Inspect/Replace

• Wiper blades, sometimes called refills, squeegees or cartridges, are usually replaced once or twice a year, depending on conditions.
• Most wiper blade assemblies have replaceable blades or inserts.

Windshield wiper blades are replaced as a complete assembly, or blade inserts are fitted into the blade.

• Sometimes, when blades are not available or when the arm is damaged, it is necessary to replace the complete assembly.
• To replace just the wiper blades, grab hold of the assembly and pivot it away from the windshield.
• Once the arm is moved to its maximum position, it should stay there until it is pivoted back to the windshield.
• Doing this will allow you to easily replace the wiper blades without damaging the vehicle's paint or glass.
• There are three basic designs of wiper blade inserts.

Examples of the different ways wiper blade inserts are secured to the blade assembly. Courtesy of Cooper Automotive, Inc.

• To determine which one will work on your vehicle, carefully look at your wiper assembly.
• Remove the old insert and install the new one.

NOTE

• Most often wiper blades are replaced as an assembly.
• There are several different methods used to secure the blades to the wiper arm.

Examples of the different ways windshield wiper blades are secured to the wiper arm.

• One common type is the bayonet connector, which has a small round dimple on its top that fits into a hole to help hold the blade assembly on the arm. There is either a spring catch or a lever on the under side of the arm that is release to disengage the dimple from the hole.
• Another style uses a pin connector.
• Other styles include the inner lock connector, the screw-type connector, the shallow hook connector, and the shepherd's crook connector.
• Most replacement blades come with the necessary adapters to secure the blade to the arm.