How to Change the Wiper Blades on Your Car

Learn how to install new wipers and get rid of a streaky windshield with our all-in-one guide

Are you having trouble seeing out your windshield any time it’s raining even when you run your wipers? Wipers that don’t work effectively leave streaks and reduce your visibility, so it’s really important to change them so you can drive safely. While hook-mount blades are the most common wiper type, different vehicles may have varying styles and we’re here to walk you through changing each one. By the time you’re finished reading, you’ll learn how to remove and install the most common kinds of wiper blades and know when they need to be replaced.

[Edit]Things You Should Know

• Measure your wiper blades to find the right sizes. You can also check your vehicle’s manual or check a catalog at an auto parts store for the correct size and style.
• Lift the wiper arm and blade off of the windshield.
• Press the locking button or undo the latch if your wiper blade has one. Pull the wiper blade straight down toward the glass to remove it from the arm.
• Slide the new wiper’s adapter into the arm’s hook and push it in until it clicks into place. You may need to close a latch to fully secure your wiper.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Hook-Mount Blades

1. Check your owner’s manual for the right blade sizes. Hook-mount blades have a J-shaped hook on the end of the wiper blade, and they’re the most common type. Page through your manual for information on your wiper blades and jot down the sizes. Note that the driver- and passenger-side wipers are different lengths so you don’t accidentally get the wrong size. Choose wiper blades that match the sizes exactly to ensure they fit.^[1]
   
   • Alternatively, use a tape measure to find the length of each wiper from one end of the blade to the other.
   • Don’t have your owner’s manual or a tape measure? No worries! Most automotive stores have a catalog or electronic system listing which wiper blades are compatible with your vehicle’s make and model.
2. Lift the wiper blade off of your windshield. Simply hold onto the wiper arm just below the blade and slowly pull it up and away from the glass. Keep lifting the arm until it’s perpendicular to your windshield and snaps into position so it doesn’t fall down.^[2]
   
   • Lay a towel on your windshield where the blade normally sits. That way, if you bump the wiper arm and it falls back down, it won’t damage or crack the glass.
3. Press down on the wiper tab if there is one. Search for a small tab or clip on the wiper blade where it attaches to the arm. If you see one, use your finger or a flathead screwdriver to press the tab down so the wiper can freely move around.^[3]
   
   • Some wiper blades don’t have clips and simply snap right into the hook on the arm.
4. Pull the blade straight down toward the windshield to remove it. Position the blade so it’s parallel to the wiper arm. Hold onto the blade with one hand and support the arm with your other. Then, just pull the blade down so it slides out from the hook. Once you remove the old blade, you can throw it away in the trash.^[4]
   
   • Old wiper blades might feel a little stuck when you try to pull them by hand. Lightly tap on the top end of the blade with a hammer to loosen it up.
5. Slide your new wiper blade onto the hook until it clicks in place. Find the metal adaptor clip on the back of the blade in the middle. Rotate the adapter so it’s about parallel to the blade. Hook the end of the wiper arm around the adapter and push the blade up and away from the windshield. Once you hear the wiper snap into place, gently lower the blade back against your windshield.^[5]
   
   • After you finish installing your first wiper, change the other blade as well. Chances are if one of your wiper blades needed replacing, then your other one will probably start going bad soon too.^[6] If you have a rear wiper blade, don’t forget to change it too.

[Edit]Clip-On Blades

1. Measure your wiper blades to find the right size. Use a tape measure to find the length from one end of the rubber wiper blade to the other. Be sure to measure both the driver- and passenger-side wipers since they’re usually slightly different lengths.^[7]
   
   • When in doubt, check your vehicle’s manual or check wiper size compatibility at an automotive store.
   • Your owner’s manual will list the type of wiper you need, but you can tell if your blades are clip-on if they have a button or clip on the top side of the arm.
2. Raise your wiper blades up from your windshield. Hold onto the wiper arm where it connects to the blade. Gently pull the arm up and away from your windshield until it’s perpendicular to the glass.^[8]
   
   • Wiper arms are spring-loaded and could snap down against your windshield if you bump it. Place a towel on the glass just in case so it stays protected from damage.
3. Press the locking button down to pull off your blade. Look for the locking button on the top or side of the wiper arm just above where it attaches to the actual. Use your finger or a flathead screwdriver to press the button down and release the wiper blade. Then, just simply pull the wiper blade straight up and out from the arm.^[9]
   
4. Push the new wiper into the arm until it snaps in place. Make sure your new wipers are the exact same size as your old blades so they fit. Position the wiper so the blade faces the glass and slide it into the end of the wiper arm. Once you hear the wiper blade click in, slowly lower the blade back down against the glass.^[10]
   
   • Replace both of your wiper blades at the same time so they don’t wear out unevenly.^[11]

[Edit]Pin-Mount Blades

1. Find the size of your old wiper blades with a tape measure. Measure the length of the rubber blade from one end to the other and write it down. Be sure to find the length for each individual wiper blade since they may vary a little in size.^[12]
   
   • The correct sizes for your wiper blades are also listed in the owner’s manual. You may also check auto parts stores to see if they have a catalog of which wiper blades are compatible with the make and model of your vehicle.
   • You can tell if wipers are pin-mounts since they’ll attach to the sides of the blades rather than through the top.
2. Lift your wiper arm off of the windshield. Grab onto the wiper arm just above where it attaches to the blade. Slowly pull the wiper arm up so the blade lifts off of the glass and is perpendicular to your windshield.^[13]
   
   • Lay a towel down on your windshield below your wiper blades. That way, if they fall down, they won’t crack or damage the glass.
3. Open the latch on the wiper blade to pull it off of the pin. Look for a small plastic or metal latch clip on the wiper blade right where it connects to the end of the arm. Pull the latch up to unlock it from the wiper arm. Then, just slide the wiper blade toward your windshield to remove it from the pin.^[14]
   
   • If your pin-mount blade doesn’t have a latch, rotate your wiper around the pin until the rubber points away from your windshield. Then, your wiper blade will simply slide off the pin.^[15]
4. Push the new wiper blade onto the pin and snap the latch closed. Open the latch on your new wiper blade. Hold your new wiper so the rubber blade faces your windshield. Then, just slide the pin through the hole that has the same size on the side of the blade’s latch. To finish up, press the latch down until it clicks and lower the wiper arm and blade back against your windshield.^[16]
   
   • Change the wiper blade on the passenger side at the same time.^[17]

[Edit]When to Replace Wipers

1. Watch for streaking or screeching when you run your wipers. The next time it rains, pay attention to how well you can see out of your windshield. If you notice streaks going across your windshield or the rubber blade making a loud sound as it moves across the glass, then it’s time to install new wipers.^[18]
   
   • You may be able to stop your blades from squeaking by cleaning them with a little vinegar or rubbing alcohol.
2. Inspect the wipers for cracks or chips. The next time you get out of your vehicle, lift your wipers up off of your windshield and look at the rubber part of the blade. Check for any areas that look damaged or that have come loose from the rest of the blade. If you notice any damage, try to replace the blade as soon as possible.^[19]
   
   • Using your windshield wipers when they’re damaged could leave permanent scratches in the glass.
3. Install new wipers every 6 months. After about 6 months, your wipers start to deteriorate in quality more quickly than they normally would. Keep track of the last time you switched out your wipers so you can easily remember when you need to change them out the next time.^[20]
   
   • You may be safe leaving wipers for up to 1 year as long as they don’t show signs of damage.

[Edit]Video

[Edit]Tips

• Some auto parts stores offer free wiper installation once you purchase them. Ask an employee to see if they can install the new blade for you.

[Edit]Warnings

• Be careful not to let the wiper arm fall back down onto the windshield after you remove the blade since it could damage or crack your windshield.^[21]

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

1. ↑ https://youtu.be/MFF86b3x8k8?t=33
2. ↑ https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/wiper-blades/buying-guide/
3. ↑ https://youtu.be/goCDBwd8y3c?t=130
4. ↑ https://youtu.be/Cn48F7DsXpI?t=40
5. ↑ https://youtu.be/42gS2xZ5baM?t=98
6. ↑ https://youtu.be/Cn48F7DsXpI?t=59
7. ↑ https://youtu.be/6QRwwaWzNUw?t=8
8. ↑ https://www.fordservicecontent.com/Ford_Content/Catalog/owner_information/2021-Ford-Bronco-Sport-Owners-Manual-version-1_om_EN-US_08_2020.pdf
9. ↑ https://youtu.be/Cn48F7DsXpI?t=67
10. ↑ https://www.fordservicecontent.com/Ford_Content/Catalog/owner_information/2021-Ford-Bronco-Sport-Owners-Manual-version-1_om_EN-US_08_2020.pdf
11. ↑ https://youtu.be/Cn48F7DsXpI?t=75
12. ↑ https://youtu.be/MFF86b3x8k8?t=36
13. ↑ https://youtu.be/ziC8Fw_JFmI?t=25
14. ↑ https://youtu.be/5onsGmYIz7Q?t=16
15. ↑ https://youtu.be/ziC8Fw_JFmI?t=27
16. ↑ https://youtu.be/OXmuV1iykt4?t=65
17. ↑ https://www.motor.com/wp-content/uploads/WiperWasher-System-022001_21.pdf
18. ↑ https://www.themechanicdoctor.com/11-essential-car-maintenance-tips-to-avoid-extensive-damage/
19. ↑ https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/wiper-blades/buying-guide/
20. ↑ ​​https://www.carcare.org/2020/10/motorist-checklist-for-fall-car-care-month-in-october/
21. ↑ https://www.fordservicecontent.com/Ford_Content/Catalog/owner_information/2021-Ford-Bronco-Sport-Owners-Manual-version-1_om_EN-US_08_2020.pdf