Chevy Wiper Blade Removal
Replacing the wiper blades on your Chevy is an important maintenance step. Too often, wipers blades are a disregarded component until they stop working. By not being able to properly see, you place yourself, your passengers and other drivers on the road at risk. Different Chevy models feature a variety of sizes that are specific to each model. In some cases, the front wiper blades may even be different sizes from one another.
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Newer Chevys
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Most newer Chevys use a quick-connect wiper blade for easy removal and replacement. These wiper blades require little to no tools to remove or install them. First, determine the down position of the blades and whether you can access them easily. If not, turn the ignition key to the key-on engine-off position, turn on the wiper motor and when the wipers are in the desired location, shut the ignition key off. If you turn the wiper motor off first, even if you've shut off the ignition key, the wiper arms will default back to their resting position. Next, approach the passenger side wiper blade on the Chevy. This is farther away to access then the driver's side, so get it out of the way first. Place a towel or thick clock on the windshield opposite the pivoting position of the wiper arm. This will prevent the windshield from cracking if the wiper arm accidentally springs forward. Pull the wiper arm up in the standing position. Tip the blade vertically away from the wiper arm assembly and then locate the release lock. It is located under the hook of the wiper arm. Depress the release lock and pull down on the wiper blade away from the hook of the arm. Use a slotted screwdriver if necessary to pry the connector off of the hook. Be careful so that the spring loaded wiper arm does not swing down and strike the windshield. Size the old wiper blade up to the new wiper blade to ensure you have purchased the correct size. Inspect the blade to make sure it has the correct connection device to match the hook of the wiper arm. If not, it may feature snap-in hardware that has to be installed to the wiper blade first. Angle the upper center of the blade to the wiper arm hook so you can place the opening at the top of the blade over the hook. Straighten the blade to the same angle of the wiper arm and then pull upwards against the hook of the wiper arm until you hear a slight audible click. Pull up and down on the blade gently to ensure it is locked securely in place. Remove the towel, swing the wiper arm down against the windshield and then repeat this procedure for the driver's side blade. Always test the blades after installation by engaging your windshield washer mechanism.
Older Chevys
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Older Chevy vehicles may vary slightly in procedure. Some older models did not feature wiper arms that moved into a standing position away from the windshield. These are more difficult, because you need to support the wiper arm while attempting to remove the wiper blade.
Another difference on many older Chevy models is that the tip of the wiper arm lacks a hook. The wiper arm featured a pin that the wiper blade snapped onto and sat on top of the wiper arm instead of underneath it. Pin-style Chevy wiper blades featured a tension spring in the center of the blade. Bend both sides of the pin-style blade backwards as far as it will allow, and the hole for the pin will expand slightly. Pull the blade off the pin. Corrosion and being exposed to the elements made releasing the blade from the pin difficult. Again, use a slotted screwdriver to convince the blade off of the pin. Install the new blade by reversing the procedure.
Non-standing wiper arms and pin-style wiper arms should always have a protective towel placed underneath them to protect the windshield.
Maintencance Intervals
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Replace the wiper blades on your Chevy at least once a year. Although the blades are made of durable rubber, being exposed to the environment compromises their longevity. At six months, check the blades for signs of dry-rotting rubber, rips in the blade and make sure they clear the windshield properly.
Always clear your windshield of snow and ice before turning on the windshield wiper motor. If the blades are stuck in ice or snow, you can damage the blades, knock out the wiper arm alignment or damage the wiper motor.
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