Clean swipe

Frequently replace windshield wipers for an easy job that pays off with improved safety

While windshield wiper inserts can be replaced, most truckers replace the blade and bracket, which is much easier. The bracket that holds the blade straight often gets damaged while clearing the windshield in winter. Once it is bent, the blade will no longer lay flat against the windshield, so replacing it with every new blade makes sense.

1. Ensure your parking brake is securely engaged. Use a small stepladder to support yourself on the driver’s side of your truck while you work.

2. Pull the arm away from the windshield and rotate it outward until it is past the spring detent and remains extended.

3. Turn the blade away from the arm until the end closer to where the arm connects at the cowl is pointing toward the windshield. This will allow you to access a clip in the next step to release the blade assembly.

4. Use your thumb to depress the flat retaining clip where the center of the blade slides onto the wiper arm. Hold the clip snugly against the wiper arm with your left thumb, then slide the blade assembly toward the windshield end of the wiper arm with your other hand. This will allow you to separate the blade and its bracket from the arm.