Volkswagen Tiguan Owners Manual: Cleaning and changing the windshield wiper blades

Fig. 168 Changing the windshield wiper blades.

Fig. 169 Changing the rear window wiper blades.

Factory-installed wiper blades have a graphite coating. The graphite coating lets the wiper blades glide smoothly over the windshield. If this coating is worn or damaged, the wipers may grab or squeak.

Check all wiper blades regularly. Wiper blades that grab and squeak must be replaced if worn or damaged and cleaned if dirty ⇒ .

Replace worn or damaged wiper blades immediately. Replacement blades may be purchased from any authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Lifting and tilting windshield wiper arms

Move the wiper arms into the service position before lifting them away from the windshield ⇒ Windshield wiper and washer .

It is not possible to lift the wiper arms away from the windshield when they are not in the service position.

When lifting or replacing a wiper blade on a window, grip it only by its mounting and not by the blade itself.

Cleaning the wiper blades

• Lift the wiper arm(s) away from the windshield/rear window.

• Using a soft cloth, carefully remove dust and dirt from the wiper blades.

• If the blades are very dirty, carefully clean them with a sponge or cloth ⇒ .

• Carefully fold the wiper arm back down onto the windshield.

Changing wiper blades

• Lift the wiper arm(s) away from the windshield/rear window.

• Press and hold the release button ⇒ Fig. 168①  and pull off the wiper blade in the direction of the arrow.

• Install a new wiper blade of same length and type onto the wiper arm by pushing in the opposite direction of the arrow until it latches.

• Carefully fold the wiper arm back down onto the windshield.

Changing the rear window wiper blade

• Lift and tilt the wiper arm away from the rear window.

• Rotate the wiper blade 90 °.

• Support the wiper arm with one hand.

• Pull the release on bracket in the direction of the arrow ⇒ Fig. 169① . This may require a moderate force.

• Fold back the wiper blade in the direction of the arrow ⇒ Fig. 169②  this will create a gap between the wiper arm and the latch⇒ Fig. 169③  (magnifying glass).

• Pull the wiper blade to the direction of the vehicle outside (direction of arrow) ⇒ Fig. 169④ .

• Install a new wiper blade of same length and type onto the wiper arm by pushing in the opposite direction of the arrow ⇒ Fig. 169④  until it latches.

• Support the wiper arm with one hand.

• Slide the release in the opposite direction of the arrow ⇒ Fig. 169③  in order to secure the wiper blade.

• Carefully fold the wiper arm back down onto the windshield.

Warning

• Always change wiper blades if they are damaged or worn, and if they cannot clean the windows sufficiently.

Note

• Damaged or dirty wiper blades can scratch the windshield and the rear window.

• Solvents, abrasive sponges and sharp-edged objects will damage the graphite coating on the wiper blades.

• Do not clean the windows with gasoline, nail polish remover, paint thinner or similar fluids.

• To help prevent damage to the engine hood and the windshield wiper arms, lift the wiper arms away from the windshield only when they are in the service position.