Is it possible to swap the wipers? How to properly remove and replace wipers on a car, mounting methods


Windshield wipers or windshield wipers in a car are a consumable item and, sooner or later, require replacement. Despite the fact that the element is inconspicuous and does not have any special aesthetic properties, it performs an extremely important function in bad weather. The presence of wipers allows you to control visibility on the road in snow and rain. If the element does not require replacement, we suggest performing the process yourself, following the step-by-step instructions.

The first replacement will follow after several months of active use. Changing windshield wipers is the same in almost all brands of cars and is so simple that there is no point in going to a car repair shop. First of all, determine the degree of wear. To do this, carefully inspect the three components of the system: the lower wiper arm, the metal blade near the arm and the rubber brush. Most often, it is the last element that requires replacement, as it directly wears out during friction with the glass. It's time to change the element if you notice a deterioration in the quality of cleaning the glass from drops of water and dirt. You need to buy replacement blades. Take a tape measure or measuring tape, measure the length of the rubber blades, and when buying new ones, be guided by the size of the old ones. When choosing products, do not be surprised if the left and right wiper are of different lengths. Most often, one of them is several centimeters shorter. New wipers will cost you about $10. Lift the metal arm, keeping it perpendicular to the glass. Please note that the system is springy, and the wiper may suddenly jump, breaking the windshield. Remove the old brush. First, carefully examine the connection between the rubber and the metal handle. The connection should be some kind of plastic retainer, thanks to which the brush is attached. Gently but firmly press down on the clamp and detach the old element from the base. Some brushes are made on a different principle, and instead of a hook they are attached to a latch. When replacing the brush, make sure that the lever is as far away from the windshield as possible. For safety, cover the glass with a soft towel, blanket or blanket. This precaution will prevent damage even if the lever springs off and hits the glass. Now you can attach the new windshield wiper: place the new blade where you took the old one from and fix the new element until it clicks. Repeat the process with the second wiper. Watch the size of the brushes. If the rubber element on the left wiper is longer and the one on the right is shorter, then install new ones as well. If you do not know when to replace, then carefully inspect the windshield wipers: if they become rough, inelastic and cracked, then they need to be replaced. If the wipers are not working and you need to replace the entire system, then open the hood and find the black cap on the front axle of the arm, pry it up and remove it. The lever must be removed sharply, pulling it off the fine spline connection. When installing the new system back, screw the levers so that the left part is located six centimeters from the bottom of the windshield. Install the right element in the same way, focusing on the markings at the bottom of the windshield. Before installing the wipers, replace the system motor.

Don't forget about safety measures: cover the windshield with a soft blanket. Carry out the process sequentially, carefully examine the connection principle of each element. Depending on the car models, some points may differ.

Every driver of a vehicle knows that good visibility is the key to safety on the road. It is thanks to the so-called wipers that the rear and windshield are kept clean in adverse weather conditions. But everything eventually wears out and needs to be replaced. This happens with car windshield wipers when they stop performing their full function. An experienced car owner knows that rear window wipers wear out much faster, and accordingly, they need to be replaced more often. It's not difficult to do this yourself. At the same time, you need to ensure that the purchased model of the product fits your car...

Causes of wear

Replacement can occur for various reasons. As a result of dust, sand, dirt, as well as careless use, it often causes wear:

  • lever mounting.
  • janitor
  • rubber brushes.

A windshield wiper that clears the view on the windshield is an essential element for driving a car safely.

Work in harsh conditions

They work not only on rainy days, but also when using liquid to clean windows and remove stains on glass.

He gets wet with the liquids of different ingredients.

When washing a car, the body is dried and waxed to protect the paintwork, but the wiper itself is not as protected.

Wipers and mounts are very susceptible to components

Treating the surface

In order for the new paint to “stick” well, the surface of the wiper must be degreased. Before using this composition, be sure to wear rubber gloves and a respirator to prevent toxic chemical fumes from damaging your skin and lungs.

The degreaser is carefully applied to a cotton napkin or rag, after which the surface of the windshield wiper blades is wiped with it. If there is any product left on the wiper, wipe it off with a clean cloth.

Healthy! All work must be carried out in a clean room, at an air temperature of 18 to 23 degrees.

The next step is a primer that will hide subsequent chips and scratches. Based on this, the color of the primer must fully match the shade of the paint coating chosen for the brushes.

This is interesting: Types of motorcycle panniers

The primer is applied to the surface in an even layer using an aerosol can. The distance between the wiper and the can should be about 20-30 cm.

Healthy! It is better to apply several layers of primer.

Precautionary measures

Let's do the preparatory work and think about how to change the hook-mounted wipers on our car.

  1. Take a closer look at the spare parts before removing them.
  2. Check where and how they are attached.

Many car owners, after disassembling, cannot return it to its original condition.

Some brushes have a stopper and the direction of the fastener may be different.

With the wrong direction, installation may not be possible, and if installed, the hook will wear off and wear out quickly.

Look at where that metal piece stops and what its direction is.

Typical faults

Let's make a reservation that wear on the blades is not a problem. Replacing windshield wiper blades is a planned event that is recommended to be carried out quite often: high-quality models demonstrate the preservation of consumer properties for 130 - 140 hours of continuous operation.

The following types of faults can be distinguished:

  • the breaker relay has deteriorated: in this case, the brushes can move, but the driver will not be able to control the operating modes of the wipers;
  • the washer motor is burnt out;
  • the washer nozzles are clogged;
  • the main electric motor failed;
  • the integrity of the wiper lever is damaged;
  • the washer fluid reservoir or supply lines are broken;
  • The wiper control unit burned out.

All of these defects do not require a complex service package (it is enough to replace damaged/worn components), but in any of these cases the driver must know how to remove the wipers from the car.

You may also be interested in an article by our specialist, in which he explains in detail how to remove the window lifter handle.

We also recommend reading our expert’s article, which details how to repair a crack in a car’s windshield.

Installing windshield wiper blades with hook fastening

to disassemble and remove the wiper mount yourself It depends on the type of car, but this time let's see how easy it is to do and what to do when it is difficult to remove.

When replacing the wiper mount, check the compatible products and read the detailed replacement procedure in the owner's manual in advance. Caution must be exercised.

If the wrong method is used, the parts may be damaged and fall off while driving.

Place a thick, folded towel or cloth over the windshield where the wiper blade is attached. This is to prevent the windshield from breaking or cracking when the arm falls.

Behind the lever and mounting assembly, there is a small plug that can be removed by slowly sliding down while pressing the stopper.

If the stopper cannot be easily removed, the connection is slightly stuck and the stopper hook is not completely removed. It won't come off if it gets stuck a little. Push the stopper hook as hard as possible. If this doesn't work, try using lubricant or silicone spray, but make sure the locking hook is completely removed.

Once the brush is removed, return the lever and place it on the prepared towel.

Never leave the windshield wiper arm in an upright position as it may fall and damage the windshield.

Reverse hook type

We are starting to replace the old wipers with new ones.

Install the windshield wiper blade and arm vertically

Press the brush in the direction of the arrow while pressing the red circle stopper

Brush removal was successful

Watch the video to avoid mistakes.

Installing a new wiper

The structure of the mounting part may differ depending on the wiper.

It is enough to hook the bar with your fingernail or a sharp object to lift the lid

Lift the lid and engage the U-shaped hook of the lever

It is not possible to make it perpendicular to the arm before replacing since the U-hook does not fit. I installed it so that the lever and brush were parallel. Do it intuitively.

So that the lever and brush are parallel

Front side hook type

Let's consider the option of how to remove the windshield wipers with the hook mount on the front side.

Front hook type Lift the cover Slide the blade to the side and remove the wiper arm up and the blade down

This video will help you figure out how to remove the old product and install the new one.

Windshield wiper blade replacement process

To replace a worn windshield wiper blade, you don't need many tools. It is enough to arm yourself with the ignition key and proceed with the following steps:

  1. Despite the fact that visually attaching the rear wiper is no different from attaching the front ones, dismantling it can cause some difficulties for those who have never encountered replacing a rear wiper. The fact is that the windshield wiper blade located at the rear is removed from its original place only when its holder is at a 45-degree angle with respect to the horizon.
  2. To dismantle a worn rear wiper rubber that has ceased to fully cope with cleaning the glass, you must first turn on the windshield wiper drive, after which you must set the blade to the desired position by starting the ignition system and deactivating it by turning the key.
  3. Once this has been achieved, the brush can be removed by simply pressing a special locking latch.

If you notice that the rear window of your car is not sufficiently cleaned of dust and dirt that adheres to it during rain, you can conclude: the wiper rubber band is worn out and that is why it has ceased to cope with its functions. It should be noted that continued use of such windshield wiper blades causes some discomfort when driving personal vehicles, especially in bad weather with heavy precipitation. When driving a car, due to limited visibility, the level of safety is reduced, so you need to be extremely careful while driving, and it is better to replace the worn rubber elements of the wipers as soon as possible.

The rubber element of the wipers is considered a consumable material for cars; you can find it in any auto parts store.

Moreover, there will be no need to buy it to order, because such parts are always in stock. Do not forget that good visibility of the car increases the likelihood that the driver in an emergency situation will be able to react in a timely manner by pressing the brake pedal or making the necessary maneuver.

General recommendations

Changing hook-mounted wipers is not such a difficult task. Regular replacement will provide you with a comfortable view and keep your windshield in the best condition. The type of windshield wiper can be selected depending on the season and type of vehicle. Change the wipers to match your vehicle.

Car windshield wipers, commonly referred to as “windshield wipers,” are one of the consumable parts of all cars. They serve to remove water and dirt from the surface of the windshield, and sometimes also the rear window, that interfere with visibility. Since blades from different cars are not fundamentally different from each other, replacing windshield wipers is done the same way for all cars. Let's look at how to change them with your own hands.

Replacing car wipers

When starting to replace car brushes, you must first find out what the car manufacturer recommends. Quite often, he not only specifies the geometric dimensions of windshield wipers, but also indicates their serial numbers in the catalogs of well-known manufacturers.

If such information is not available, it is necessary to select wipers based on their applicability on a specific car model. Manufacturers, as a rule, indicate it on the packaging.

If information on the applicability of windshield wipers could not be found, then you just need to measure the ones on the car and purchase similar ones. You can also consult on this issue at any service station. There you can also get the necessary information on how to remove and install new windshield wipers on your car.

Windshield wiper mounting

One of the most important questions that, one way or another, any car owner asked himself when buying new wipers for his car is how the windshield wiper is attached to the windshield wiper arm.

Previously, until about the end of the 90s of the last century, only the “Hook” type mount was used to attach wipers.

To the question: “How to remove old and install new wipers on cars equipped with such a mount?” Video answers:

But in the 21st century, machine manufacturers began to use original brush mounts. This is due to the fact that frameless wipers are small in height, and the mounting adapter with a standard hook is quite high and interferes with visibility. Currently, 11 variants of different fasteners are already used, and even cars of the same model range, depending on the year of manufacture, use different types of fasteners.

Currently, many companies that produce car wipers complete their products with adapters for different installation options.

Important! When purchasing new windshield wipers, you need to pay special attention to the presence in the kit of exactly the adapter that will allow you to install them on the car.

You can get acquainted with the process of replacing car wipers performed by experienced drivers by watching the video:

How to remove wipers from a car

In order to remove the old wiper from the car, you need to perform a number of simple operations:

  1. Pull the metal leash towards you and fix it in the raised position.
    Attention! The leash is pressed against the windshield by a fairly powerful spring and, if handled carelessly, can fall sharply onto the glass and even break it.
  2. Look at the place where the windshield wiper connects to the arm.
    There should be a small plastic clip that you can press to remove the wiper from the car. If the car is equipped with one of the new types of fastening, you must first find out the principle of its operation and only then try to remove the wiper. Important! The kit of new windshield wipers, equipped with a clever mount, usually includes instructions that show how to remove the old wiper and install the new one. If you have difficulty removing the windshield wiper, it is advisable to first study the diagram given there and only then proceed with the necessary operations. In some cases, a video will help resolve the problem.
  3. Carefully lower the leash onto the glass.
  4. In the same order, remove the second wiper from the car. If necessary, the same procedure can be performed with the wiper that cleans the rear window of the car.

Advice! To avoid damage to the windshield, it is recommended to protect it with thick cloth.

Installing new wipers

In general, the procedure for installing new windshield wipers on a car is the reverse process of removing them. Correct installation of the wiper is accompanied by a click, which indicates that they are securely fixed on the leash.

Information! The presence of universal adapters in the product delivery set will allow you to install modern wipers on cars of previous years. However, we must not forget that modern frameless or hybrid windshield wipers do not always fit tightly to the convex windshield of domestic cars.

If, while removing or installing wipers, you feel that something is not working, then it is better to contact a service station for help.

Car windshield wipers, commonly referred to as “windshield wipers,” are one of the consumable parts of all cars. They serve to remove water and dirt from the surface of the windshield, and sometimes also the rear window, that interfere with visibility. Since blades from different cars are not fundamentally different from each other, replacing windshield wipers is done the same way for all cars. Let's look at how to change them with your own hands.

What are wipers and when should they be changed?

Windshield wipers are a device in which a metal arm is connected to a rubber wiper surface . The wiper blade is secured to the lever with a special holder with a plastic plug. They come in two varieties: framed and frameless.

Frame brushes have moving parts called rocker arms. They hold the cleaning surface on the windshield. The fundamental disadvantage of such “wipers” is the presence of hinged joints, which are vulnerable to the ingress of snow and ice, which disables the wipers. In addition, the rubber brush often does not adhere tightly to the glass, which makes its work ineffective.

Wiper frame design

Frameless wipers have a spring instead of rocker arms, which presses the blade to the surface of the windshield. Such windshield wipers look more organic in appearance, clean the glass better and do not wear out so quickly. You can recognize them by the characteristic curve of their shape. Windshield wipers of this type are installed on most modern cars and have the following advantages:

  • They look much better.
  • Can be used on glass of any curvature;
  • They do not impair the aerodynamic properties of the body.
  • Less sensitive to icing.
  • Does not interfere with visibility when folded

Frameless design wiper

At the same time, it is not possible to replace only the rubber part in such “wipers”; you will have to change the whole thing. Often, a frameless windshield wiper needs to be selected for a specific car model based on the length of the blade and the curvature of the windshield.

Why are car wipers needed and how do they work?

Car wipers are designed to clean the windshield from water, dirt, snow, etc. falling on it while driving. The principle of operation of the windshield cleaning system, which includes wipers, is quite simple - the electric drive motor, through a system of rods and levers, acts on the drive rollers, with leads attached to them, and the windshield wiper blades themselves are attached to them. The system of rods and levers does not ensure circular movement of the drive rollers; they only rotate around their axis by 90-110 degrees and then return back. Almost all cars have two wipers on the windshield. The same system of rods and levers is made so that both drive rollers rotate synchronously; as a result, the brush leads themselves move synchronously, which prevents them from touching. Providing better downforce - the leashes are spring-loaded.

Video: Testing wiper blades

Often another wiper is installed on a car - on the rear window. Its function is the same as that of windshield wipers. But the design itself is somewhat simpler. The rear wiper is also driven by an electric motor. It is usually located next to the drive roller of the leash, but drives it not through levers, but through a small gear reducer.

In principle, the drive mechanism is reliable and breaks down infrequently. Much more important in this system is the condition of the wipers themselves. After all, they provide visibility to the driver in driving conditions during rain and snow. When driving on a busy highway, especially in the autumn-spring period, water with mud impurities often rises into the air from under the wheels of overtaking cars, which settles on the windshield. Much the same thing happens when driving on a snowy road. If the windshield is not cleaned, it will be impossible to move on very quickly due to poor visibility through the glass.

But in addition to the performance of this system, you also need to monitor the wipers themselves. Severely worn cleaning elements will not ensure proper cleaning of the glass. As a result, visibility will be insufficient, and the driver will have to strain his eyesight more, which will lead to rapid fatigue.

Replacing windshield wiper blades yourself

You do not need any special tool for this operation. Everything is done literally by hand and without unnecessary fuss. All you need to do is buy new ones that fit your car. Please note that the right and left wipers are often not the same length.

The brush replacement procedure itself is performed in a few simple steps:

    The windshield wiper arm is moved away from the windshield to a vertical position. Hold the lever carefully, otherwise it may hit the glass sharply and damage it.

First step of replacement. The 'wiper' is installed perpendicular to the glass

Remove the plug from the wiper

Pull the brush down towards you and remove

How to replace: master class on video

How to change the rear ones

Rear wipers are also installed on hatchbacks and station wagons, since the rear window in such cars is quite large and gets very dirty, and a good view through it is also important.

The design of the rear wiper mounts is very different from that of the front ones. It is impossible to give universal advice here, since the rear wipers are mounted differently on all cars. Let's take the Kalina station wagon as an example.

The sequence of actions in this case is as follows:

  1. It is necessary to lift the protective metal cap of the wiper, under which there is a fastening nut.
  2. Take a 10mm wrench and unscrew the nut. Please note that there is a small washer under it to prevent it from being dropped. Slightly turning the wiper, pull it towards you and it can be removed without much difficulty. Now you need to remove the brush itself.
  3. With the wiper removed, you need to pull the blade, and at the same time, use a screwdriver to slightly release the latch that holds it to the lever. The brush will come off. You can change it as described above.

When purchasing new wipers, it is important not to make mistakes with the size and compatibility of the mounts. Please note that self-installation of frameless brushes on a car with frame brushes requires a special adapter. You need to pay attention to the shape of the bend of the brush, as it affects the efficiency of cleaning the windshield. It is advisable to treat new brushes with soapy water before use.

Such a small part as a windshield wiper performs one of the important functions in a car, because it belongs to active safety systems.

It provides good visibility in all weather conditions, helping to avoid an accident.

To avoid unpleasant situations on the road, you need to monitor the condition of the windshield wiper blades and correct problems in a timely manner.

In what cases is it necessary to replace wipers?

During operation, wipers quickly become unusable and lose their ability to perform their functions efficiently.

Signs that indicate when your windshield wiper needs to be replaced:

Signs of wearCausesHow to fix
Longitudinal stripes appeared on the glass fiber1 – the edge of the tape is worn;1 – replacement of the windshield wiper;
2 – debris sticking to the rubber tape2 – wipe the rim of the elastic bands.
Not all areas of glass are cleanedThe tape becomes deformed under the influence of external factors and cannot completely clean the profileReplacing the rubber blade
Jumping brush and vertical stripes on glassOccurs when the fastening is looseCheck the serviceability of the fastening or change the brush
Broken rubber or play in the brush frameThe edge working surface is not installed correctlyReplacing the wiper or adjusting the optimal angle
Cloudy windshieldThe windshield washer fluid is of poor quality, the brush does not fit tightly to the glassCheck the quality of the washing liquid or change parts

If the metal base that holds the entire structure is bent, the entire windshield wiper must be replaced.

Preparing to change wipers

To replace wipers, you don’t have to go to a car repair shop; this simple repair is easy to do yourself. Modern wipers are installed without tools, but for outdated models you need:

  • Screwdriver Set;
  • pliers;
  • rags or napkins;
  • washing liquid for car glass.

The installation diagram is identical for almost most cars.

First you need to figure out what type of wipers are:

  • frame - the most common model;
  • frameless – improved design of a frame wiper;
  • hybrid - the most modern design, combines a frame, spoiler and hinge system:

Next, determine which part requires replacement:

  • a lever extended from the bottom of the glass profile;
  • metal blade attached to the lever;
  • rubber brush.

All parts must correspond to the type of fastening:

Types of fasteningDescriptionInstallation
HookCommon mount with standard dimensionsInsert the structure into the groove and secure it to the hook
ButtonReliable fastening methodAt the base the cleaner is fixed with a button
Side Pin, Claw, Top LockThe design is simple and durableThe pin is secured with a small protrusion
Side clampFounders – French manufacturersFixed with a clamp in the form of antennae
Bayonet lockThe simplest design, small in size, with two holes, used in trucksAttached with screws
Universal adapterFully factory assembledFits most mounts

Before purchasing, take accurate measurements of old replacement blades. New cleaners should be identical in size to the old ones. To avoid mistakes, the best option is to come to the store with old wipers.

Types of wiper mounts

Windshield wipers do not affect the driving performance of the car, but operating the vehicle without such devices is prohibited: this is a matter of driving safety.

Products are attached to the leash in different ways:

  • Hook (hook, small hook, j-hook) – the brush is fixed into the U-shaped recess of the leash.
  • Push button – the blade snaps into the hole on the leash. To remove the brush, press the button of the elastic element.
  • Top lock – simultaneously secures and presses the Passat B7 brush.
  • Side mounting – the blade is latched with a tongue.
  • Side pin – a hinge-shaped structure with a brush that fits onto the metal axle of the leash.

Fastening with a straight leash (bayonet lock) is not used in the VW Passat.

How to properly remove wipers

If you install wipers yourself, before starting work you need to protect the windshield from possible damage. To do this, cover it with foam rubber or a thick towel and begin removing the wipers:

  1. Raise the metal lever from the windshield and fix it perpendicular to the profile. It must take a stable position so that the spring does not return the wiper to its original position.
  2. Remove the old windshield wiper blade. To do this, press on the plastic clip, hook or latch that secures the brush, this will open the joint, which will release the worn part.

Some brands of cars are equipped with wipers that have flag indicators installed in the housing. As soon as the set of rubber bands wears out and becomes unusable, the flags change position and the rubber itself will fall away from the wipers.

How to install new wiper blades

Once you've prepared for work, it's time to start replacing the brushes:

  • Lift the lower arm from the windshield.
    Remember that the lever must be installed perpendicular to the windshield;
  • Unhook the worn windshield wiper blade.
    The cleaning element is secured with a small plastic clip. Removing the tool is very simple - just gently press on the holder. After this, unhook the cleaning element from the metal handle. Remember that on some models the brushes are secured with a latch rather than a hook;
  • Secure the new windshield wiper blade.
    Insert a new brush into the same end of the metal frame from which you removed the worn-out tool. You need to secure the cleaning element very carefully until you hear a characteristic click. After this, place the tool back on the car windshield;
  • Replace the tool on the second windshield wiper.
    Don't forget that cleaning tools come in different sizes, so you need to be very careful when installing them.

By replacing the cleaning elements, you will ensure that your wipers work well. Thanks to this, the windshield will remain clean, and the driver will have an excellent view of the road.

This very useful article, a logical continuation of the material -. Actually, then I was faced with a big problem: how to remove them from the car without damaging anything. After all, they really stick, or oxidize, but in general they sit VERY firmly. Today is my small but useful experience, I think it will be useful to everyone...

First of all, I want to say that it seems like such an elementary action, but it’s not so easy to do. Personally, I fiddled around for about half a day, so I had to go to the store. YES guys, this instruction comes WITH A PULLER! I didn't experiment.

Installation

It’s easy to install a new wiper in place of the old one, the main thing is that the brush must go through all the attachment points, just like the previous one. The short and long cleaners are placed in the appropriate places.

Replacing the frame cleaner:

A characteristic click will indicate correct installation.

The second brush and rear wiper are also replaced.

On older car models, there are T-shaped mounts; they are removed using a flat-head screwdriver; some mounts are secured with screws.

Replacing the frameless glass cleaner:

The process of replacing rubber bands on a frameless cleaner is very simple; to do this, remove the side plastic plugs and take out the rubber band, which is held by two metal plates. The main thing is not to break the metal base.

This is what the rubber bands of a frameless cleaner look like:

Replacing rubber bands on hybrid wipers:

The hybrid model has a protective cover that prevents water and debris from entering the structure.

  1. Use pliers to remove the steel components.
  2. Take out the old rubber band.
  3. Thread a new rubber band through each fastener until it stops; they should fit into the second groove in the rubber.
  4. Push the steel guides into the first groove of the rubber band; the slots of the steel part should remain on the stop side.
  5. Check the tightness of the elastic band.

Step-by-step instructions for replacing windshield wipers can be seen in the video.

How to extend the life of wipers

Replacing tires yourself is relevant in cases where the car has a wiper installed from the car manufacturer.

If the metal part that provides pressing has not lost its elasticity, then it will be important to replace the rubber bands or “revitalize” them:

  • stiff rubber is degreased with white spirit;
  • soak for 5 minutes in gasoline;
  • washed with soapy water;
  • coated with silicone grease.

This will extend the life of the work surface for some time.

Recommendations for use

The windshield wiper should not run dry; the windshield washer fluid should be chosen of high quality, according to the season.

When parked in frosty weather, to prevent the wipers from freezing, they must be raised.

Heavily icy glass must be cleaned yourself using a scraper.

Periodically wash the wipers, remove clogged sand and small debris.

It is almost impossible to restore worn parts and experts recommend replacing them:

  • once every six months, at the beginning of the summer and winter periods;
  • after every 30,000 km.

The quality of work of the wipers directly depends on compliance with the manufacturer's instructions, which he attaches to the windshield wipers used and, for your own safety, you must not forget to change them on time.

Such a simple solution as windshield wipers (windshield wipers) is actually an important element in the design of any car. The fact is that not only the cleanliness, but also the general condition of the windshield directly depends on the quality of their work.

For this reason, replacing wipers is a mandatory procedure and should be done regularly. However, not every car owner knows how to remove wipers from a car. Next, we will look at how to change wipers on a car, what types of wiper mounting exist, as well as how to remove the wiper correctly and install a new one as part of replacing the blades.

Which brushes are best to choose for your car?

When choosing these elements for a car, any car owner strives to get the most optimal combination of price/quality parameters. Traditional hinged wipers are cheaper than their frameless counterparts, but in return the latter provide much higher reliability and durability.

So, we found out what frameless car wipers are, discussed their advantages and disadvantages, and shared with you recommendations regarding the features of installing this type of structure and replacing them in case of malfunction. Good luck!

For attaching windshield wiper blades

Currently, various types of fastenings are used.
This is usually due to the desire of manufacturers to make extra money on spare parts, although some mounting options are significantly smaller than others, which improves the aerodynamic resistance of the brushes and improves appearance. Until 1999, most automakers produced cars with standard windshield wiper mounts - a “hook”
. This type of fastening is currently the most common. In 1999, Ford equipped its Taurus with a new mount, and then almost all automakers began equipping their cars with various “tricky” mounts. Until recently, Japanese manufacturers refrained from such steps, although the first cases have already occurred - for example, Nissan Quashqai, Honda Civic and Mazda 3.

Types and types of fastening of windshield wiper blades

So, every driver should know how to remove windshield wiper blades. The fact is that the rubber in the wiper design wears out quickly, which leads to the need to frequently replace these elements or the entire brush assembly.

It would seem that there is nothing complicated. Taking into account the fact that there are a large number of brushes on sale, the main task is only to choose the best option. In other words, to replace it, it is enough to purchase brushes of suitable size.

  • Let's start with the fact that the most common type of fastening remains the so-called “hook”. However, there are also quite a few other options. To put it simply, the types of fastening of wipers can be equipped with latches, clamps, clamps, etc.

In practice, car manufacturers use one or another type of fastening for different models, while at the same time large brush manufacturers (for example, Bosch) produce various products with suitable types of fastenings for certain makes and models of cars. These wipers are securely fixed and fit better, but are more expensive.

There are also manufacturers that produce wipers with universal fasteners. To put it simply, the brushes come with special adapters (adapters) that allow you to combine the brush with any fasteners (for example, Champion brushes). These brushes are more versatile and cost less, but they have worse aerodynamics, are more difficult to install, etc.

To summarize, the main types of fastenings are:

  • “hook” fastening (indicated by the letter U);
  • fastening in the form of a side pin;
  • fastener-button;
  • side clamp;
  • bayonet lock (commonly found on trucks);
  • side fasteners (rarely found and mainly on American cars);

Wiper blade size for Passat

The length of the blades has a limit, violation of which leads to problems: the brushes can interfere with one another in their work, blades that are too long do not press well against the glass, leaving areas at the edges that are not cleaned.

Dimensions by body and year of manufacture:

  • Passat SS – 2008-2013 The driver's area is 61 cm, the passenger's is 48.3 cm.
  • Hatchback – 1973-1987 The driver and passenger sides are 45.7 cm each, the rear wiper is 38.1 cm (installed since 1980).
  • Sedan – 1973-1979 Both sides are 40.6 cm.
  • Sedan – 1980-1987 - 45.7 cm each.
  • Sedan – 1988-2004 - 53.3 cm each.
  • Sedan – 2005-2013 Driver's side - 61 cm, passenger's side - 48.3 cm.
  • Station wagon – 1980-1987 Both sides are 45.7 cm, back - 38.1 cm.
  • Station wagon – 1987-2000 Both zones are 53.3 cm, the rear wiper is 38.1 cm.
  • Station wagon – 2001-2004 Left – 53.3 cm, right – 50.8 cm.
  • Station wagon – 2005-2013 Left zone – 61 cm, right – 48.3 cm, rear – 28.5 cm.

The combination when the wiper on the driver's side is longer than in the passenger area is the most successful, since the glass coverage area is larger. The dimensions of the windshield wipers of the American Passats differ from the same modifications, but produced in Europe or Japan.

How to remove wipers: what you need to know

If the owner is changing the wipers on a car for the first time, sometimes it can be difficult to quickly find suitable blades. To determine the type of fastener, it is better to first remove the old wiper. In cases where wipers are purchased separately, it is initially better to buy universal solutions. This guarantees that the brush can then be installed.

  • One way or another, to remove the wiper, you must first move (raise) the lower arm away from the windshield, then remove the holder from the arm (taking into account the fastening features). In this case, care must be taken not to accidentally touch the lever, which, under the force of the spring, can hit the glass. To be on the safe side, it is better to place a soft, thick towel on the glass.
  • Next, having removed the holder with the brush from the lever, all that remains is to either install a new wiper or replace the rubber brush. In the second case, you need to separately consider how the brush is attached to the holder. There may be all kinds of clamps, plugs, etc. The main thing is to understand how the brush blade is held. After removing the rubber element, you need to install a new one.

Having prepared a new brush or replaced the rubber blade, you need to install and secure the element on the lever, taking into account all the nuances regarding how to install the wipers. You can usually hear a click when the latch engages. Next, all that remains is to carefully attach the wiper back to the windshield. At this point the replacement is considered complete.

Useful tips

As you can see, the issue of replacing wipers is not as simple as it might seem at first glance. It is important to choose the right solution based on the type of fastening, as well as the size. By the way, size also plays an important role.

You can often see in catalogs that wipers of different sizes (both longer and shorter) can be installed on a particular car. So, it is necessary to take into account the fact that brushes can be framed or frameless. Each option has both its pros and cons. At the same time, frame wipers look more modern and are widely in demand today.

Let us also add that sometimes replacing wipers even with the highest quality new products does not produce results. This happens when there are defects in the wiper arms (leads) or the windshield itself has defects and scratches. If in the first case the problem can be solved by adjustments, replacing springs or the entire lever, then in the second you need to work with glass.

Scratches inevitably appear during operation and can be quite deep if the wipers often work “dry” and fine abrasive, sand, etc. actively gets on the glass. Also, in the case of replacing the windshield, a solution may not be of the highest quality.

Only in this case, installing new wipers or replacing brushes will allow you to get the best result. If the glass is defective, then no wipers can completely correct the situation.

What's the result?

Taking into account the above information, it becomes clear that in order to replace the wiper blades or the entire wiper as a whole, you need to know how to remove the wipers. Moreover, it is better to dismantle it before purchasing new elements.

First of all, this will allow you to select suitable replacement wipers, both in size and type of fastener. If you don’t know what size you need, just use a tape measure to measure the length of the removed parts. Also, with the brush removed, you can immediately go to the store, where the sellers will accurately select a suitable analogue.

At the same time, various defects can cause not only unsatisfactory operation of the windshield wiper, squeaking and noise, but also the appearance of scratches and damage to the windshield.

To avoid this, experienced car enthusiasts recommend changing wipers at least once a year. It is better to replace it at the end of summer, since the windshield wiper is used most actively in autumn, winter and early spring.

conclusions

So, why do you need to replace your windshield wiper blades? Toyota or any other car model needs this procedure regularly. Such actions can reduce the risk of traffic accidents in bad weather. Experts recommend replacing them once a year or immediately after you notice that the wipers have begun to perform their duties poorly.

Changing windshield wiper blades for the front and rear windows is very simple. In the first case, you just need to follow the general instructions. And in the second, take into account the individual characteristics of your “iron friend”. It will be a little more difficult to cope with frameless products, but nothing is impossible here. A little patience, effort and caution - and you will quickly complete the task. Change your wipers regularly and you will be able to fully enjoy driving your car in any weather conditions.

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