Step 3 of 12 · Wipers, Washer Fluid & Cabin Filter
Engine off, arms not parked on a hot windshield
Engine off, arms not parked on a hot windshield — step 3 of 12 in Wipers, Washer Fluid & Cabin Filter. Key out. Do not cycle the wipers with the arms folded out — you will slam them into the glass or the cowl.
Free auto & mechanics tip: Engine off, arms not parked on a hot windshield (step 3 of 12 from "Wipers, Washer Fluid & Cabin Filter").
Key out. Do not cycle the wipers with the arms folded out — you will slam them into the glass or the cowl. In summer, if the glass is too hot to rest your hand on (often 50–60°C / 122–140°F in sun), wait or park in shade. A frozen-stiff winter blade dropped onto hot glass can take a set and skip forever.
Lift one arm until it stays up. If it will not stay, the spring is tired — you can still change the blade, but note it. Work one side at a time so you always have a reference for how the old one sat. Never let a bare metal arm fall onto the windshield; it will star the glass. Hold it, or rest it on a folded towel.
Pro tip: If the car has auto rain-sensing wipers, disable them or take the key out. A surprise wipe with the arm up is how people crack a windshield in a parking lot.
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