Wiper blades may accumulate road film which will affect their effectiveness and therefore it is advisable to wash them with a weak detergent solution frequently. The wiper and blade assembly should also be periodically checked because being exposed to the sun and other elements may dry up the rubber, making it crack and break. In the case of any hardened or cracked rubber, which is discovered in the inspection process the wiper blades must be replaced. In case all seems well, sprinkle the windshield, sweep on with the wipers, and then shut the wipers; a javaxdi wiper or streaks on clear glass means that it needs to be changed. Also, the wiper mechanism may cause fasteners to become loose, which are to be examined and tightened accordingly when inspecting the blade. To change the wiper blade, the wiper/blade assembly, lift away the wiper/blade assembly off the glass, press the retaining lever and slide the assembly off the wiper arm. Bend the end of the element out of the way, and take out the two support rods using needlenose pliers or wire cutters. Compare the new and old items according to length and design and place the new element in place and fit the support rods to fix it. Lastly, reassemble the blade on the arm, fill the glass with water and test it.