subject: At-home Windshield Fixes [print this page] The rain comes down in a torrential down pour and AAA is nowhere in sight, or you are in the middle of a bug attack when you discover the windshield washer reservoir is empty. Do not feel too bad. After all, there is no reason to wipe the glass if it is dry and no need to wash it if it is clean. That is why these things need checked and fixed, prior to needing them. Nearly anyone can do the simple auto repair of performing windshield wiper replacements and filling the washer reservoir.
Windshield wipers have four major elements including the arm, rubber blades, gears and the motor. Windshield wiper blades normally have two standard sizes, which is 20" and 22". In order to determine the size you need, measure your blades, consult your auto manual or ask at the auto parts store. You might even try to get the counter worker to put them on for you, but if that fails wiper replacement is not difficult or time consuming.
Simple Fixes
Make sure the wipers are in the off position. With your new blades in hand, choose the attachment in the package that fits the one on your car holding the blade to the arm. The blade will either pull off or have a button somewhere that you push to release the blade. Repeat the process in reverse order to install the new wipers. Tighten the attachment back and turn the wipers on to verify that you did it right.
Replacing the windshield wiper arm is a simple do it yourself project as well. Locate the bolt cover near the bottom of the arm to expose the bolt that holds the arm on. Remove the bolt and replace the arm with a new one. After reinserting the bolt, replace the cover and you should be good to go. If the arm refuses to move or falls off mid swipe, you obviously made a mistake so retrace your steps and do it again.
Wiper Fluids
Replacing the windshield wiper fluid is even easier. Remove the lid on the reservoir, pour in the fluid and replace the lid. Check your success by pushing the squirt button. If you done it correctly water should squirt out and the wipers should come on automatically and shut off the same way. If you see water come out, and the wipers going back and forth, you apparently need no further instruction. When you get in the vehicle and the first thing you notice is a chip or small run in the glass, it is time to act.
Insurance Fixes
Most comprehensive insurance coverage will pay 100 percent of the charge for a glass company to come to your home and strike the glass. That does not mean they are going to shatter the windshield. Instead, they make a small cut above and below the damaged area to stop the run from going further. This saves the insurance company the cost of replacing your glass and you escape paying a deductible. Many policies will also pay for certain crack repairs - usually up to two - as well as a portion of windshield replacements, should the damage be beyond repair.
