You can save a ton of time and money changing your own windshield wiper blades. I've found there is a lot of anxiety with many people. Here's what I recommend:
1. THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT STEP that most people skip and if they did it, their fears will be gone. Are you ready? Go look at your wipers and how they are attached to the arm. Look at them. Touch them. It will be apparent that it's super easy and they simply snap off and the new ones snap on.
2. (optional) Watch "How To Change / Replace / Install Windshield Wiper" videos online. If you did step 1, you probably can skip step 2, but if you do step 2, I highly recommend doing step 1 FIRST. If a picture is worth 1,000 words than getting the wipers in your hands and in front of your eyes is worth 1,000,000. So, only watch video after looking and feeling.
3. Buy your wipers online! Going to the store is usually an hour-long proposition at best on average. If you go to the right place online, it will take you about 5-10 minutes, and the wiper lookup will be faster and more accurate than using the paper application guide books at the store. If you have the budget, I recommend upgrading to beam blades because they work better and look better. Almost every major wiper brand - like TRICO - has one or two choices in beam blades. You won't regret it.
4. Get It Done (when its not raining or snowing)! When your wipers conveniently arrive at your door (which serves as an excellent reminder that you need to change your wiper blades), all you're looking for is some reasonable-to-good weather and about 2-15 minutes depending on your skill level and if you're replacing 1, 2 or 3 wipers. If necessary, do step 1 & 2 again...look, feel, learn...THEN jump in. Remember, in almost all cases, whether there's a tab or button you have to press - they simply snap off and the new ones snap on. Also, each replacement wiper blade comes with simple, easy-to-follow illustrated instructions.
So, to recap - your biggest time-waster is procrastination and anxiety and the best way to fight that is to take a look at your wipers and get them in your hands. The next biggest time waster is buying them at the retail store - go online instead - you'll save time, money and your wiper blade lookup will be easier - all you need is your make, model, year, engine of your vehicle and that info is clearly on your insurance card, registration card, vehicle title and in many cases right in your manual. I'd start with insurance and registration since it's probably in your glove box or file cabinite.
Lastly - don't forget about my tip on beam blades - I use TRICO NeoForm Beam Blades and they're the best I've ever had (and they look great).
Jeff
President
Good Luck!!
