How to replace wiper blades
To replace wiper blades, find the right length for each side, lift the wiper arm off the glass, press the small release tab where the blade meets the arm, and slide the old blade off. Then click the new blade onto the same hook until it locks, and lower the arm gently. Streaks, chatter or cracked rubber tell you it is time.
About 10 minutes to learnEveryday skill
Mark it once you can do it without this page open.
How to do it
- Look up the blade lengths for your car in the owner's manual or measure each old blade end to end; driver and passenger sides often differ.
- Lay a folded towel on the windshield under the arm in case it snaps back.
- Lift the wiper arm away from the glass until it stays up on its own.
- Find the release tab or button where the blade joins the arm, press it, and slide the blade down and off the hook.
- Match the new blade's adapter to your arm type, then slide it onto the hook until you hear it click.
- Tug the blade gently to make sure it is locked, then lower the arm slowly onto the glass.
- Run the washers and wipers once to check the blade clears the glass cleanly.
Common mistakes
- Letting the bare metal arm slap down onto the windshield, which can crack it.
- Buying one length for both sides without checking.
- Forgetting the rear wiper on hatchbacks and wagons.
- Running wipers on a dry, dusty windshield, which wears new blades quickly.
Quick self-check
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Teach this to someone
A one-page sheet for showing a friend, a roommate or a kid: what to say, what to show, and one question to check it landed.
Teach: How to replace wiper blades
What to say
To replace wiper blades, find the right length for each side, lift the wiper arm off the glass, press the small release tab where the blade meets the arm, and slide the old blade off. Then click the new blade onto the same hook until it locks, and lower the arm gently. Streaks, chatter or cracked rubber tell you it is time.
What to show, in order
- Look up the blade lengths for your car in the owner's manual or measure each old blade end to end; driver and passenger sides often differ.
- Lay a folded towel on the windshield under the arm in case it snaps back.
- Lift the wiper arm away from the glass until it stays up on its own.
- Find the release tab or button where the blade joins the arm, press it, and slide the blade down and off the hook.
- Match the new blade's adapter to your arm type, then slide it onto the hook until you hear it click.
- Tug the blade gently to make sure it is locked, then lower the arm slowly onto the glass.
- Run the washers and wipers once to check the blade clears the glass cleanly.
The check question
Ask: Why put a towel on the windshield first?
Related skills
- How to replace a headlight or tail light bulb
- What to keep in your car emergency kit
- How to check coolant, washer and brake fluid
- Every skill in Car and Road
Sources
- Your vehicle's owner's manual, for your model year. Checked September 28, 2026.
Last reviewed . First published .