Wiper blades may be a small part of your vehicle, but they have a vital role in keeping you safe on the road. Older, worn-out blades can work less effectively, resulting in reduced visibility when you’re driving in rain or snow in Rochester, Minnesota. If you think it’s time for new wiper blades, you’re probably right. Review this step-by-step guide to learn how to replace the wiper blades on your Kia or other vehicle.
Gather Supplies
Before you begin, gather the supplies you’ll need to replace the wiper blades. For most vehicles, it’s a fairly simple process to remove the old wiper blades and replace them with new ones. Here’s a short list of the supplies you may need for the job:
- One to two clean towels or rags.
- Flathead screwdriver (if needed).
- Glass cleaner.
- Owner’s manual.
- Two new wiper blades.
When purchasing new wiper blades for your vehicle, make sure you choose the right ones for your specific make and model. If you’re unsure of the type to buy for your car, consult your owner’s manual or ask a local auto dealership for advice. When in doubt, choose original equipment manufacturer (OEM) blades to ensure they fit your vehicle perfectly.
Remove the Wiper Blades
Windshield wipers by State Farm is licensed with CC BY 2.0
Once you have your supplies, it’s time to remove the old wiper blades. Locate the wiper arms, which are the metal parts that move the blades across the glass, and lift them forward into a 90-degree angle with the windshield. The arms will lock or snap into place, allowing you to let go.
At this point, it may be helpful to consult your owner’s manual to determine how to remove the wiper blades from the arms. This process can vary slightly, depending on the type of vehicle you drive. Many wipers have a small tab that you can push to extract the blades from the arms. Other wipers may have small clips attaching the blade to the arm. If you have this type of wiper, you can use a flathead screwdriver to pull the clip up so you can remove the blade.
Protect the Windshield
After you remove the old blades, be extremely careful to protect the windshield. Without the blades, the metal wiper arms have the potential to damage the glass if you accidentally bump them or they snap back down. You can use one or two clean towels or rags to wrap around the wiper arms or place across the windshield. This small action can save you from a far more costly windshield replacement if the arms make contact with the glass.
Install the New Wipers
Next, take the new wipers you’ve purchased and compare them to the old blades to make sure they’re the right type and size for your vehicle. Install the new blades by reversing the process you’ve just completed. If your blades have a tab, you can slide the wiper arm over the blade tab until you hear it lock into place. For blades with a clip connection, locate the small hole where the clip aligns and lock the blade into place.
Once you’ve secured both wiper blades to the arms, gently place the wipers back on the windshield. While optional, you can also wipe down the windshield using glass cleaner before you place the wipers back down. A clean windshield can help you take full advantage of your new wipers.
Test the New Wiper Blades
As a final step, test the new wiper blades to make sure they work properly. Turn on the vehicle, spray some washer fluid, and activate the wipers. Watch closely to make sure the blades move securely across the windshield and listen for any strange noises, such as a slapping sound. If something doesn’t seem right, examine the blades again to make sure they’re fully connected to the arms.
How Often Should You Replace the Wiper Blades?
Typically, it’s recommended to replace the wiper blades on your vehicle every six to 12 months. This frequency can depend on where you live, and it’s possible Rochester drivers may have to change their blades more often, especially after a particularly brutal Minnesota winter. For peace of mind, it’s a good idea to have your wipers checked whenever you get your oil changed.
Most people will notice that it’s time to change the wiper blades when it becomes harder to see out the windshield in rain or other inclement weather. However, there are some less obvious signs that can let you know it’s time for a new pair of blades. These include:
- Worn or cracked rubber: The rubber on wiper blades can become worn or cracked, causing them to be less efficient and compromise your visibility. In addition, the rubber may start to detach from the blade frame, which can cause potential damage to the windshield.
- Rusted metal: If the wiper arms or other metal parts begin to rust, they may break off entirely. It’s a good idea to check your wipers monthly so you can replace the blades if you notice rust or corrosion.
- Windshield streaks: Another sign that it’s time for new blades occurs when your wipers leave streaks across the windshield after use. Clean the windshield thoroughly and top off the wiper fluid to ensure those aren’t causing the problem, and if you still see streaks, it’s time to replace the blades.
- Wiper noises: When you use your wipers, pay attention to unusual noises, such as squeaking or chattering. This type of noise may indicate bent wiper arms or frames.
Remember that in most cases, you’ll want to replace both wiper blades at the same time. If one wiper is worn or defective, it’s likely the other one will also need to be replaced soon.
Schedule Vehicle Service in Rochester, MN
While replacing the wiper blades isn’t a tough job, it can be inconvenient, especially if you’ve never done it before. To save yourself the trouble, schedule a service appointment at Tom Kadlec Kia. We’ll quickly change out your wiper blades so you can get back on the road and see clearly once again. We can also inspect your wiper blades any time you bring your vehicle in for another service, such as an oil change or tire rotation.
If you want to purchase your own blades but aren’t sure which ones to get, you can contact our parts department using this online form. We’ll source genuine Kia blades that fit your vehicle perfectly. For more information, contact us today. We look forward to servicing your vehicle soon.
Connect with us
Recent Blog Entries
Categories
Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.