MyVans Your Vehicle Solution
Introduction
Windshield wipers are an essential component of any vehicle. They play a crucial role in ensuring visibility during bad weather conditions. However, like any other part of the car, they can break down, and when this happens, it can be frustrating. Luckily, fixing windshield wipers is not that complicated, and you can do it yourself without involving a mechanic. In this article, we will guide you on how to fix windshield wipers.
Diagnosing the Problem
Before you start fixing the wipers, you need to identify the problem. There are several issues that can cause wipers not to function correctly. For instance, the wiper blades may be worn out, the wiper motor may be faulty, or the wiper arms may be bent. Once you have identified the problem, you can proceed to fix it.
Replacing the Wiper Blades
If the wiper blades are worn out, the first thing you need to do is to replace them. To do this, lift the wiper arm away from the windshield and press the tab on the underside of the wiper blade. This will release the blade from the arm. Then, attach the new blade to the arm by following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Checking the Wiper Motor
The wiper motor is responsible for powering the wiper blades. If the blades are not moving, the wiper motor may be faulty. To check the motor, turn on the wipers and listen for a humming sound. If you hear the sound, it means the motor is working, and the problem could be with the wiper linkage. If there is no sound, you need to replace the motor.
Replacing the Wiper Motor
To replace the wiper motor, you need to locate it. The motor is usually located under the hood, near the base of the windshield. Once you have located it, remove the bolts that hold it in place and disconnect the electrical connector. Then, install the new motor and reconnect the electrical connector.
Fixing the Wiper Linkage
If the wiper motor is working fine, but the blades are not moving, the problem could be with the wiper linkage. The linkage connects the wiper motor to the wiper arms, and if it’s broken, the blades won’t move. To fix the linkage, you need to replace the damaged parts.
Replacing the Wiper Arms
If the wiper arms are bent, they won’t make proper contact with the windshield, and this may cause streaks or skipping. To replace the wiper arms, lift them away from the windshield and press the tab on the underside of the arm. This will release the arm from the wiper motor. Then, attach the new arm to the motor by following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Adjusting the Wiper Blades
After fixing the wipers, you need to adjust the blades to ensure they make proper contact with the windshield. To do this, turn on the wipers and observe them as they move across the windshield. If they are not making proper contact, adjust them by bending the wiper arms slightly.
Conclusion
Fixing windshield wipers is not that complicated, and you can do it yourself without involving a mechanic. However, if you are not confident in your abilities, it’s always advisable to seek professional help. Remember to always diagnose the problem first before fixing it to avoid wasting time and money on the wrong solution.
