Wiper blades should ideally be changed twice a year. The reason for this is that they are out in the elements a lot and especially in Dunedin they can ice over and during summer get superhot, which leaves them vulnerable to cracking and tearing.
How do you know when you need to change the blades?
- If they smear your window screen
- If they appear cracked and weathered
- If they are not making your vision any better then it's time to change them.
Thankfully, this job is fairly straightforward, so let's crack on with it.
You may need some basic tools depending on which brand of car you drive as wiper blades vary from car to car, but they are basically very similar. You will need:
1. Pliers
2. Replacement wiper blade
3. Sidecutters, a strong pair of scissors or a craft knife to cut the new blades to the correct length
See video demonstration below:
Step 1: Gently pull the wiper arm out.
Step 2: On the Suzuki Swift the wiper blades have two metal sliders that run the length of the wiper blade. This is where you'll need the pliers (or something similar) to grip them and pull them out.
Step 3: Now you can unclip the rubber blade.
Step 4: Now compare the old wiper blade with the replacement and cut the new blade to the same length.
Step 5: Once you have got your new wiper blade cut to the right length, run the new wiper blade back through the runners.
Step 6: Slide the two metal sliders back through as in step 2 (some of these steps can be a bit fiddly).
Step 7: Carefully return the wiper arm back to the normal position and repeat the process on the second wiper blade.
That's all there is to it!
I hoped you enjoyed this quick video. Please hit the "share button" up top to share this article with your friends.
Happy driving!