Picture this: The rain is pouring down, but each swipe of your wipers clears the way ahead.
Can’t picture that?
It might be time to consider a wiper blade replacement.
Good visibility is essential for safe driving. Here’s a quick guide on how to change windshield wipers and get the right-sized wiper blades for replacement.
This Article Contains:
- How to Change Windshield Wipers (Step-by-Step)
- What Are Some Mistakes to Avoid when Replacing Windshield Wipers?
- How to Change a Windshield Wiper Arm?
- When Should I Change My Windshield Wipers?
- How Do I Take Better Care of My Wipers?
How to Change Windshield Wipers (Step-by-Step)
There aren’t significant differences when changing wiper blades, but the detachment and attachment style of each kind of blade might differ slightly.
Before starting, you’ll need:
- New windshield wipers
- Cleaning cloth or towel
- Screwdriver
Here’s a rundown on how to change your wiper blades:
Step 1. Find the Right Wiper Blades (Size and Type)
You’ll need to know the length of the entire blade before you head to an auto parts store.
Remember to measure both wiper blades, as each might be a different length. Refer to your owner’s manual or use a tape measure to determine the old blade size. Your new windscreen wiper blades must match the measurements precisely.
Note: Measure the rear wiper size too, as it’ll also be a different length.
Don’t have your owner’s manual or a tape measure?
No worries! An auto parts store should have a catalog or electronic system listing the right size windshield wipers for your vehicle.
Once you’ve measured your blades, you’ll also need to determine which type of mounting they have. There are three kinds of conventional blades:
- Hook-mount blades are the most common. These blades have a J-shaped hook on the end.
- Clip-on wipers have a button or plastic clip on the top side of the blade arm.
- Pin-mount windscreen wiper blades attach to the sides of the wiper arm rather than the top.
Got the right wiper blades?
You’re just a few steps away from a clear windshield.
Step 2. Lift the Wiper Blade off the Windshield
First, lubricate the windshield with some windshield wiper fluid to prevent the rubber blade from scratching it. Then start your wipers and stop them once the blade reaches the highest point (pointing to the roof).
Holding the windshield wiper arm below the blade, slowly pull the entire blade up and away from your windshield.
Lift the wiper blade so it’s in an upright position, perpendicular to your windshield. Waiting for the snap is essential since wiper blades are spring-loaded and can snap back against your windshield.
Tip: To prevent damage, lay a towel or thick blanket on your windshield underneath the blades.
Step 3. Remove Wiper Blades
Depending on which type you have, you’ll need to detach the old wiper blade appropriately:
A. Hook-mount
Search for a small release tab or clip where the wiper blade attaches to the arm. Then, press the release tab to loosen the old wiper. Some windshield wiper blades without clips snap right into the J-hook on the arm.
The blade must be parallel to the windshield wiper arm. Use one hand to hold the blade and the other to support the arm. Then, pull the blade down so it slides out of the hook.
Tip: Old wiper blades might be tough to remove. Lightly tapping on the top of the old wiper blade with the back of your screwdriver should loosen it.
B. Clip-on
Locate the locking button on the top or side of the blade arm. Press the button with your finger or a flathead screwdriver to open the plastic clip and release the wiper blade. Then, pull the old blade straight up and out from the wiper arm.
C. Pin-mount
Locate and open the latch on the wiper blade and pull it off the pin. It should be right where the blade connects to the end of the wiper arm. Pull the latch up to release it from the wiper arm. Then, slide your old windshield wiper blade toward the windshield to remove it from the pin.
For pin-mount blades without a latch, rotate your wiper around the pin until the rubber faces away from your windshield. This ensures your blade slides off the pin.
Properly dispose of the old windshield wiper blade before moving on.
Step 4. Attach New Wiper Blades
Once they’re detached, replace the worn windshield wiper blades with the replacement blades. Here are some more details:
A. Hook-Mount
Locate the metal adaptor clip on the back of the blade. Position the adapter parallel to the blade. Then, hook the end of the wiper arm around the adapter and push the new blade up and away from the windshield.
Once you hear the distinct snap, carefully lower the new wiper against your curved windshield and do the same with your other wiper.
B. Clip-on
Position the wiper so the blade faces the glass, and slide your replacement wiper blades on the end of each wiper arm. Once the wiper blade clicks in, carefully lower it against the glass.
C. Pin-mount
Open the latch on your new wiper blade and position the new wiper so the rubber blade faces your windshield. Then, slide the pin through the same-sized hole on the side of the latch.
To finish, press the latch on the new blade down until it clicks, and carefully lower the new wiper blade back against your curved windshield.
Don’t forget to change your rear wiper blade!
Step 5. Test the Windshield Wipers
Squirt some windshield washer fluid to determine if your replacement blades provide clear visibility. For a more comprehensive test, simulate rain with a hose and perform the test at different wiper speeds and settings.
Unsure if you’ve performed the windshield wiper replacement correctly?
Take a look at the checklist of common errors below.
What Are Some Mistakes to Avoid when Replacing Windshield Wipers?
Here’s where vehicle owners go wrong when they install wiper blades:
- Neglecting to check for compatibility: Ensure you buy the correct size windshield wipers with the right attachment type for your car.
- Forgetting to remove plastic protectors: Discard any plastic covering the rubber wiper blades.
- Skipping cleaning: Before installing new wipers, clean the windshield thoroughly.
- Ignoring the condition of the wiper arm: Inspect the wiper arm for damage or wear. If the arm is bent or rusted, replacing just the blade may not solve the problem of poor wiper performance.
- Mishandling the wiper arm: To avoid cracking your windshield, ensure the metal arm doesn’t snap back after removing the old blade.
- Not securing the blade: Ensure you hear the click of the locking tab to indicate the new windshield wipers are secure.
- Not testing the new wipers: To avoid dangerous situations on the road, ensure your new wipers provide clear visibility before driving.
Changed your blades but notice your wipers skip over specific areas of your windshield?
Corrosion has likely jammed the hinge. In this case, you’ll need to change the entire blade assembly, not just the old windshield wiper blade.
How to Change a Windshield Wiper Arm?
First, buy wiper arms with the correct connector: clip-on, spring-loaded, or bolt-on. You can then begin the installation process:
Step 1: Remove the Wiper Arm
This is different depending on the connector:
- Clip-on: Pull the lever located at the base of the metal arm that attaches to your vehicle.
- Spring-loaded: Lift the metal wiper arm away from the windshield and slide a pin through the clip hole to release it.
- Bolt-on: Pop off the dust cap and unscrew the nut from the post (the shaft that connects the wiper arm to the wiper motor)
Step 2: Clean the Post
Use a wire drive to clean the post, removing all dust and debris. Then, apply some lubricant oil to the post.
Step 3: Attach the New Wiper Arm
Locate the hole at the end of the metal wiper arm and slide it onto the post. If you have trouble properly attaching it, lightly tap it with a rubber mallet or cover it with a cloth and use a hammer or screwdriver handle.
Step 4: Secure the Wiper Arm
This will vary depending on the connection:
- Clip-on: Push the lever back to its original position.
- Spring-loaded: Remove the pin to re-engage the clip.
- Bolt-on: Screw the nut back into place and attach the dust cover.
Remember to test your replacement wiper arms to ensure they’re secured. You can follow the same testing procedure as the new blades.
Curious about how often to change your wipers?
We’ll clear things up below.
When Should I Change My Windshield Wipers?
You should replace your wipers every six months — especially if your vehicle is parked outside often and you live in hot, arid, or dusty conditions.
That said, consider changing your wipers if you notice:
- Streaks and smears on your windscreen: If wipers leave streaks of water or smears after using them, even when you use windshield washer fluid, replace them.
- Wipers don’t reach as far: If your wipers aren’t reaching certain parts of the windshield anymore, it could be because of a bent frame or old rubber strip.
- Physical damage: Your wipers are fragile and can break easily. If they display signs of damage, like cracks or uneven edges, it’s time to replace them.
- Noises: If you hear chattering or high-pitched squeaks as your wipers move across the windshield, that’s a sign that you have worn wiper blades.
Tip: Conventional blades last longer if you clean your windshield every time you fill your gas tank. Additionally, you should wipe the rubber strip with a moist cloth to remove any debris.
Want to learn some more tips to make your wipers last longer?
Take a look at the best practice below.
How Do I Take Better Care of My Wipers?
Here are a few tips to ensure proper maintenance of your windscreen wipers:
- In snowing or freezing weather: Use a windshield cover and pull the wipers away from your windshield overnight. This ensures less defrosting time in the morning. Additionally, use an ice scraper to remove winter road salt from your wiper arms and blades to decrease natural corrosion.
- Keep them clean: Windscreen wipers handle a lot of debris, so if they go uncleaned, the gunk can affect how well they can clean.
- Clear your windscreen: Clear any leaves, bugs, or branches before engaging your car’s windshield wipers.
- Fill up your windshield wiper fluid: Ensure your wiper fluid is full, and always have glass cleaner in the car. If you have faulty wiper blades, use glass cleaner to remove any dirt.
- Be wary of rough drive-through car washes: Going to a car wash can damage your windshield wiper blade, especially if the equipment is too harsh.
Wipe Away Your Car Troubles with AutoNation Mobile Service
Caring for your windshield wipers should be part of routine car maintenance, as they ensure good visibility and safe driving.
If you haven’t got the time or don’t feel confident enough to install the new blades yourself, you can always call car maintenance and auto repair experts, like AutoNation Mobile Service, for assistance.
Our technicians are available seven days a week, and all repairs come with a 12-month | 12,000 mile warranty.
Contact us for a windshield wiper replacement or any other auto repair, and our expert mechanics will come straight to you.