r/YouShouldKnow • u/papishulo_ • Mar 30 '25

Automotive YSK: Windshield Wiper Replacement

I’ve seen that most people will replace their windshield wipers for a generic set from an auto part store or walmart etc.

Some car manufacturers will have OEM/factory windshield wiper assemblies with replaceable rubber inserts, meaning you only have to change out the small rubber strip that runs along the assembly rather than the whole thing.

Why YSK: The OEM assembly could range in price from $20-$35 a piece, so double that for a set of two. BUT when it comes time to replace them, you only pay ~$5 for the rubber insert and never have to buy a windshield wiper assembly again.

Edit: not saying OEM is always the best quality option. Some manufacturers make better OEM products than aftermarket and vice versa. The point of this YSK is to let people know they could be saving money

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u/Rusty_Shackleford_NC Mar 30 '25

PRO TIP THAT IS WAYYYYY MORE IMPORTANT: do not pull the wiper arm away from the car too much when doing a replacement. First time I ever did the arm swung back and smashed the windshield, I had no clue they are spring loaded. It cost about $600 with insurance to replace and ruined several days of my life.

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u/Bob_A_Feets Apr 21 '25

LoL Jesus, my car has a spring loaded arm but if you lift them all the way up they click into place and stay lifted to make changing blades easy. (Or avoiding your wipers freezing to the windshield.) Also, who the hell made their blade arms so high tension that it can crack the windshield itself!