Kings Toyota Blog How to Replace Wiper Blades

Weather in Cincinnati, OH, can be unpredictable. With an average annual rainfall of 44.3 inches, Cincinnati comes in over 6 inches above the yearly average of the United States. And let's not forget about snowfall either. So when that unpredictable weather rolls in, your vehicle needs wiper blades that perform cleaning and clearing the rain and snow to ensure you can see the road, traffic, and pedestrians all trying to get through the stormy weather with you. New wiper blades cost anywhere from $10-$40 depending on the make and model of your car and their intended use and quality. Such a small amount of money can vastly improve your ability to see and thus drive safer. Changing them yourself isn't as difficult as you might think. Here, we've given you step-by-step instructions on how to change your wiper blades. We want you to arrive safely at your destination, whether your daily commute takes you around Cincinnati or just to the grocery store in Loveland Park. Why Do I Need to Replace My Wiper Blade Road debris and dirt, tree sap, and other chemicals found on the road can cause your wiper blades to warp over time. In hot climates, your wiper blades can dry out and corrode, resulting in irregular movement and poor cleaning. Prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures can cause them to crack and split, further exacerbating the issue. In addition, aging rubber begins to stiffen, become less flexible and this leads to that annoying squeak. How Often Should You Replace Your Wiper Blades? Manufacturers use rubber and silicone to construct the blades of windshield wipers. The soft rubber or silicone protects your windshield from scratches while performing the squeegee of your windshield. Unfortunately, these materials wear out but slowly. Over time, many drivers fail to notice the gradual effect of this wearing and find themselves squinting through a dirty, streaky windshield.  When your wipers start to fail to clear and clean dirt, water, and snow, you need to replace them. Often it begins with a small streak, but then another streak occurs. A damaged wiper can also impact your blade's ability to clear and clean. Experts agree that wiper blades should be changed every six months and more often in wet and snowy climates. You should replace your wiper blades at the first sign of streaking. If you feel like it's too much trouble to handle yourself, that's okay. Kings Toyota can change your wiper blades for you. If you'd prefer to handle the job on your own, it's easy enough. Follow our instructions below, and you'll be seeing clearly in no time. Replacing Your Wiper Blades Your windshield wipers have three essential parts: the lower wiper arm, a plastic or metal blade that attaches to this lower arm, and the rubber blade that wipes the windshield. When you replace your wiper blades, you only replace this rubber blade, not the entire assembly. Therefore, measure the length of the blade on each side to be certain you order the correct size replacement.  Some makes and models have different sizes for the left and suitable blades. If you have questions on the sizing or correct replacement, you can contact our parts department and purchase your wiper blades from us at any time. Step 1 - Raise the metal arm up and away in a 90-degree-angle from the windshield. In many Toyota models, this arm remains beneath the hood at the windshield base, preventing you from raising the arm. In that case, you should activate the wipers and shut them off when they reach the halfway point on your windshield. Now, the wipers have no obstructions when you raise them.  Step 2 - Once raised, they should lock in the 90-degree position. Look for a release button and hook where the arm meets the wiper blade. Press the release button and gently slide the wiper blade off in the opposite direction of the arm. Newer models might only have the release button and no hook. Older models could have tabs that need to be depressed as well. Step 3 - After removing the old blade, take the new blade and slide it onto the arm. It should audibly click once secured. Engage the hook and tabs if necessary. Step 4 - Gently lower the arm down onto the windshield. Congratulations, you've completed one blade. Now repeat Steps 1-4 to replace the other side. Tips on Replacing Wiper Blades You'll find different blades for different Toyota models. First, be sure you purchase the correct blade for your model. Aftermarket manufacturers often produce wiper blades that will fit multiple models but not to exact Toyota specifications. This could result in a longer or shorter blade, shaped differently or made of lesser quality material. To get the most from your wiper blades, we strongly suggest you use only genuine Toyota replacement parts for your wiper blades and all your general service and repairs. Mechanics recommend placing a towel over your windshield before raising the wiper arm and removing the wiper blade. The wiper arm has a spring tension that puts pressure on the blade against the windshield while in operation. Should the wiper arm accidentally fall back against the windshield without the rubber wiper blade attached, the metal or plastic wiper arm could scratch or crack your windshield with the force of impact. Our technicians recommend having the new wiper ready to install to avoid this situation. Toyota offers several types of wiper blades for every model. You can choose winter blades that have a heavy-duty construction that holds up better against snow and sleet. In the summer, you should use a standard wiper blade suitable for warm weather and showers. At Kings Toyota, we want you to be safe no matter where in Cincinnati your life takes you. That's why we stock an expansive inventory of wiper blades and other replacement parts. In addition, you can contact us anytime with questions, or - if you prefer some hands-on help -, you can schedule a service appointment online and one of our service department technicians will be happy to assist you.