Video Transcript
These wiper blades are shot. If yours look like this, well, you’ve got to replace them. Don’t worry; this is easy, and I’m going to walk you through it.
There are basically two parts to this: you’ve got an arm and a blade. First, you want to pull the arm up away from the glass so you can remove the blade with the arm up. Just make it into a T-shape. Now, here, there’s a little release tab. Just pull that tab up, and then, with even pressure on either side, pull it straight down away from the hook, and it easily comes off.
This is a U-hook shape, the most common type of wiper arm. We’re going to show you how to replace blades with a conventional blade as well as one with an aerodynamic shell. In the middle of the blade is a connector. We’re going to turn it so it’s a T-shape, just like how we removed it. That’s going to make it easier to install and thread the arm up into the opening. This way, we can push the end of the connector into the U until it clicks and bottoms, and then carefully set it back down against the windshield. Move to the other side.
People wonder why some wiper blades cost more. Well, it’s because they’re better than a conventional blade with more features. The shell keeps water off of the blade and off of the windshield. There’s a sheath that protects the blade while it’s in the packaging, and you’ve got a wear indicator right here. You pull this cover off, and this dot will actually change color and let you know when the blades need replacing.
To install the blade, it’s the same drill: lift your arm up, move this into a T-shape, pull the release tab, and then pull it straight down and away. To install the Rain-X blade, there’s a release tab here, and then you install the blade onto the U-shape, pop it back in place, so you hear the click, like that, pull off the protective sheath, gently set it against the glass, and you’re ready for the rain.
Now, here are a couple of things to look for and some tips on how to maintain your wipers. These blades, well, this one is starting to separate; this one’s half gone. So, these are obviously shot; they need to be replaced. When inspecting your blades, just take a look at them, see if you see any cuts or nicks, and run your fingertip down the blade. If the blade itself is supple and it’s smooth, you don’t feel any inconsistency, just clean it off with a nice, clean cloth. And always remember to keep your glass clean as well; that will give you a long life with your wiper blades.
Typically, wiper blades need to be changed about every six months. If you live in an area with extreme weather, super hot or super cold, probably every four months would be a good interval. But the thing you want to get right is the length of the blade because you might have different length blades even on the same vehicle. If you’ve got a rear wiper, the blade length is always clearly marked on the box, or you can just go to a local AutoZone or go to AutoZone.com, and they’ll get that information for you.
But you want to look at quality in three stages. So you want to think about ‘good, better, and best.’ Now, a good option is the Duralast conventional wiper blade. This is very similar to the original equipment that came on your vehicle. A better option is the Duralast AeroBlade. This has the aerodynamic shell and will shed water a little bit better than the original blades. Your best options are the Bosch Icon, the Bosch Evolution, and the Rain-X Quantum. These are a better option for you because they have more features and they’ll last longer.
So now you know how to change your blades, and you know what great options you’ve got. Head on down to your local AutoZone, talk to an AutoZone expert, or go to AutoZone.com to get the blades that you need for your vehicle. So, you’re in the zone.”
