Living in Japan has brought many new experiences and challenges, especially when it comes to vehicle maintenance. Recently, I noticed my windshield wipers were falling apart—definitely not convenient during a hard rain. I vividly remembered the last time I had a man at the shop help me with my wipers; he installed ones that were too big, and they made a horrible sound if left on too long.
HOW TO CHANGE YOUR OWN WINDSHIELD WIPERS: A MODERN DAMSEL'S GUIDE
This time, I decided it was time to empower myself and figure out how to change them on my own. Welcome to the first installment of my "Modern Damsels" series, where I show you how to tackle common fixes that we often rely on men to do for us. For military spouses, it's essential because often these things tend to happen when our spouses are deployed or away. Learning these skills can give our spouses peace of mind when they are away.
Step 1: Identifying the Problem
It all started when I realized my windshield wipers were no longer doing their job. The rubber was worn out, and they left streaks on my windshield, making it difficult to see during rain. I knew I had to replace them, but I was unsure how. My first instinct was to ask my husband to do it for me. However, he encouraged me to take it to the shop and get it done professionally. While his suggestion was practical, I felt it was time to take matters into my own hands.
STEP 2: RESEARCH AND PREPARATION
I began my journey by watching a few YouTube videos on how to change windshield wipers. This was enlightening and gave me a basic understanding of what I needed to do. Living in Japan, I faced a few additional challenges, such as finding the right size wipers for my car. Here’s where ChatGPT came to the rescue. I used it to identify the correct size for my vehicle, ensuring I wouldn’t repeat the mistake of having oversized wipers installed.
WATCH MY FULL JOURNEY AND STRUGGLE IN THIS VIDEO!Step 3: Gathering Supplies
Armed with the correct information, I purchased the new wipers. The next challenge was removing the old ones. This part was trickier than I anticipated. The clips were stubborn, and I struggled to get them off. After some perseverance and a few more instructional videos, I finally managed to remove the old wipers.
STEP 4: INSTALLATION
With the old wipers off, the rest was simple. I followed the instructions on the new wipers’ packaging and installed them. It felt incredibly satisfying to hear the click of the new wipers snapping into place. Testing them out, I was thrilled to see them working perfectly, without any of the annoying noises I experienced before.
Personal Empowerment
This experience was not just about changing windshield wipers; it was about empowering myself. My husband’s encouragement for me to take it to the shop felt like he was teaching me to fish rather than giving me a fish. It pushed me to step out of my comfort zone and tackle the problem myself. This sense of accomplishment was invaluable and inspired me to create this special series.
Tips for Changing Your Windshield Wipers
- Identify the Correct Size: Use online resources or consult your car’s manual to find the correct wiper size for your vehicle.
- Watch Instructional Videos: Visual aids can be incredibly helpful. Watch a few different videos to get a good understanding of the process.
- Be Patient with the Clips: Removing the old wipers can be the trickiest part. Be patient and gentle to avoid damaging the wiper arms.
- Follow the Instructions: Carefully follow the instructions that come with your new wipers. Each brand might have slightly different installation methods.
- Test the Wipers: Once installed, test the wipers to ensure they are working correctly and make any necessary adjustments.
Paying It Forward
After successfully changing my windshield wipers, I felt a sense of empowerment that I wanted to share. Thus, the "Modern Damsels" series was born. Through these videos, I aim to show women that we are more than capable of handling common fixes ourselves. Whether it’s changing windshield wipers or tackling other maintenance tasks, we don’t have to rely on men to get it done.
By sharing my journey and tips, I hope to inspire and empower more women to take control and learn these valuable skills. Stay tuned for more videos and blogs in this series. Let’s embrace our inner "Modern Damsels" and tackle these challenges head-on!
I hope this guide has inspired you to take on the task of changing your own windshield wipers. It’s a simple job that can save you time and money, and more importantly, it’s a step towards self-empowerment. Remember, every small victory counts, and together, we can build our confidence in tackling these everyday challenges. Happy fixing!
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