Unless you like the squeaky, streaky effects old wipers give you, sooner or later you will have to change the wiper blades. Here's how to find the right ones and put them on.

Check the wiper blades at least twice a year or when they seem less effective. Substances such as tree sap and some hot wax treatments used by commercial car washes reduce the effectiveness of wiper blades.

If the wiper blades do not wipe properly, clean both the windshield and wiper blades using undiluted windshield wiper solution or a mild detergent. Rinse thoroughly with clean water. To avoid damaging the blades, do not use fuel, kerosene, paint thinner, or other solvents.

When replacing wiper blade assemblies, always use specified parts or equivalents. To make replacing the wipers easy, turn the ignition to ACC, then turn the wipers on. When the wiper reaches the vertical position, turn the ignition to LOCK.

How to replace the wiper blades: Pull the wiper arm away from the windshield and lock into the service position.

Turn the blade at an angle from the wiper arm. Push the lock pin with a screwdriver to release the blade and pull the wiper blade down toward the windshield to remove it from the arm.

Attach the new wiper to the wiper arm and press it into place until you hear a click.

Note: In most cars the driver side wiper blade is longer than the passenger so make sure you buy the correct blades.