Windshield wipers are one of the most high-maintenance parts of any vehicle, let alone a luxury car like a BMW. Although they serve a basic purpose, they are crucial parts of creating safe driving conditions and preventing accidents. That’s why you need to stay on top of your windshield wiper maintenance.
This guide explains how often you should replace your BMW’s windshield wipers, explores the telltale signs of wiper damage, then goes through four easy steps to replace your wiper blades.
When to Replace Your BMW’s Windshield Wipers
There is no universal timeline for windshield wiper maintenance, but you should replace them at least once a year to avoid visibility problems when driving. Every car has slightly different wiper blades, which means they wear down at different speeds.
Your location also plays a role. If you live in a climate with high precipitation, the blades will dull more quickly. On the flip side, constant exposure to direct sunlight can cause the wiper frames to warp and bend, rendering them useless.
While one year is a reasonable timeline, your local BMW dealership might recommend replacing your windshield wipers every six months just to be safe. Luxury vehicles have more strict maintenance requirements than the average car, and the windshield wipers are no exception. All BMW parts are high-quality, so it takes a little extra work to keep them in good working order.
Signs of Windshield Wiper Damage
If your BMW’s windshield wipers aren’t performing like they used to, you need to do an inspection and assess the damage. The most concerning sign of damage is bent or warped wiper frames because they can permanently scratch your windshield and leave huge watermarks that impede your visibility.
Here are some other signs that your wipers need to be replaced:
- Dry or dirty rubber: Take a close look at the rubber on your wiper blades. If they are covered in residue or starting to crack from being too dry, it’s time for replacement wipers.
- Loose blades: If the blades are loose, they aren’t wiping your windshield properly. They can also fall off if you neglect to replace them. The wipers need to form a tight seal against the windshield without any wiggling or jostling.
- Squeaking noise: You might be familiar with the annoying squeaking noise that wiper blades make when they start to break down. This noise could be the result of an unstable part or exposed plastic rubbing against the glass.
If you notice any of these signs of damage, you need to replace your windshield wipers as soon as possible. Driving with dysfunctional wiper blades poses a risk to yourself and other drivers on the road.
How to Replace Windshield Wipers in 4 Easy Steps
Fortunately, windshield wiper replacements aren’t complicated. This project is one of the few DIY automotive repairs that anyone can do at home in just a few minutes. Just follow these steps and your BMW will have fresh wiper blades in no time.
- Get New Wiper Blades
First, you need to get new windshield wipers that match your vehicle’s design. You should be able to get exact replacements of your old blades from BMW’s accessory shop or a local auto parts store. Double-check the specifications just to be sure you have matching blades. You can also get new blades from another reputable brand such as Bosch or Michelin.
- Access the Base of the Wipers
The base of your windshield wipers is located under the hood. To make the replacement process easier, turn on your vehicle and activate the blades. Turn the vehicle off when the blades are in the middle of the windshield so you can stand them up and get full access to the entire mechanism.
- Remove the Blades
Look for a release button at the base of the wipers and press it so you can gently slide the blades out of their holders. Most newer BMWs have adapter systems that keep the blades in place while driving and makes their removal easier.
- Install the New Blades
Install the new blades the same way you removed the old blades. You should hear a distinct clicking sound if you properly install them. Make sure the release button isn’t activated. Put the wipers back in their original position and turn on the vehicle to test them out. If everything is working properly, you’ve successfully replaced your windshield wipers.
Enjoy Your New Windshield Wipers
Driving with dysfunctional windshield wipers is a huge pain. They sound annoying and they do nothing to improve your windshield’s visibility. After you replace them, it will feel like you’re driving a brand new car.
Just follow these maintenance and replacement recommendations, and you will get to enjoy a fresh set of windshield wipers on your BMW in no time!