1. Lift the wiper arm: With the ignition off, park the vehicle on a level surface. Lift the wiper arm away from the windshield. It might help to slightly pull the arm away from the windshield to release tension on the hook.
2. Unhook the wiper blade: Look closely at where the wiper blade connects to the wiper arm. You'll see a small metal hook or tab holding the blade in place. Depending on the blade, you might need to:
* Push a tab or button: Some blades have a small button or tab on the side that needs to be pressed or pushed to release the blade. Look for this carefully.
* Lift the hook: Others simply require you to carefully lift the hook holding the blade. You might need to use a flat-head screwdriver or similar tool (wrapped in cloth to protect the blade and arm) to gently pry the hook open. Be very gentle to avoid damaging the wiper arm.
Once you've located the release mechanism, carefully remove the old wiper blade.
3. Install the new wiper blade: Most replacement blades come with instructions. Generally, align the new blade with the hook on the wiper arm and firmly push it into place until you hear a click or feel it securely locked in. Make sure it is firmly attached before moving on.
4. Repeat for the other side: Repeat steps 1-3 for the passenger-side wiper blade.
5. Test the wipers: Turn on the ignition and test the wipers to ensure they are working correctly. If they are skipping, chattering, or not wiping effectively, double-check that the blades are securely attached.
Important Considerations:
* Type of Blade: Before buying replacement blades, make sure you know the length of your existing wiper blades. This information is often printed on the blades themselves or you can find it in your owner's manual. You can also find wiper blade fitment guides online using your vehicle's year, make, and model.
* Safety: Always remember to keep your hands away from moving parts. The wiper arms can spring back unexpectedly.
If you're still unsure, watching a YouTube video showing wiper blade replacement on a 2004 Chevy Malibu Classic would be helpful. Search for "2004 Chevy Malibu Classic wiper blade replacement" on YouTube. This will give you a visual guide to the process.
