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August, 2019
How to Change Your Wiper Blades
Driving with a dirty windscreen can cause a whole host of safety hazards, especially if your visibility is impaired.
Often, this is the result of damaged wiper blades that need to be replaced.
Luckily, you can change your wiper blades in 5 minutes by following these simple instructions. You won’t even need any tools.
5 Simple Steps to Change Your Wiper Blades
Disclaimer: Every vehicle is different. This is a general guide.
1) Identify Which Part of the Blade You Need to Replace
Windscreen wipers comprise three parts: the lower wiper arm, the metal/plastic blade (which is attached to the arm) and the rubber blade (the part that actually makes contact with the windscreen).
When you change your wiper blades, you’ll (usually) only need to change the rubber blades, which get worn down by dirt and water.
2) Lift the Wiper Arm
Raise the wiper arm so that it is not touching the windscreen. Position the wiper carefully – if it is spring-loaded, it could snap backwards, landing forcibly on your windshield.
3) Remove the Old Wiper Blade
Use one hand to hold the wiper away from the windscreen. Find the joint where the rubber wiper connects to the metal/plastic arm. You will find a plastic stopper protecting this joint. Press the stopper to disconnect the rubber wiper from the metal arm.
4) Attach the New Wiper Blade
Position the new wiper at the same end of the arm where you removed the old wiper. You should hold the new wiper so that it is perpendicular to the arm.
Pivot the new wiper until the hook (or pins) snap into place, connecting it to the wiper arm. Lay the wiper flat against the windscreen.
Once complete, repeat steps 2-4 with the second wiper blade.
5) Test Your New Wiper Blades
Squirt some screen wash onto your windshield and test your new wiper blades.
Quick Wiper Blade Tips
- Some wiper blades are connected to their metal or plastic arms with hooks. Others are connected with pins. They’re easy to snap into place either way.
- It’s advisable to protect your windscreen with a folded towel while you change your wiper blades, just in case the blades snap back against the windshield.
- When replacing your windscreen wipers, remember that your blades are unlikely to be exactly the same length. One is usually a couple of inches longer than the other.
- Read our tips on keeping your wiper blades in good condition here.
Measuring Your Wiper Blades
Different vehicles need different windscreen wipers, and they come in different sizes. You can measure your wiper blades using a ruler or tape measure so that you know which size replacements to buy.
Alternatively, you can save the hassle of measuring your wiper blades simply by searching your number plate in our car lookup tool.
We will tell you which size wiper blades you need and show you wipers from a range of reputable manufacturers at the best prices.
All DIY car service parts are manufactured by trusted, high-quality brands. Here are just a few of the brands that we stock.
About DIY Car Service Parts
Whether you’re changing your own car parts or saving costs by providing them to your local garage, DIY Car Service Parts is the ultimate site for easily identifying the vehicle parts that you need.
DIY Car Service Parts isn’t just about accessing car parts from the best brands at the lowest prices. With over 35 years’ experience in the automotive industry, we are experts in the car parts field. Our specialist team is on hand to answer any of your queries and offer valuable advice so that you can understand more about the ways that your car works and get savvy under the bonnet.
