This article was co-authored by Hovig Manouchekian. Hovig Manouchekian is an Auto Repair and Design Specialist and the Manager of Funk Brothers Auto, a family-owned business operated since 1925. With over 30 years of experience in the automotive industry, Hovig specializes in the process of auto repair and maintenance. He is also very knowledgeable in common automotive issues and needs including engine repair, battery replacement, and windshield accessory and maintenance. Hovig's knowledge and hard work have contributed to Funk Brothers Auto winning Angie's List Super Service Award for five consecutive years.
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Changing the wiper blades is an important—and fortunately pretty simple—part of regular car maintenance. Wiper blades should be changed at least once a year, and you’ll know they need replacing when the rubber begins to wear or crack. You may also notice that the blades will start to smear water, leave a film on the windshield, or wipe water unevenly. It’s typically a good idea to replace both wipers at once, based on the assumption that if one is worn out, the other is likely going to be due for replacement soon, too.[1] You can change your wipers yourself in just a few steps. To learn how, follow the guide below.
Steps
Replacement Prep
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1Decide which part of the wiper you need to replace. The wiper assembly consists of two parts: the arm and a wiper blade that attaches to the metal arm. The rubber insert that rests against the glass of the windshield is for the most part is not available separately.
- If the wiper blade isn’t resting against the glass with enough tension or has become bent, you’ll need to replace the entire blade.
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2Buy the proper blades for your car model at an automotive-supply store. Ask a salesperson to help you select the right wipers, or, alternatively, measure each of the old wipers first and bring the measurements with you into the store.
- Remember that the left and right wiper blades may be different lengths.
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3Pull the entire wiper assembly arm away from the windshield and into a standing position. Move the wiper into a position perpendicular to the metal arm. Repeat with the other wiper arm.
- Some wipers will only come two to three inches away from the windshield; if that’s the case, don’t try to force the wipers up any further.
- On some cars it may be easier to turn on the wipers and when they start to move turn off the ignition. This will allow you to move the arm up to have better access to remove the wiper blade.
Wiper Blade Replacement
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1Release the wiper blade. Locate the small tab on the underside of wiper blade (near where the rubber insert meets the metal arm), then push it in (or in some cases, pull on it) to release. Pull down on the blade and it should then slide off the hook of the metal arm.
- You may need to tap or tug on the blade a bit to remove it if there’s built up debris or corrosion.
- Sometimes it helps to push the wiper up into the holder, press the tab, and then remove.
- The bare metal arms are now exposed, and, if left in the standing position, they can snap back and damage your windshield. So, to be safe, gently place the metal arms back against the windshield until you’re ready to put on the new ones.
- To be extra safe, place a rag or cloth underneath the metal arm while it rests on the windshield.
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2Take out the new wiper. If the left and right wipers are different sizes, be sure to match the new wiper to the correct side. Push the movable hinge on the new blade until the hinge is perpendicular to the rest of the blade.
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3Line the new blade up with the metal arm so that the metal hook will go through the hole in the blade. Push the metal hook through the hole in the blade.
- The metal hook should push up against the rubber insert.
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4Pull up on the blade until you hear as well as feel it click it into place. Gently push the blade back down to a resting position against the windshield.
- Repeat with the other wiper blade.
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5Check the wiper arm angle. If the wiper arm angle is off it can cause chattering. The rule of thumb is that the blade is 90 degrees to the glass mid-swipe The reason for mid-swipe is it will change angle from the top of the windshield to the bottom of the windshield due to the curvature of the glass.
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6Turn on the ignition and wet the windshield with wiper fluid to test the new wipers for proper installation.
- If the new wipers are streaky, first try cleaning the rubber insert with alcohol wipes or a cloth soaked in mineral spirits. If the wipers are still streaky, check that the blades are properly installed. Verify that you’ve installed each blade on the correct side and check that the wiper is properly oriented. If all else fails, stop by your local auto-parts store for help.
Rubber Insert Replacement
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1Begin by locating the pads at end of the blade; the pads should have small tabs sticking out.
- Push in the tabs and pull up on the blade to slip it off the assembly. If you find pushing the tabs in to be difficult, you can use a pair of needle-nose pliers to help you.
- On some models, the wiper arm must be removed so that the rubber insert can be replaced correctly.
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2Slide the rubber insert off of the wiper arm. Once the tabs are past the blade clamp (near the center of the blade), release the tabs and pull the rubber insert completely free of the arm.
- The blade is now exposed, and, if left in the standing position, it can snap back and damage your windshield. To be safe, gently place the bare blades back against the windshield until you’re ready to put on the new rubber inserts. To be extra safe, place a rag or cloth underneath the blade while it rests against the windshield.
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3Take out the new rubber insert. If the left and right wipers are different sizes, be sure to match the new insert to the correct blade. Slide the new rubber insert onto the blade, starting at the same end you just pulled the old one away from.
- When the insert is in place, be sure the clamps on the blade are securely holding it in place. Verify that the far pad is secured in place by the last clamp.
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4Gently push the blade back down to a resting position against the windshield and then repeat with the other rubber insert.
- If the new wipers are streaky, first try cleaning the rubber insert with alcohol wipes or a cloth soaked in mineral spirits. If the wipers are still streaky, check that the blades are properly installed: verify that you’ve installed each blade on the correct side and check that the wiper is properly oriented. If all else fails, stop by your local auto-parts store for help.
Expert Q&A
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QuestionAre wiper blades the same on every car?
Hovig ManouchekianHovig Manouchekian is an Auto Repair and Design Specialist and the Manager of Funk Brothers Auto, a family-owned business operated since 1925. With over 30 years of experience in the automotive industry, Hovig specializes in the process of auto repair and maintenance. He is also very knowledgeable in common automotive issues and needs including engine repair, battery replacement, and windshield accessory and maintenance. Hovig's knowledge and hard work have contributed to Funk Brothers Auto winning Angie's List Super Service Award for five consecutive years.
Auto Repair & Design SpecialistNo, wiper blades vary quite a bit between vehicles in terms of design. Some of the newer wiper blades are a lot more elaborate. It's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to replace them on your vehicle.
Things You’ll Need
- Replacement wiper blades or rubber inserts
- Needle-nose pliers (optional)
- Two pieces of rag or cloth (optional)
References
About This Article
To install a wiper blade, start by pulling the old wiper away from the windshield and pressing the small tab underneath the blade where the rubber insert meets the metal arm. Then, pull down on the blade to slide it off the hook of the metal arm. Next, position the hinge on the new blade so it’s perpendicular to the rest of the blade, then line the metal arm with the new blade. Finally, push the hook on the arm through the hole in the new blade until it clicks into place. For more tips from our Automotive co-author, including how to replace the rubber inserts on your wiper blades, read on!
