Read below for step by step instructions on how to change your wiper blades for all vehicle types.
For most, changing wiper blades is an annual event. However, if you don't know what you're doing, it can be far more frustrating than it needs to be. Depending on the brand, most wiper blades come with different adaptors that you must install in order to make them correctly fit to your vehicle. Luckily with Otto Wiper Blades, your wiper blade sets come pre-installed with included instructions making installation a breeze!
I&L Wiper Blades (aka Insert & Lock)
The I&L wiper blade is also known as the "Insert & Lock" wiper blade. The name comes from the shape of the end piece of the wiper arm and how the adaptor connects. If your vehicle requires has this type of wiper arm, you're in rare company. Only 5% of all cars have this type of wiper arm!
How to Remove:
- Move your wiper arm into the "up position"
- Pull the locking cap until it slides off the top of the wiper arm.
- Pull the wiper blade down and away to release from the wiper arm.
How to Install:
- Move your wiper arm into the "up position"
- Tilt the blade down and slide the "tooth" portion of the arm into the grooves of the adaptor.
- Lock the adaptor by pushing the end locking piece into place.
- Remove plastic protective covering on the wiper blade.
P&H Wiper Blades (aka Pin & Hook)
The P&H wiper blade is also known as the "Pin & Hook" wiper blade. The name comes from the shape of the end piece on the wiper arm and how the adaptor connects. Typically this wiper blade is found in select European vehicles such as BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz. If you own one of these vehicles, only about 2% of all cars have this type of wiper arm!
How to Remove:
- Move your wiper arm into the "up position"
- Rotate the wiper blade until the hook portion of the wiper arm is no longer inserted into adaptor.
- Slide the wiper blade off of the pin, releasing the wiper blade from the wiper arm.
How to Install:
- Move your wiper arm into the "up position"
- Locate the hole on the adaptor and slide pin into the hole.
- Rotate wiper blade into the slot portion of the adaptor.
- Remove plastic protective covering on the wiper blade.
NPTB Wiper Blades (Narrow Pinch Tab Button)
The NPTB wiper blade is also known as the "Narrow Pinch Tab" wiper blade. This is a newer and slimmer version of the PTB wiper blade. The name comes from the shape of the end piece of the wiper arm and how the adaptor connects to the wiper blade. Given it's a fairly new wiper blade connector, around 3% of all cars have this type of wiper arm!
How to Remove:
- Move your wiper arm into the "up position"
- Locate bottom of the adaptor and push down on the button.
- Slide the wiper blade away from the wiper arm to fully release.
How to Install:
- Move your wiper arm into the "up position"
- Tilt adaptor up and slide wiper blade into the opening of the wiper arm until you hear a click.
- Remove plastic protective covering on the wiper blade.
PTB Wiper Blades (Pinch Tab Button)
The PTB wiper blade is also known as the "Pinch Tab Button" wiper blade. This is the older sibling to the newer NPTB wiper blade. Like it's sibling adaptor, the name comes from the shape of the end piece of the wiper arm and how the adaptor connects to the wiper blade. This adaptor is a bit more common with around 8% of all cars having this type of wiper arm!
How to Remove:
- Move your wiper arm into the "up position"
- Locate bottom of the adaptor and push down on the button.
- Slide the wiper blade away from the wiper arm to fully release.
How to Install:
- Move your wiper arm into the "up position"
- Tilt adaptor up and slide wiper blade into the opening of the wiper arm until you hear a click.
- Remove plastic protective covering on the wiper blade.
Hook Wiper Blades (J or U Hook)
The most common type of wiper blade in the market is called the Hook wiper blade. Other names include J-Hook or U-Hook. Similar to other adaptor names, the name is based on the shape of the end piece of the wiper arm. If you are changing your wiper blades, chances are you will need this style. Almost 80% of all cars have this type of wiper arm!
How to Remove:
- Move your wiper arm into the "up position"
- Forcefully pull the wiper blade down and away until it detaches from the wiper arm.
How to Install:
- Move your wiper arm into the "up position"
- Insert the open side of the adaptor into the hook portion of the arm.
- Push the wiper blade into the hook, until you hear it click.
- Remove plastic protective covering on the wiper blade.
Summary:
When it's time to change your wiper blades, keep this link as a handy guide. Whether or not you decide to purchase a set of Otto Wiper Blades, this article will help you remove and install almost all types of wiper blades with ease.
Not sure if you need to replace your windshield wiper blades yet? Here is 5 Signs that it's time to replace your wiper blades.
Shameless plug time....
If you're in the market to replace wiper blades for your vehicle, check us out at www.ottoblades.com/. We carry premium beam wiper blades for all makes and models. All wiper blades come with free shipping along with our industry leading 100 Day Test Drive! This gives you the ability to test drive our wiper blades in all weather conditions for up 100 days. If you're not happy with the performance of our wiper blades, you can send them back for a full refund.
Drive Safe and Enjoy The Roads!
The Otto Team