Changing wiper blades is essential vehicle maintenance that helps keep your windshield clean and provides a clear view of the road. Wiper blade replacement is straightforward — the task requires just a few minutes and even fewer steps.
Read on to learn how to change the wiper blades for your car to ensure smooth operation and good visibility while driving.
Determine the Correct Replacement Blades
Wiper blades are not one-size-fits-all, so you must choose the correct replacements for your vehicle. The cost ranges from less than $8 to more than $30 for a single blade. Driver- and passenger-side wiper blades often are different lengths. Use a tape measure, check your owner’s manual, or use an online resource to find the correct blade size and type for your car. Auto parts stores also have databases or printed size guides to help you find the appropriate wiper blades for your vehicle.
Types of Wiper Arms
Windshield wiper arms come in various styles, depending on the vehicle model. New wiper blades include plastic adapters to accommodate different types of wiper arms. The arm types pictured above are among the more common connections.
- Bayonet — The wiper blade has a tab that slides onto the arm and locks into place.
- J-Hook — The bend at the end of the arm hooks over the U-shaped clip on the wiper blade.
- Side Pin — The pin on the arm slips through a hole on the blade and is secured with a locking mechanism.
- Top Button — A tab on the blade snaps into place when it slides onto the wiper arm.
MORE: What Are Rain-Sensing Wipers?
Remove the Old Wiper Blades
Changing wiper blades is a simple DIY fix requiring little preparation after buying compatible replacements. Have a towel handy for wiping your hands, and you may need a small flat-head screwdriver, depending on your wiper arm and blade design. The following instructions are for wiper arms that have a hook or J-hook connection type. New wiper blades typically come with adapters to be compatible with other connection types, such as those shown in the previous section.
- Use the car’s accessory mode to stop the wipers while pointing up during mid-swipe, if possible. Not every vehicle allows it, but having the arm in that position makes wiper blade installation easier.
- Open the replacement blade packaging to have the new wiper blade ready to install.
- Lift the wiper arm away from the windshield until it locks in the extended position.
- Pivot the blade perpendicular to the arm and locate the release tab or button on the wiper blade, which can vary depending on the design.
- Press the release tab or button and slide the wiper blade downward, away from the wiper arm. Pivoting the blade parallel to the arm might make it easier to slide down. Sometimes, you may need a small flat-head screwdriver to help release the blade.
- Carefully remove it from the assembly once the blade is free from the wiper arm hook.
Work on replacing wiper blades one at a time. That way, if you get confused, you can refer to an installed blade.
Install New Wiper Blades
Here’s how to replace wiper blades that have worn out:
- Look at the new wiper blade and align it with the wiper arm. Ensure the wiper blade’s adapter or hook matches the wiper arm’s connection point.
- Slide the new wiper blade upward onto the wiper arm until you hear or feel it click into place. Make sure it is securely attached.
- Gently lower the wiper arm back onto the windshield, taking care not to let it snap back against the glass.
- Repeat the wiper blade removal and installation procedure on the other side.
Test the New Wiper Blades
After installing new wiper blades, it’s necessary to test them to ensure they are working correctly:
- Turn on your vehicle’s ignition and activate the wiper control.
- Spray windshield washer fluid and observe the new wiper blades moving across the windshield. Check for smooth, streak-free operation.
- Test at different speeds to ensure the new blades stay attached and perform effectively under various conditions.
- Listen for unusual noises or vibrations, indicating incorrect installation or defective blades.
When to Change Wiper Blades
Wiper blades should be changed at least annually as part of the annual maintenance schedule. However, worn-out blades lead to poor visibility, so inspect them regularly for damage to avoid the safety hazard of having blades that don’t clear the windshield. You can see and hear clues that tell you when new blades are needed.
- Squeaking — Noisy operation when moving across glass.
- Skipping or chattering — The blades don’t move smoothly.
- Uneven — Blades miss some areas of the windshield.
- Damage — Cracks, tears, or missing pieces of the rubber blade.
- Reduced visibility — Old blades don’t effectively remove water and grime from the windshield.
If the vehicle has a rear window wiper, replace it at the same time as the wiper blades on both sides of the front windshield.
Bottom Line on Changing Wiper Blades
Much like jump-starting a car and changing a flat tire, knowing how to change windshield wiper blades is an essential skill for every driver. Regularly replacing your wiper blades is a quick and straightforward maintenance task that ensures clear visibility and safe driving in all weather conditions. By selecting the correct blade size and type for your vehicle, following the proper removal and installation steps, and testing the new blades for smooth operation, you can keep your windshield free of streaks and obstructions. Inspect your wiper blades regularly for signs of wear — such as streaking, squeaking, skipping, or visible damage — and replace them at least once a year, or sooner if needed, to maintain optimal performance and safety on the road.
Editor’s Note: This article has been updated since its initial publication.
