Wipers
Change Wiper Blades
Lift the wiper arm, unhook the old blade, click a new one of the right length into place, and keep the glass safe while you do it.
- EasyMost owners can do this with basic tools.
- 5 to 15 minutes
- Updated
General guide; check your car's handbook.
Safety first
- Switch the wipers and the ignition off before you start, so they cannot move.
- Never let a wiper arm without its blade spring back onto the windscreen. It can crack the glass.
- Keep the bonnet closed if the arms must stand up over it, or check that they clear the bonnet.
Steps
- Know when to change them. Streaks, smears, juddering, noise or a split rubber edge mean new blades. Sun and heat wear them out even when it rarely rains.
- Get the right blades. Blades differ by car and by side, so choose them for your car and model years ("Parts for your car" below). Driver and passenger blades are often different lengths. Do not forget the rear wiper.
- Protect the glass. Lay the towel or cardboard on the windscreen under the wiper arm.
- Lift the arm. Pull the wiper arm away from the glass until it stays up. On some cars the wipers must first be moved to a service position: the handbook says how.
- Take off the old blade. Hold the arm firmly. Press the tab or button where the blade meets the arm and slide or tilt the blade off. Note how it was fitted, or take a photo.
- Fit the new blade. Fit any adapter that came with it so it matches your arm, then slide or press the blade onto the arm until it clicks.
- Lower the arm gently onto the glass with your hand. Do the other blades the same way.
- Test them. Spray the washers and run the wipers. They should wipe cleanly and quietly. Top up the screenwash while the bonnet is open.
When to go to a workshop
Go to a workshop if a new blade still smears or jumps, if an arm does not press the blade flat on the glass, if the wipers stop in the wrong place, move slowly or do not move, or if the washers do not spray. Those point to a worn arm, motor or linkage, or a blocked washer.
Parts for your car
Choose your car and we open its Wiper Blades page.