How To Replace Wiper and Headlight

Rapidly changing road, weather and traffic conditions make properly functioning windshield wipers and headlights extremely important. That’s why PartSource is here to give you the inside scoop on when and how to replace these safety-critical parts. We’ll also help you pick the right brand of headlights and wiper blades for your specific needs.

Remember, if you have any questions or if you're unsure of anything, feel free to contact the Parts Pros at your local PartSource. They’ll always ready to help, no matter what the job is.

Let’s go!

Make Safety Your Top Priority

Every vehicle is different. When it comes to maintenance and repairs, always follow the vehicle's owner's manual.

Safety should be your number one priority. Don't smoke, drink alcoholic beverages, or wear a necktie while working on the car. Watch out for hot objects, sharp instruments, hazardous materials and other potential safety hazards in and around your workspace.

Don't work with a Philips when the job calls for a flat. Substituting tools can compromise your safety or your vehicle's performance.

Finally, when the fun turns to frustration, or if the job requires specialized knowledge beyond your capabilities, please do not attempt it yourself. Talk to a Parts Pro or seek the assistance of a professional mechanic or installer. The last thing we want is someone getting hurt.


Replacing your Wiper Blades

Before You Begin You should replace all wipers on your vehicle at the same time, not just one at a time. Replace them with the appropriate type of wiper for your area, driving conditions, etc. every 6 months to a year.
Print outs of vehicle-specific instructions and torque specifications are available from MitchellonDemand at your local PartSource.
IMPORTANT - NEVER let a wiper arm snap back against the windshield. This can cause your windshield to crack
Wiper Blades available at PartSource: Trico Innovision Jointless design provides even pressure across the entire wiper blade Better wipe on highly curved windshields Low profile design for reduced wind-lift at high speeds Two hinge rubber element allows easy pivoting, and a smooth, quiet wipe Performs well in all weather conditions, with no exposed parts to clog with ice and snow Pre-assembled to fit most popular wiper arm styles Bosch Micro Edge Excel Specially blended rubber wiping edge reduces streaking and improves wear resistance Fully enclosed metal tension spring maintains wiping performance in all seasons Uniquely blended rubber compound reduces "chatter" and improves flip over flexibility DirectConnect system allows easy installation on over 90% of vehicles Aerodynamically designed steel frame improves blade contact at highway speeds Trico Exact Fit Exact Fit wipers provide just that: an exact fit for your vehicle with no adapters to sort through 51 part numbers that cover nearly 100% of vehicles Trico Winter Industry leading coverage for winter wiper blade applications Protective rubber boot prevents the clogging of snow and ice, maintaining even wiping pressure

Wiper Blade Installation Tips

Take a look at your vehicle. Can you access the wipers easily? Are they hidden under the hood line? To make changing them easier, you may have to turn on the ignition, turn on the wipers, and then shut the ignition off when the wipers are at their highest point. The method of installation depends on the style of wiper arm. The styles below cover most vehicles: Side Lock Style How you remove the side lock style of wiper will depend on what kind of wiper is currently on your vehicle. If it is an original equipment-style wiper, use a flat screwdriver, and press the spring lock down in the middle of the wiper, and slide the wiper off the arm. If it is a universal style wiper with an adapter, removal will still vary between manufacturers, but generally, you will use a flat screwdriver to pry off the plastic adapter from the wiper arm pin. Once the old wiper is off, compare it to the new wiper to ensure you’ve got the proper length. Installing wipers on a side lock wiper arm will vary slightly between manufacturers. With Trico Exact Fit, and Bosch Micro Edge Excel, simply slide the new wiper over the pin, and push down until it locks in place. For most other designs, slide the wiper over the pin, and snap the locking adapter in place. IMPORTANT – Always check that the new wiper blade cannot be easily pulled off! Hook Style The hook is the most common wiper arm style on modern cars, and also one of the easiest to work with. To remove the wiper, simply push up on the tab under the wiper, and it will be unlocked from the hook. Slide it back to remove the hook from the adapter, turn the wiper blade up, and then slide the wiper blade forward off the arm. Some manufacturers use a slightly different type of adapter for the hook style arm. You may need to use a screwdriver to pop a tab up in front of the hook. (This tab stops the wiper from sliding back off the wiper.) Once the old wiper is off, compare it to the new wiper to ensure it is the proper length. Slide the wiper arm through the wiper blade, place the arm into the adapter behind the hook, and slide it forward into the hook until you feel it lock in place. IMPORTANT - Always check that the new wiper blade cannot be easily pulled off! Bayonet Style To remove the bayonet style wiper, lift the locking lever or tab, and pull the wiper off the arm. Remember to not let the wiper arm snap back against the windshield. Once the old wiper is off, compare it to the new wiper to ensure they’re the same length. To install new wipers, pull the tab back, slide onto the wiper arm until the tab locks in place. With some bayonet-style wiper blades, you may need to install the adapter onto the wiper arm first, and then install the wiper blade onto the adapter. IMPORTANT – Always check that the new wiper blade cannot be easily pulled off! Two-Screw Bayonet Style To remove the two-screw bayonet style wiper blade, simply undo the screws and slide the old wiper off. If the screws are rusted, or break, you’ll need to get new screws. Once the old wiper is off, compare it to the new wiper to ensure the new one is the proper length. To install the new wipers, attach any necessary adapters, line up the screw holes, and reinstall the screws. IMPORTANT – Always check that the new wiper blade cannot be easily pulled off!
If you don’t see your style covered here, check out Trico’s installation website

Replacing your Headlights

Before You Begin A set of headlights usually has the same life-span. If one has burnt out, chances are the other is soon to follow, so you should always replace headlights in pairs. IMPORTANT –NEVER touch the glass portion of a halogen bulb with your hands or skin. The bulb is under pressure, and can explode. Headlights available at PartSource: Sylvania SilverStar Ultra Packaged in pairs Longest lasting headlights Whitest and brightest legal headlights available Closest light to daylight for safer night driving Increases down road and side viewing Sylvania SilverStar Available in all common headlight bulb and sealed beam styles Whiter and brighter than standard halogens Closer to daylight for safer night driving Lasts longer than standard halogens GE NightHawk 30% brighter than standard halogens Available in most common headlight bulb and sealed beam styles GE Xtra LongLife Designed to last two and a half times longer than standard headlights GE HO (High Output) Provide a brighter light than standard headlights Last up to two times longer than standard headlights GE Standard Great for original equipment replacements Economical

Headlight Replacement Instructions

Headlight replacement varies greatly depending on what style of headlight your vehicle is equipped with. Below you will find some common replacement tips. Sealed Beam Headlight Replacement Be sure the headlights are turned off before beginning. You’ll need to remove any screws, trim and retaining rings that hold the headlight in place. Usually this is done from the front of the vehicle. IMPORTANT - If at all possible, do not adjust the headlight aiming screws. Once the headlight is loose, gently pull the headlight out, and unplug the electrical connector from the back. IMPORTANT - Don’t pull too hard or too far, as you could damage the wiring harness for the light. After the old headlight is removed, plug the electrical connector into the new headlight, and reinstall. Check that the headlight is seated properly, check your work and turn the lights on to see if they work. Check the aim against a building wall to make sure it hasn’t accidentally moved. Halogen Bulb Replacement Be sure the headlights are turned off before beginning. With halogen bulbs, you’ll first need to figure out how to access the bulb. Your owner’s manual can usually help with this. Access to the bulbs may be easy on some vehicles, with lots of room behind the headlight assembly. Some have access covers on the back of the headlight assembly that simply screws off. On others it requires removing the entire headlight assembly from the vehicle. If you need to remove the headlight assembly, it’s usually quite simple. Normally you’ll just need to remove a couple of bolts, or undo a couple of clips, and the assembly will slide out. On some cars you may need to remove the battery to access one of the headlight bulbs. Once you can access the bulb from behind the headlight assembly, there may be a retainer ring that you turn counter clockwise about 90º. The ring will then be loose, and the bulb should be free to slide out of the headlight assembly, though it may take a little effort. Other cars may just need the bulb itself turned 90º, or a wire retainer that snaps back to remove the bulb. IMPORTANT - Always grab the bulb by the base, never the glass portion. With the bulb removed from the headlight assembly, hold the base, and carefully remove the electrical connector. Usually a locking tab holds the bulb and connector together, and it needs to be unhooked to slide them apart. Make sure the retaining ring stays slid over the electrical wiring harness (if applicable). Attach the electrical connector to the new bulb, and again DO NOT touch the glass portion of the new bulb. Line up the bulb in the headlight assembly, and be sure it’s seated properly. Secure the bulb, whether it’s by turning it, or using a retainer ring or wire. Check your work, and turn on the headlights to see if the new bulbs work. This type of headlight set up should not need aligning unless the car has had an accident.
Some vehicles are more difficult to change headlight bulbs than others. If you are not comfortable changing your headlights yourself, talk to one of our Part Pros - we'd be happy to help.
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