Wiper Blades
CAUTION:
Hot waxes applied by automatic
car washers have been known to
affect the wiper's ability to clean
windows.
To prevent damage to the wiper
blades, don't use gasoline,
kerosene, paint thinner, or other
solvents on or near them.
Contamination of either the windshield or the blades with foreign matter can reduce wiper effectiveness. Common sources are insects, tree sap, and hot wax treatments used by some commercial car washes.
If the blades are not wiping properly, clean the window and blades with a good cleaner or mild detergent; then rinse thoroughly with clean water. Repeat if necessary.
Replacing Windshield Wiper Blades
When the wipers no longer clean well, the blades are probably worn or cracked.
Replace them.
CAUTION:
To prevent damage to the wiper arms
and other components, don't try to
sweep the wiper arm by hand.
1. Raise the wiper arm and turn the blade assembly to expose the plastic locking clip.
Compress the clip and slide the assembly downward; then lift it off the arm.
CAUTION:
To prevent damage to the windshield
let the wiper arm down easily, don't
let it slap down on the windshield.
2. Hold the end of the rubber and pull until the tabs are free of the metal support.
3. Remove the metal stiffeners from each blade rubber and install them in the new blade.
CAUTION:
Don't bend or discard the
stiffeners. You need to use them
again.
If the metal stiffeners are
switched, the blade's wiping
efficiency could be reduced.
So don't use the driver's side metal stiffeners on the passenger's side, or vice versa.
Be sure to reinstall the metal
stiffeners in the new blade rubber
so that the curve is the same as it
was in the old blade rubber.
4. Carefully insert the new blade rubber.
Then install the blade assembly in the reverse order of removal.
NOTE:
Install the blade so that the tabs are toward the
bottom of the wiper arm.
See also:
Parking in an Emergency
The hazard warning lights should always
be used when you stop on or near a
roadway in an emergency.
The hazard warning lights warn other
drivers that your vehicle is a traffic hazard
and that the ...
Hazardous Driving
WARNING:
Be extremely careful if it is necessary to
downshift on slippery surfaces:
Downshifting into lower gear while
driving on slippery surfaces is
dangerous. The sudden change in tire
speed ...
Introduction
Be extremely careful and prevent injury to yourself and others or damage to
your vehicle
when using this manual for inspection and maintenance.
If you're unsure about any procedure it describes, w ...