How to Replace Wiper Blades

Types of Wiper Blade

• Conventional wipers (£8–15), Metal frame with a rubber blade. Most common on older cars.
• Flat/beam wipers (£12–25), No external frame; the blade is pre-tensioned to follow the curve of the windscreen. Better performance in snow and ice.
• Hybrid wipers (£15–30), A frame inside an aerodynamic cover. Good all-round performance.

Check your car's manual or an online fitment guide (most car parts websites have a registration lookup) to find the correct size for your car. Front wipers are usually different sizes, and the rear wiper is separate.

Step-by-Step: Replacing Wiper Blades

1. Lift the wiper arm away from the windscreen. It should stay up on its own. Place a folded towel or cloth on the windscreen in case the arm springs back and cracks the glass.
2. Locate the release tab or clip. Where the blade meets the arm, there's a joint with a release mechanism. On most cars, this is a small tab you press or push to the side. Some older cars use a pin-slide system.
3. Remove the old blade by pressing the release and pivoting or sliding the blade off the hook.
4. Attach the new blade by reversing the process, align the hook, push the blade onto the arm, and listen for a click to confirm it's locked.
5. Gently lower the wiper arm back onto the windscreen.
6. Repeat for the other wiper.

After Fitting

• Clean the windscreen with a glass cleaner before using the wipers, to remove any contaminants that would streak under the new blades
• Test at low speed with the washer jets to check the blades wipe cleanly

Caring for Your Wipers

• Clean wiper blades monthly by running a damp cloth along the rubber edge to remove road grime
• Never use wipers to clear ice from a frozen windscreen, use de-icer and a scraper first
• Replace wipers when they start to streak, chatter, or leave missed patches, typically every 6–12 months