You might think your windshield wipers aren’t that important to your vehicle. After all, most of the time you don’t even use them. However, when you do need these lightweight components made of steel and rubber, they are critical to your safety. Both worn-out wipers and poorly fitted wipers can make your life difficult. When looking for replacement 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 wiper blades, it is essential that you get the perfect fit.
You have a number of options for making sure you get the right blades. It begins with looking in your owner’s manual, which should tell you the proper length. Many vehicles require different sizes for the driver’s side and the passenger side. You can also measure the old blades. Finally, it never hurts to ask at your friendly neighborhood auto parts store. A representative can point you in the right direction. You can also enter your vehicle make, model and year or your VIN number to an online site, and this should only bring up the suitable blades for your vehicle.
How To Replace Your Windshield Wipers
For most people, replacing blades is a DIY task. Still, taking off the old blades and putting on new ones can be tricky. An incorrect installation could result in your blades malfunctioning or even falling off when you need them the most. Follow these instructions for replacing your Chevrolet Silverado 1500 wiper blades:
- Remove old blade by gently lifting wiper arm and push or pull release button or tab
- Loosen and slide wiper blade off the wiper arm
- Position the new blade near the connection point on the arm
- Look to see if the blade uses a hook, bayonet or side pin
- Push the blade onto the wiper arm until you hear it lock into position
You will have to do this process for both the driver’s side and the passenger’s side. It is a good idea to try out the wiper controls to make sure everything is working fine. You don’t want to hear any rubbing or scratching sounds or see any excess or unusual movement as the blade operates.
Importance of Having Working Wipers
Like most things mechanical, your wiper blades will eventually experience wear and tear and cease to do a great job. Knowing when to replace windshield wipers is a useful skill to develop. Always pay attention to how your blades function in the rain or snow. If you see streaking or hear a loud rubbing noise or if portions of the windshield remain wet, it is probably time to get new blades. A good rule of thumb is to replace your blades every six to 12 months. A sound practice is to replace wiper blades at the same time each year, preferably in the fall before the advent of winter.
The fact is, you never know for sure when precipitation is going to come. Therefore, equipping your truck with quality blades is a smart decision. Even premium wiper blades don’t cost that much and they keep you safe. Shop now and ensure your safety on every ride.
