Q: What should be inspected periodically for damage, loose components, and cracked or worn blade elements?
A: The windscreen wiper plus blade assembly should be periodically inspected for damaged, loose items and cracked or worn out blade elements. Film from the road can accumulate on the wipers and lower their efficiency; this is why they need to be washed regularly using soap. Bolts, nuts and fasteners may loosen as a result of wiping action so they should be checked and tightened when inspecting the wiper blades. Cracked, worn or warped wiper blade elements (also called inserts) should be replaced with new ones. On 1995 models and before that year, you remove the wiper blade assembly from the wiper arm by using a small screwdriver to lift up release lever while pulling on the blade to release it. On 1996 models and later than that year, lift arm assembly away from glass pane for clearance then press on release lever afterwards slide off the hook located at one end of arm. Remove rubber element from blade after removing it from vehicle. Use pliers to pinch metal backing of element then slide out element from blade assembly. From there, compare new element with old for length etcetera; slide new into place so that automatically locks at correct location. Afterward fix back on the arm; wet windshield glass then test if working well.