of these locations can be essential for the car to run safely.
Only replace your wiper blades with those of the size recommended by the manufacturer after consulting your owner’s handbook. This will provide a good fit and guard against damage. If you cannot find your owner’s handbook, a blade size finder can be used to quickly determine the wiper blade size.
How big should my windshield wipers be for a 2018 Nissan Sentra?
Depending on the model year, the Nissan Sentra requires a different size wiper blade.
The 2021 Nissan Sentra, for instance, calls for a 26″ driver’s side blade and a 17″ passenger side blade, whereas the 2019 Nissan Sentra calls for a 28″ driver’s side blade and a 15″ passenger side blade.
The Nissan Sentra’s wiper blades are a crucial safety feature and should be routinely inspected, cleaned, and replaced as needed.
Check your blades once a week or anytime you find that they are not preserving the visibility of your windshield.
It’s crucial to utilize the proper Nissan Sentra sizes when it comes time to change the wiper blades.
For thorough information about your specific Nissan Sentra model year, scroll down or quickly jump.
How big should my windshield wipers be for a Nissan Altima?
Depending on the model year, the Nissan Altima requires a different size wiper blade.
In contrast to the 2018 Nissan Altima, which needs a 28″ driver’s side blade and a 16″ passenger’s side blade, the 2021 Nissan Altima needs a 26″ driver’s side blade and a 17″ passenger’s side blade.
The Nissan Altima’s wiper blades are a crucial safety feature and should be routinely inspected, cleaned, and replaced as needed.
It’s crucial to utilize the proper Nissan Altima sizes when it comes time to change the wiper blades.
For thorough information about your specific Nissan Altima model year, scroll down or quickly jump.
How much do windshield wipers cost a pair?
Replacement windshield wiper blades typically cost between $23 and $38. Between $8 and $12 is the expected cost of labor, while $15 to $26 is the estimated cost of parts. Taxes and fees are not included in the estimate.