How Do I Change my Windshield Wipers?

July 16, 2020 · 3 min read

Windshield wipers aren’t something you think about much until you need them. Whether it’s the screech or rubbing of worn out wipers when it rains, or an annoying piece of rubber dangling off the wiper, something will eventually remind you that it’s time to change the blades. When that happens, you’ll be glad you know how to change the wiper.

How Do I Find the Right Size Wiper Blades?

Finding the right size of wiper blades can be done in a few different ways. Most of the time, the easiest way to do this is to just go to your local auto parts store, hardware store, or vehicle service center and go to the wiper blade section. Often times, these areas have books or little digital kiosks positioned near the blades that list wiper blade sizes according to make and model. This of course means you need to know the make, model, and year of your car. If you can’t do it this way, you should measure your wiper blades and get new ones of the same size.

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How Do I Remove Broken Wiper Blades?

Removing old wiper blades is something everyone should be able to do. First, lift the wiper away from the windshield. Since most cars made in the last fifteen years use a locking hook style wiper, the next step would involve rotating the blade until it is perpendicular to the wiper arm. Identify the tab that locks the blade in place and press down on it. When this is done, you should be able to pull down carefully until the wiper comes free of the hook. You will need to angle the wiper to lift it away from the wiper arm without getting it snagged on the wiper arm.

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How Do I Attach a New Wiper Blade?

Attaching a new wiper blade is the reverse of the process of removing one. Start with the rubber blade end facing up, pull the blade away from the backing of the blade, and fit the hook between them. Slide the backing portion up into the hook and pull up on it until it snaps into place. The locking tab should engage. When this is done, just rotate the rubber blade portion so it is in-line with the wiper arm and lower the arm and blade down onto the windshield.

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Of course, not all wiper blade systems are the same. You may need to look up the specific type of wiper blade connection to learn how to change out your wiper blades. To take the guesswork out of the whole situation, you can take your car to Phil Meador Toyota and have the expert service technicians replace the wipers for you.

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Mar 30, 2026 in Car Ownership

How Regular Brake Inspections Keep Your Toyota Safe and Reliable

The Importance of Brake Inspections for Your Toyota When it comes to vehicle safety, few components are as critical as your brakes. Whether you're driving a 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross or another Toyota model, regular brake inspections are essential to ensure your vehicle remains safe and reliable on the road. For drivers in Pocatello, ID, where varying weather conditions can impact driving, maintaining your brakes is even more crucial. Brake inspections help identify wear and tear on key components like brake pads, rotors, and calipers before they lead to more significant issues. By catching problems early, you can avoid costly repairs and ensure your Toyota performs at its best. more How Brake Inspections Enhance the Performance of the 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross The 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross is designed with advanced safety features, but even the most innovative systems rely on properly functioning brakes. Regular inspections ensure that your braking system operates seamlessly with features like electronic brake-force distribution and anti-lock braking systems (ABS). For example, worn brake pads can reduce stopping power, which compromises the effectiveness of these safety systems. Routine checks allow technicians to replace worn parts and keep your Corolla Cross performing as intended. This is especially important for drivers navigating the diverse terrain of Pocatello, ID, where reliable braking is a must. Signs It's Time for a Brake Inspection While regular maintenance schedules are essential, there are also signs that indicate you may need a brake inspection sooner. If you drive a 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross or any other Toyota model, watch for these warning signs: - Squeaking or grinding noises when braking - A spongy or unresponsive brake pedal - Vibrations when applying the brakes - Longer stopping distances Ignoring these signs can lead to more extensive damage and compromise your safety on the road. Scheduling a professional brake inspection at the first sign of trouble can save you time and money while ensuring your Toyota remains dependable. Call to Action For drivers in Pocatello, ID, maintaining your Toyota's braking system is vital for safety and performance. At Phil Meador Toyota, our expert technicians are here to provide thorough brake inspections and maintenance for your 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross or any other Toyota model. Visit (https://www.philmeadortoyota.com/) today to schedule your service appointment and keep your vehicle in top condition. Conclusion Regular brake inspections are a simple yet essential step in keeping your 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross safe and reliable on the road. By addressing wear and tear early, you can ensure optimal performance and avoid costly repairs. For drivers in Pocatello, ID, staying proactive about brake maintenance is key to navigating local roads with confidence. Schedule your next brake inspection at Phil Meador Toyota and experience peace of mind behind the wheel.

Feb 06, 2026 in Car Ownership

2026 Toyota 4Runner: Trim Level Breakdown for Pocatello Drivers

The 2026 Toyota 4Runner represents the most significant evolution of this SUV in decades. Built on the TNGA-F global truck platform, it trades its aging architecture for a modern foundation shared with Toyota’s newest body-on-frame trucks and SUVs. The result is a 4Runner that keeps its off-road credibility intact while adding new turbocharged and hybrid powertrains, improved ride quality, and a far broader trim strategy. For drivers in Pocatello, ID, the 2026 4Runner lineup offers nine distinct trims, each aimed at a specific type of owner—from families who need a usable third row to hardcore off-roaders and long-distance overlanders. more Below is a detailed look at how each trim is equipped and who it’s built for. Core Lineup: i-FORCE Turbo Power These trims are powered by Toyota’s 2.4L i-FORCE turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, producing 278 hp and 317 lbs.-ft. of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. This engine prioritizes low-end torque and everyday drivability while improving efficiency over the outgoing V6. 4Runner SR5 The SR5 remains the most balanced version of the 4Runner, blending daily usability with real trail capability. 17-inch alloy wheels with all-terrain tires 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ Smart Key System with push-button start Available third-row seating, increasing capacity to 7 passengers This trim makes the most sense for families in Pocatello who want a true SUV that can handle snow, dirt roads, and weekend trips without committing to aggressive off-road hardware. 4Runner TRD Off-Road & TRD Off-Road Premium These trims are engineered for drivers who regularly leave pavement behind. Standard part-time 4WD Electronic locking rear differential Bilstein® monotube shocks Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control for low-speed off-road precision The TRD Off-Road Premium adds meaningful comfort and tech upgrades: 14-inch center touchscreen SofTex®-trimmed seats with heating and ventilation 14-speaker JBL® audio system with removable Bluetooth® speaker This is the sweet spot for owners who want serious trail hardware but still expect comfort during long highway drives. 4Runner Limited The Limited trim is designed for drivers who spend most of their time on pavement but still want a body-on-frame SUV with winter and towing confidence. Full-time 4WD system 20-inch machined wheels Leather-trimmed heated and ventilated front seats Power tilt-and-slide moonroof What sets the Limited apart is its Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS), which softens the ride on paved roads and improves stability at highway speeds. A Panoramic View Monitor also makes parking and maneuvering much easier for a vehicle of this size. Hybrid Lineup: i-FORCE MAX Power The upper trims move to Toyota’s i-FORCE MAX 2.4L turbo hybrid system, producing 326 hp and a massive 465 lbs.-ft. of torque. This powertrain dramatically improves low-speed torque delivery while maintaining strong towing capability. 4Runner Trailhunter The Trailhunter is completely new for 2026 and targets buyers who build their trips around long-distance off-grid travel. Old Man Emu 2.5-inch forged shocks ARB® roof rack designed for sustained load 33-inch Toyo® all-terrain tires Integrated onboard air compressor 2400W AC power supply for camp equipment This trim is purpose-built for extended trips into Idaho backcountry, not just short trail runs. 4Runner TRD Pro The TRD Pro remains the most aggressive off-road 4Runner, tuned for speed and durability over rough terrain. FOX® 2.5-inch Internal Bypass shocks with remote reservoirs Heritage-style TOYOTA grille with integrated LED light bar 18-inch matte-black wheels Unique suspension tuning for high-speed stability This trim is best suited for drivers who prioritize performance driving on rough terrain rather than long-term overlanding. 4Runner Limited i-FORCE MAX This trim combines the Limited’s comfort and technology with the added torque of the hybrid system. Full-time 4WD 2400W AC power supply Hybrid torque delivery ideal for towing and mountain driving It’s the most refined 4Runner available while still offering the strength and durability expected from a body-on-frame SUV. What This Means for Pocatello Drivers The 2026 Toyota 4Runner lineup is broader and more specialized than ever. Snow-covered winters, mountain grades, and backcountry access roads all play directly into the strengths of this platform. Choosing the right trim now comes down less to compromise and more to matching the truck to how you actually drive. If you want: Family flexibility → SR5 Serious trail capability → TRD Off-Road or TRD Off-Road Premium Daily comfort with winter confidence → Limited Overlanding readiness → Trailhunter Maximum off-road performance → TRD Pro This generation finally gives buyers clear, purpose-built answers instead of one-size-fits-all trims. Visit Phil Meador Toyota for a test drive today!

An all-new Heavy Metal 2024 Toyota Crown driving through the downtown streets of Pocatello, ID.

May 24, 2024 in Car Ownership

A Buyer's Guide to the 2024 Toyota Crown

Your search for a sleek, sophisticated hybrid sedan has ended. Review this comprehensive guide to the 2024 Toyota Crown. more Explore the 2024 Toyota Crown at Your Local Toyota Dealer Performance and Fuel Economy The 2024 Crown comes with standard all-wheel drive and your choice of two powertrains. The base model pairs a four-cylinder engine with two electric motors for a total of 236 horsepower. This powertrain comes with a continuously variable automatic transmission and gets you up to 42 city miles per gallon. For an accelerated driving experience, upgrade to the Hybrid Max powertrain. It features a turbocharged engine that delivers 340 hp and a six-speed automatic transmission. With this version of the 2024 Crown, you'll get the equivalent of up to 32 highway mpg, as well as an impressive zero-to-60 time of just 5.7 seconds. Interior Space and Amenities The Crown can comfortably seat up to five passengers and has more than 15 cubic feet of cargo space. Convenient standard features for this sedan include dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry, and push-button start. Higher trims add a digital key so you can access your Crown with your smartphone. Premium options include a panoramic sunroof, a heated steering wheel, and heated and ventilated front seats. Infotainment Tech The Crown features a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. This advanced system incorporates sight, touch, and voice recognition commands. The cabin of the 2024 Crown also has a six-speaker stereo with satellite radio, wireless charging, and five USB ports. Music fans can upgrade this sedan with an 11-speaker JBL stereo system, and you can stream songs from the integrated Apple Music app. Driver Assistance The 2024 Crown incorporates a generous suite of driver assistance tech. Standard features in this category include rear seat alert, auto high beams, traffic sign recognition, blind spot monitoring, and much more. You can also add the Advanced Park system, which provides automated hands-free parking so you can easily fit your sedan in a narrow spot. Available Traffic Jam Assist adjusts your speed according to the flow of traffic on compatible highways. The 2024 Crown is available in three well-equipped trims, each with its own take on the car's sporty coupe-inspired design. Visit Phil Meador Toyota in Pocatello, ID today for anymore vehicle needs!