Windshield Wiper Blades

Check the condition of the wiper blades at least every six months. Inspect the blades and replace them if the rubber blade elements are cracked or have lost their flexibility, or if the blades show signs of damage or wear or do not clean the windshield surface properly.

To replace the wiper blade wiping element, perform the following procedure:

1. Lift the wiper arm away from the windshield. First raise the wiper arm located on the driver's side, then the arm located on the passenger's side.

WARNING

Do not open the hood while the wiper arms are raised, to avoid damaging the hood or the wiper blades.

2. Remove the wiper arm cap by squeezing the locking tabs and pulling the cap along the arm holder.

If the cap is difficult to remove, release the lock using a small screwdriver.

Place a cloth under the screwdriver, insert the screwdriver and gently press the tab toward the upper part of the wiper blade, then remove the cap.

3. Remove the wiping element from the blade holder:

Press and hold the lock.

Slide the wiping element toward the lock until it is fully released.

Remove the wiper blade, taking care not to strike the windshield.

4. Remove the rubber blade from the blade holder:

Locate the end of the blade marked "LOCK".

Pull the blade out of the wiper blade from this end.

Pull back the end of the blade marked "LOCK". Then grasp this end of the blade and remove the blade from the holder by sliding it along the wiper blade.

When removing the blade, do not apply excessive force or bend the blade, to avoid damaging the blade holder.

5. Inspect the new blade. If it is not equipped with plastic or metal reinforcing strips, which must be located in the grooves along the base of the blade, remove the reinforcing strips from the old blade and install them in the grooves of the new blade.

6. Insert the new blade into the blade holder:

Pull back either end of the blade holder.

Insert the end of the blade not marked LOCK into the holder and slide the blade along the guide groove until it stops.

7. Slide the wiper blade onto the arm. Make sure the blade is locked in the correct position.

8. Install the protective cap on the wiper arm, aligning it with the slot in the holder.

9. Check that the blade is installed correctly and that its edges do not extend beyond the holder.

10. Lower the windshield wiper arms, first on the passenger side, then on the driver side.