Q: How to inspect and replace windshield wiper blades?
A: Periodical inspection should be done on the windshield wiper and blade assembly to check if there are any damages, loose components or cracked/worn wiper blade elements. Wiper blades can accumulate road film that might reduce their efficiency so they need to washed regularly with a solution of mild detergent. During this time of checking the wiper blades one should also pay attention to the wiping mechanism as the latter causes bolts, nuts and fasteners to loosen. If the wiper blade elements are cracked, worn or warped, they should be replaced with new ones. Clear the glass by lifting away the arm assembly and then remove it. Three methods are used to retain wiper blades to wiper arms. The first type has an internal spring in its blade. To remove it, press down on the blade, release the spring and remove it from the arm. The second type has a press-type release lever in its blade. When you depress this lever, you can slide off a whole blade assembly from a wiper arm's pin. A third type of blade uses an exterior spring in keeping itself attached on a pin connected to an arm temporarily; removing such one is possible by inserting a screwdriver under its spring and pushing downward on such screwdriver in order that its spring can get lifted up before taking off such blade from an arm.