Need new wiper blades? Fortunately, replacing them is super-easy – more so than an oil change, brake job or tire changes. Even if you’re new to DIYing your auto maintenance, almost anyone can swap out wiper blades. But before you shop for new ones, check out this short guide. You’ll learn how to change your 2013 Hyundai Elantra wiper blades, which kinds to buy and how to tell when you need to replace them.
Tips on How To Install New Wiper Blades on Your Hyundai Elantra
Getting the proper 2013 Elantra wiper blades means choosing the right size. And why does size matter? Well, your blades must fit inside the arms to efficiently clean your windshield. Searching your auto parts retailer’s website by your vehicle’s make, model and year can help you find ones that fit.
You’ll need to purchase two different blade sizes for the passenger’s and driver’s sides. That’s because your driver’s side wiper is longer than the passenger’s to achieve proper coverage without colliding with it or hanging over the windshield edges. Your 2013 Elantra has a 28-inch driver-side wiper and a 13-inch wiper on the passenger side.
Replacing your wiper blades is one of the easiest maintenance jobs you can perform. You literally just need a few minutes of your time plus a new pack of Hyundai Elantra wiper blades. Some car care professionals recommend taking your blades out of the packages and lifting your wiper arms off the windshield before starting. Once you’ve done this, you can walk through some straightforward steps to replace your blades:
- Rotate each blade outward until it’s perpendicular to the wiper arm.
- Press the release tab and pull the old blade downward.
- Turn the blade until it’s parallel again, then slide it off the wiper arm hook.
- Slide the new blade onto the wiper arm.
- Press the new blade into the wiper arm slot.
- Guide the blade onto the wiper arm hook and push until you hear a “click.”
How Often Should You Replace Your Wiper Blades?
You may wonder, “How long do windshield wipers last?” While your 2013 Elantra wiper arms will probably last for the lifetime of the vehicle, the blades usually wear out every six to twelve months. But that’s just an average. Wiper blades’ lifespans depend on their frequency of use. And if you live in a climate that gets a lot of snow or rain, they may wear out sooner.
To stay ahead of the curve, you’ll want to keep your eye out for some visible signs of wear. Look for torn, cracked, stiff, warped or loose blade rubber. Blade frames with rusted or corroded metal is another obvious sign of wear. And if you see too many streaks left on the windshield or hear your blades “chattering” when moving across the glass, you definitely need to change them out. You can find your replacements at a reputable aftermarket auto parts dealer. And if you need help tracking them down, you should check with your dealer’s service professionals for some helpful, expert advice.
