As windshield wiper blades become dull with use or damaged, they are practically useless. As their condition worsens, you will notice choppy motion, streaks, and standing water on the windshield that the wipers seem to miss. To avoid these annoyances, wiper blades should be replaced annually.
If the rubber blade is soiled, but not blunt, try wiping the edge of the blade with a cloth soaked in windshield wiper fluid. This may help revitalize the rubber and improve overall performance. However, it will not benefit the blade if it is fractured or severely worn out. The cheapest method of wiper maintenance would be to replace the rubber blade refill with a new one that slides in or attaches easily to the wiper.
You may find that changing the whole wiper blade may be your only option if you are having trouble isolating the source of the problem. To do this, lift the wiper arm so that it runs perpendicular to the windshield, and remove the used blade. Now, pop the new blade into place by inserting it into the fastener at the end of the wiper arm. Once the blade snaps in tightly, you will know that it is secure.
Wiper arms located on the rear window of a vehicle sometimes double as the washer fluid sprayer. If you need to change this style wiper, remove the cover, and unscrew the bolt holding the wiper arm in position. The next step is slightly tricky, but you will have to unfasten the washer fluid flow tube. Finally, detach the wiper arm assembly, and repeat this process in reverse as you install the new arm.
If you aren’t a car enthusiast, you may be unaware that there are high-performance windshield wiper upgrades available for most vehicles. Some of the advanced features these wipers offer include a three-blade edge or an aerodynamic design to reduce air friction at high rates of speed and encourage smoother contact with the windshield.