Peter Banks If you own a 2013 Subaru Outback, you’ll eventually need to replace your wiper blades. Over time, the blades can become worn or damaged, leaving you with streaky, blurry, or ineffective windshield wiping. But don’t worry, replacing your wiper blades is a simple job that you can do yourself. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps for replacing your wiper blades and offer some helpful tips along the way.
Key Takeaways
- Replacing wiper blades is simple and can be done at home in just a few minutes.
- It’s important to choose the right size and type of wiper blade for your vehicle.
- You should replace your wiper blades every six months to a year to maintain optimal performance.
Tools and Materials You’ll Need
Before you get started, you’ll need a few tools and materials:
- New wiper blades (make sure they’re the correct size for your Outback)
- Soft cloth or towel
- Rubbing alcohol or glass cleaner
- Flathead screwdriver or something similar
Step-by-Step Guide
Now that you have everything you need, let’s get started!
Step 1: Remove the Old Wiper Blades
To remove your old wiper blades, follow these steps:
Step 1a: Lift the wiper arm away from the windshield until it stays in the raised position.
Step 1b: Locate the small tab on the underside of the wiper blade where it connects to the wiper arm. This tab is a release mechanism that you will need to press to remove the blade.
Step 1c: Depress the tab and slide the wiper blade off the arm.
Step 2: Prepare Your New Wiper Blades
Before you install your new wiper blades, you should prepare them by doing the following:
Step 2a: Remove the new wiper blade from its packaging.
Step 2b: If your new wiper blade has a plastic cover over the rubber blade, remove it.
Step 2c: Clean the rubber blade with rubbing alcohol or glass cleaner to remove any debris or residue.
Step 2d: Align the new wiper blade with the wiper arm so the hook is pointing toward the windshield.
Step 3: Install Your New Wiper Blades
To install your new wiper blades, follow these steps:
Step 3a: Slide the new wiper blade onto the wiper arm, making sure that the hook clicks into place.
Step 3b: Gently lower the wiper arm back down onto the windshield.
Step 3c: Repeat the process for the other wiper blade.
Step 4: Test Your New Wiper Blades
Once you have installed your new wiper blades, you should test them to make sure they are working correctly. Turn on your windshield wipers and observe their movement across the windshield. If they are streaky, blurry, or not wiping the windshield effectively, you may need to adjust the blades or try cleaning the windshield with glass cleaner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I replace my wiper blades?
A: You should replace your wiper blades every six months to a year to maintain optimal performance.
Q: How do I know which size wiper blades to buy?
A: Your owner’s manual should have information on the correct size of wiper blades for your Outback. You can also find this information online or ask a knowledgeable staff member at your local auto parts store.
Q: Can I replace just one wiper blade or do I need to replace them both?
A: It’s recommended that you replace both wiper blades at the same time to ensure even wear and optimal performance.
Q: Can I replace my wiper blades myself or do I need to take my car to a mechanic?
A: You can easily replace your wiper blades yourself. It’s a simple job that can be done in just a few minutes with the right tools and materials.
Conclusion
That’s all there is to it! Replacing your wiper blades is a simple process that you can do yourself, and it’s an important part of maintaining your vehicle’s safety and performance. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be able to easily replace your wiper blades and keep your windshield clear and clean.
