Joseph Weaver As a Subaru owner, you know the importance of keeping up with regular maintenance for your vehicle. One crucial component of your car that often gets overlooked is the windshield wiper blades. Over time, these blades wear out and start to degrade, reducing their effectiveness and potentially even damaging your windshield. But fear not, changing your windshield wiper blades is a relatively simple task that you can do yourself. In this guide, we’ll show you how to change windshield wiper blades on your Subaru and save yourself the expense of a mechanic.
When to Change Your Windshield Wiper Blades
Before diving into the process of changing your blades, it’s essential to know when it’s time to do so. A general rule of thumb is to replace your blades every six months to a year, or sooner if you notice any signs of wear or damage. Signs that it’s time to replace your blades include:
- Streaking: If your blades are not making contact with the windshield correctly, you may notice streaks or missed spots when using your wipers.
- Noise: Worn-out blades can produce a loud, squeaky noise when moving across your windshield.
- Splitting: If the rubber on your blades is splitting or tearing, it’s time for a replacement.
- Bent or damaged: If your blades are bent, cracked, or show other signs of physical damage, it’s time for a new set.
Choosing the Right Windshield Wiper Blades
Before changing your blades, you’ll need to choose the right type for your Subaru model. Different models will require different types of blades, so it’s essential to know which type fits your car. You can find this information in your car’s owner manual, or you can look it up online.
When choosing new blades, consider the quality of the blades themselves. Higher quality blades will typically last longer and perform better than cheaper options. It’s also worth thinking about the conditions you’ll be driving in. If you live in an area with heavy rain or snow, you may want to invest in premium or all-weather blades.
How to Change Your Windshield Wiper Blades
Now that you’ve got a new set of blades and know when it’s time to replace them let’s dive into the process of changing them. Here are the steps to follow:
- Lift the wiper arm away from the windshield and locate the release tab on the blade.
- Press the release tab and slide the blade down, out of the wiper arm hook.
- If the wiper arm has a pin and hook type, remove the blade by pulling it straight out, then slide the new blade in and ensure it clicks into place.
- If the wiper arm has a J-hook type, slide the new blade into the hook until you hear it click.
- Once the blade is securely in place, lower the wiper arm back down onto the windshield.
Troubleshooting Wiper Blade Issues
If you’re having issues with your windshield wipers even after changing the blades, there may be other issues at play. Here are some troubleshooting tips you can try:
- Check the wiper arm: If the arm is bent or damaged, it may not make proper contact with the windshield. Inspect the arm and replace if necessary.
- Check the wiper mechanism: If the blades still aren’t working correctly, the issue may be with the wiper mechanism itself. Take your car to a mechanic to have it inspected and repaired.
FAQs
How often should I change my windshield wiper blades?
You should replace your blades every six months to a year, or sooner if you notice any signs of wear or damage.
How do I know what type of windshield wiper blades to buy for my Subaru?
Check your car owner’s manual or look up the information online. Different Subaru models require different types of blades.
What should I do if my new windshield wiper blades aren’t working correctly?
Check the wiper arm for damage or issues with the mechanism. If the issue persists, take your car to a mechanic for further inspection.
In summary, changing your windshield wiper blades on your Subaru is a simple task that you can do yourself. By following these steps and choosing high-quality blades, you’ll ensure your wipers are working correctly and save yourself from costly mechanic fees. Happy driving!
