Changing wiper blades is one of the quickest jobs you can do on a car. It needs no tools on most cars, it takes about five minutes, and it makes a real difference to how well you can see in the rain.
The only fiddly part is working out how the old blade comes off. Once you know which type of fitting your car has, the rest is easy.
When to change them
Most blades need replacing every 6 to 12 months, though it depends on how much you use them and where the car is parked. Sun and frost both break down the rubber. Change them if you notice any of these:
- Streaks or smears left across the glass
- Patches the blade misses completely
- Juddering or chattering as the blade moves
- Squeaking, even on a wet screen
- Rubber that's split, hard or peeling away from the frame
Autumn is a good time to check them. Wet leaves, low sun and the first frosts all show up a worn blade very quickly.
Before you start
Check you have the right blades. Most cars use a different length on the driver's and passenger's side, and many use a specific fitting. If you're not sure, our guide to choosing wiper blades explains what to look for.
Put a folded towel on the windscreen under the arm. Wiper arms are spring loaded, and if one snaps back onto the glass without a blade on it, it can chip or crack the screen. This is the one mistake that turns a five minute job into an expensive one.
On some cars, the wipers park below the edge of the bonnet and can't be lifted. These usually have a service position. Switch the ignition off, then move the wiper stalk within a few seconds, and the wipers stop partway up the screen. The exact method varies, so check your handbook if this doesn't work.
Removing the old blade
Lift the wiper arm away from the windscreen until it stays upright. Then look at where the blade joins the arm. You'll see one of a few common types.
Hook fitting
The end of the arm is bent into a U shape, and the blade sits inside it. This is the most common type.
Turn the blade so it's at a right angle to the arm. Press the small tab or clip on the blade's connector, then slide the blade down, towards the base of the arm, so the hook comes out of the connector. Lift the blade away.
Side pin
A small pin sticks out sideways from the end of the arm and goes into a hole in the blade. Press the release tab if there is one, then pull the blade sideways off the pin.
Push button and top lock
Many newer cars use a flat arm end that clips into an adapter on top of the blade. There's usually a button or lever on the connector. Press or lift it, then slide or lift the blade off the arm.
If the blade won't move, don't force it. Look for a clip you've missed. These connectors are plastic and can snap, and then you're fishing bits out of the scuttle panel.
Fitting the new blade
New blades often come with several adapters to suit different arms. Check whether the one already fitted to the blade matches your arm. If not, swap it for the right one from the packet.
Fit the new blade by doing the removal steps in reverse. For a hook fitting, slide the hook into the connector until you hear or feel it click. For other types, push the blade onto the arm until the clip locks.
Give the blade a gentle tug to check it's secure, then lower the arm carefully back onto the glass. Remove the towel before you test it.
Repeat on the other side. If your car has a rear wiper, it's worth changing that too. Some rear blades clip on like the fronts. Others are part of the arm and the whole arm is replaced.
Test them
Spray some washer fluid and run the wipers on a few speeds. The new blades should clear the glass in a single, quiet sweep. If one squeaks or skips, check it's fitted the right way round and that the arm isn't bent.
If you used the service position, switch the ignition on and run the wipers once so they return to their normal parked position.
Making them last
A few habits keep blades working well for longer.
Clean the windscreen regularly, inside and out. Grit on the glass wears the rubber quickly.
Wipe the rubber edge with a damp cloth now and then to remove dirt and road film.
Never use the wipers to clear ice. Scrape or defrost the screen first, and check the blades aren't frozen to the glass before switching them on. Tearing a frozen blade free damages the rubber and can strain the wiper motor.
Keep the washer bottle topped up with a proper screenwash. Running wipers on a dry, dirty screen is hard on the rubber.
You'll find a full range of wiper blades and washer parts on our site. Blades are sold by length and fitting, so match the part number from your old blades, or send us your VIN and we'll help you find the right set.