-
Step 1
Be proactive and set a scheduled date to change the wiper blades on the vehicle regardless of the wear and tear before winter. Good dates to remember are Labor day, which is when in most northern states the weather starts to turn cold and Groundhog Day. Although it's not a major holiday, most television and radio stations report on what old Punxsutawney Phil says about winter sticking around so use it as a reminder to change out worn wiper blades.
-
Step 2
Inspect the wiper blades with each oil change and at every oil replacement. Look for broken frames, any metal corrosion or rusting and any visible cracks or tears in the rubber edge of the wiper blades. The rubber should be soft and flexible and have a sharp edge to work properly in winter.
-
Step 3
Purchase replacement wipers appropriate for the season. Winter blades are similar to summer but have rubber casing over all of the metal parts to ensure the weather does not cause the springs to freeze, otherwise the blade cannot make full contact with the window. Get the correct blade for the make, model and year of vehicle.
-
Step 4
Pull the old wiper blade off the arm following the manufacturer's instructions on the replacement blade. Screws hold some wiper blades in place. Remove the screw before attempting to remove the blade.
-
Step 5
Slide the new blade onto the wiper arm and press until it clicks or snaps in place. If there's a screw holding it in, replace the screw. Gently pull on the blade to ensure it's secure and won't fall off in the strong winter elements.
