Q: What should be inspected periodically for damage, loose components, and cracked or worn blade elements?
A: The windshield wiper and blade assembly should be inspected periodically for damage, loose components and cracked or worn blade elements. Road film can build up on the wiper blades and affect their efficiency, so they should be washed regularly with a mild detergent solution. The action of the wiping mechanism can loosen bolts, nuts and fasteners, so they should be checked and tightened, as necessary, at the same time the wiper blades are checked. If the wiper blade elements are cracked, worn or warped, or no longer clean adequately, they should be replaced with new ones. For Sprint models, lift the arm assembly away from the glass for clearance, squeeze the release clip and slide the element out of the blade frame. Squeeze the retaining clip and withdraw the blade element from the frame. Installation is the reverse of removal. For Metro models, pull the wiper blade/arm away from the glass, depress the retaining tab and slide the assembly out of the hook in the arm. Bend the end of the element out of the way and use needle-nose pliers to pull the two metal support rods out of the rubber element. With the rods removed, slide the element out of the wiper frame. Slide the new element into place in the frame, then insert the rods to lock it in place.