How to Make Windshield Wiper Blades Like NEW in 30 Seconds, by Silver Cymbal on YouTube. 3 min 17 s.
- Video length
- 3 min 17 s
- Time to do it
- 10 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Park in the shade and switch the ignition off. Pull the wiper arms up so the blades stand away from the glass.
Hold the arm with one hand while you work. If it slips back onto the windshield it can crack the glass.
Run a cloth soaked in glass cleaner or rubbing alcohol along the full length of the rubber edge. Wipe off the black gunk.
Look closely at the rubber. Small nicks are fine, but split, hardened or missing chunks of rubber mean you need new blades.
Spray a little WD-40 onto a rag, not onto the blade or the glass. Run the damp rag along the rubber edge.
Let it sit for a minute, then wipe off the excess with a dry cloth so no oil is left to smear.
Clean the windshield properly with glass cleaner and a clean cloth, inside and out, and let it dry.
Lower the arms gently onto the glass. Run the washers and sweep the wipers a few times to check for streaks.
Tips and common mistakes
Never spray WD-40 straight onto the windshield, as the overspray lands on paint and trim.
Repeat the clean and lubricate routine every few months to keep the rubber soft.
Replace blades every 6 to 12 months, or sooner if the rubber is torn or the arm frame is bent.
Don't use the wipers on a dry, dusty windshield, since grit grinds the rubber edge down fast.
Questions
How long does this trick last?
Usually a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on sun and use. Repeat it when the blades start chattering again.
Can I use vinegar or dish soap instead?
White vinegar is fine for cleaning the rubber. Skip dish soap on the glass, as the film it leaves can make wipers judder.
Will WD-40 damage the rubber blade?
A thin wiped-on coat is fine for a short refresh. Don't soak the blades or leave pools of oil sitting on the rubber.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
