How to Take Off Windshield Wipers?

Do your windshield wipers leave behind streaks or debris, or have they scratched your windshield? Replacing your windshield wiper blades is a common part of routine vehicle maintenance. This not only protects your windshield; it also protects you by ensuring you have clear visibility when you’re behind the wheel. Not sure how to remove your old wipers? We’ve put together this step-by-step guide to help you replace your wiper blades.

Understanding How to Remove Your Windshield Wipers

You might not think twice about the windshield wipers until they stop working, but they are important in keeping you safe on the Putnam County roads. Windshield wipers remove rain, snow, and debris from the windshield, providing a clear view of the road ahead. As the arms move back and forth, the attached blades remove water and particles from the windshield.

When your wipers become less efficient, you need to replace them so you don’t find yourself driving with an impaired view. In most cases, you’ll only need to replace the blades, not the arms. You can find new blades for your vehicle at a certified dealership, such as Meadowland GMC, an automotive store, or online. You’ll need to know the correct size to purchase, which you can find in your GMC owners manual. You can also choose what type of blade you want. You have several options, including:

• Traditional: These blades can work on a wide variety of vehicles, and they’re usually the most cost-effective choice.
• Beam: For enhanced performance and durability, you can choose these curved blades.
• Winter: These wiper blades can work well during the winter since they’re specially designed for ice and snow.

Once you select a blade, it’s time to replace your old windshield wipers with a new pair.

Tools and Materials Needed

Removing your wiper blades is a fairly easy job, but it still requires a few tools. Make sure you have the following items on hand before you begin:

• Towel or rags.
• New windshield wipers.
• A screwdriver.

You may not need the screwdriver, depending on the type of wipers you currently have. If your wipers are dirty or muddy, you may also want to have a pair of gloves to wear.

How To Take Off Your Windshield Wipers

Follow these steps to remove your old wiper blades:

Lift the Wipers

Grip the wiper where the arm meets the blade and lift it up slowly. Once fully extended, both wipers should stay upright on their own. To be safe, place a towel or rag on the windshield so the wiper arms don’t accidentally snap back down and damage the glass.

Remove the Blades

Check to see what type of blade your wipers have. The type of blade will determine how you remove it. Many wipers have a small tab or button near the spot where the arm meets the blade. Press that tab and slide the blade to remove it.

Your wipers may have a pin connector at the end of the arm to hold the blade. If that’s the case, use a screwdriver to lift the pin connector and release the tab. Then, pull the blade off the pin. If there are tabs on both sides of the wiper arm, hold those down as you slide the blade up to remove it.

No matter what type of blade your wipers have, removing one at a time is a good idea. This way, you can check the old blade as you install the new one to ensure you’re doing it correctly.

Install the New Blades

Once you’ve removed the blade, ensure the new one matches the old one. Then, attach the new blade to the arm using the same process you followed to remove the old one. Slide the blade until you hear a clicking noise, which means it’s locked into place. Lower the arm back onto the windshield and repeat the process on the other wiper.

Test the Blades

Before patting yourself on the back, test the new blades to ensure they work correctly. Use windshield washer fluid or a garden hose and turn on the wipers. Whenever you change the wiper blades, it’s also a good idea to check the washer fluid and top it off if you need more.

Common Challenges and Troubleshooting

If you’ve tried removing your wiper blades with no luck, ensure you’re using the right technique. Some wiper blades have a pin mechanism that requires a screwdriver to disengage it.

You may also have problems if you buy the wrong size blades for your vehicle. Check the owners manual or measure each blade before you go shopping to ensure you choose the correct size. If you have the right size but it doesn’t fit, ensure you install it on the correct side. Some vehicles have different wiper lengths on the passenger and driver sides.

If you still have problems, bring your vehicle to Meadowland GMC. Our team of certified technicians can quickly remove and install your new windshield wipers so you can get back on the road with better visibility.

Maintaining Your Windshield Wipers

Checking the windshield wipers should be routine in vehicle maintenance to keep your GMC running its best. In general, it’s a good idea to change your wiper blades every six months. GMC also recommends replacing the blades if you notice these signs of wear:

• Streaking: If you see streaks left behind on the windshield, it’s a good time to get new blades.
• Chattering: If the blade skips while operating, it’s probably time to replace it.
• Worn rubber: Check the rubber insert for peeling edges, which can signal overuse.
• Split rubber: Cracks or splits in the rubber can indicate sun damage, causing a blade to need replacement.
• Bent arm: Accidentally knocking the wiper with an ice scraper or other object can bend the wiper frame; you may need to replace the arm, blade, or both.

Get Your Windshield Wipers Replaced at Meadowland GMC

Don’t have time to learn how to remove your old wiper blades so you can replace them? No problem. At Meadowland GMC in Carmel, New York, we can handle all your vehicle service needs, from new wipers to oil changes to major repairs. Schedule a service appointment and let our technicians take care of this maintenance. Don’t forget to check out our current service specials to see how you can save money on wiper blades. Have more questions about wiper replacements or our service department? Stop by or contact us today.

Photo Credit: shallow focus photography of black vehicle wiper by Thibault Valjevac is licensed with Unsplash License

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