How To Replace Windshield Wipers For Ford Cars
Windshield wipers are important for safety. Worn out wipers not only impair visibility when it’s raining; they can also cause damage such as scratches on your windshield. Replacing a Ford’s wipers is not rocket science; you only need to follow a few steps to do it correctly. If you are a car enthusiast, doing it yourself also guarantees that you will get the right products for your vehicle. The steps needed to change windshield wipers for a Ford are:
Knowing When to Replace Wipers
Windshield wipers are made of rubber, so they don’t last as long as other Ford components such as the chassis. They will need frequent replacement due to use and general wear and tear. For average use, the wipers need to be changed every year or when there’s a noticeable performance decline such as if they leave streaks when using them. The quality of the wipers also influences how frequently you will need to change them. Those made of inferior rubber tend to harden faster and will therefore require you to change them more frequently even if they are only moderately used.
Replacing the Wipers
The actual process of replacing the wipers could not be simpler. The steps you need to take to do this are:
- Find the ideal replacement parts. This should be done carefully. Depending on which Ford model you have, the left and right wipers may be of different sizes. Usually, the size difference results in the driver having an advantage in vision when driving. A 2021 Ford Ranger will require 26” driver wipers and 16” passenger-side wipers. Check your user manual for exact specifications.
- Place the wipers in the service position. This involves making sure they are horizontal and switched off, and then turning them to the vertical position for easier replacement.
- Remove the old blade from the wiper arm by sliding it. Depending on the Ford model you have, this may require that you unclip a release tab from the wiper arm first. You may also need to rotate the wiper to get it off the arm.
- Compare the length of the new and old wipers. Before placing the new wiper on, compare its length to the old one. This is assuming that the old wipers were standard. If they are of the same length and the locking mechanism looks similar, it means that you can easily replace it. By using the reverse steps compared to putting them in place.
Shop for New and Used Ford Vehicles at Hollingsworth Richards Ford
At Hollingsworth Richards Ford, we take pride in giving our customers the best experience in identifying and purchasing Ford vehicles. We stock a wide variety of used and new Ford models for all kinds of budgets and needs. Our staff members are on hand to provide any information regarding vehicle technical specifications and performance. They are also capable of assisting you in taking advantage of our incentives and deals. Contact us today to find the Ford to fit your needs.