Replacing your Volkswagen’s wiper blades is an essential maintenance task that can be done easily at home, saving you time and money. Whether you’ve noticed streaking, skipping, or reduced performance during a rainstorm, fresh wiper blades will restore clear visibility and enhance your safety on the road. Once you’ve bought the right replacement parts, here’s a step-by-step guide to changing your Volkswagen wiper blades.
Tools You’ll Need:
- Your new replacement wiper blades (make sure they match your Volkswagen’s model and year)
- A clean, soft cloth (optional)
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Volkswagen Caddy – (SB) 2 Rear Doors Wiper Blades Front and Rear$85.00
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Volkswagen Beetle – (1Y) Cabriolet / Convertible Wiper Blades Front Pair$65.00
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Volkswagen Amarok – (2H) Ute Wiper Blades Front Pair$65.00
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Volkswagen Golf – (Mark 4) Hatch Wiper Blades Rear Only$45.00
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Volkswagen Caravelle – (T5 Facelift) 2 Rear Doors Wiper Blades Front and Rear$85.00
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Volkswagen Caravelle – (T6) Tailgate Wiper Blades Rear Only$45.00
Step 1: Identify the Correct Blade Sizes
Before getting started, it’s important to know the correct sizes for your vehicle. Volkswagen vehicles often have different sizes for the driver and passenger sides, so check your owner’s manual or the packaging of the replacement blades. You want to ensure the blades fit perfectly to avoid issues with performance or installation.
Step 2: Lift the Wiper Arms
To access the blades, start by lifting the wiper arms away from the windshield. They should lock into a standing position, making it easy to handle without the blades snapping back onto the glass. Be careful during this step, as a sudden snap could potentially crack your windshield if the arm falls while you’re working.
Step 3: Remove the Old Wiper Blades
Volkswagen wiper blades typically have a locking mechanism to keep them attached to the wiper arms. The process of removal is usually straightforward:
- Locate the tab or clip: Most wiper blades feature a small tab or release clip where they connect to the arm. This is often found at the junction where the blade meets the hook of the arm.
- Press and slide: Press down on the release tab, and then gently slide the old wiper blade downwards toward the base of the arm. It should come off with minimal effort. Some Volkswagen models may have a different release mechanism, but the principle remains the same: release the locking mechanism and slide the blade out.
Step 4: Attach the New Wiper Blades
Now that you’ve removed the old blades, it’s time to install the new ones:
- Align the new blade: Slide the new wiper blade into the arm, ensuring it fits the same way the old one was attached. You may need to align it with the hook or slot in the arm, depending on the wiper design.
- Lock it in place: Once the blade is aligned properly, push it upwards until you hear a click or feel it securely lock into place. Make sure it’s tightly attached to avoid it coming loose during use.
Repeat the process for both the driver and passenger side blades, ensuring both are installed properly and securely.
Step 5: Gently Lower the Wiper Arms
After attaching the new blades, carefully lower the wiper arms back onto the windshield. It’s a good idea to lower them gently to avoid any accidental damage to the glass, especially if you’re handling them for the first time.
Step 6: Test the Wipers
Once the new blades are installed, turn on your wipers to make sure they’re functioning correctly. Test them with washer fluid or wait until the next rain to ensure they wipe the windshield cleanly and smoothly, without skipping or leaving streaks. If there’s an issue, double-check the alignment and the locking mechanism.
Additional Tips:
- Clean your windshield: Before lowering your new blades, it’s a good idea to clean your windshield. This ensures that the fresh blades operate on a smooth, debris-free surface, which will improve performance and prolong the life of the new wipers.
- Replace blades regularly: Even if your Volkswagen wipers seem to be working fine, it’s a good idea to replace them every 6-12 months to maintain peak performance, especially if you live in areas with frequent rain or extreme weather conditions.
- Check for correct fitment: Each vehicle model may require specific types of wiper blades, so ensure you’ve purchased the correct ones for your specific Volkswagen model.
Conclusion
Changing the wiper blades on your Volkswagen is a quick, simple task that you can easily do at home. With just a few minutes of effort, you can ensure that your windshield wipers are performing optimally, providing you with clear visibility in all weather conditions. So, after you’ve purchased your new replacement blades, follow these easy steps to swap out the old ones, and you’ll be ready for whatever the road throws your way.