How to Change Windshield Wipers, by ChrisFix on YouTube. 1 min 41 s.
- Video length
- 1 min 41 s
- Time to do it
- 10 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Find the blade sizes for your car in the owner's manual or measure the old blades. Many cars use two different lengths, so buy one of each.
Park on level ground and turn the ignition off. Pull the wiper arm up off the glass until it stands on its own.
Lay a folded towel on the windshield under the arm. If the arm slips, it snaps back hard and can crack the glass.
Look at the joint where the blade meets the arm. On most cars you will see a U-shaped hook and a small plastic tab on the connector.
Press the tab in and slide the blade down the hook toward the base of the arm until it comes free. Some fittings use a pinch clip instead, so squeeze both sides.
Hold the new blade next to the old one to confirm the length matches and the hook fitting is the same. Note which side faces the glass.
Slide the new blade onto the hook until it clicks into place. Give it a gentle tug to check it is locked on.
Lower the arm slowly back onto the glass by hand. Do not let it drop. Repeat the same steps on the other side.
Spray washer fluid and run the wipers. Check the glass clears evenly with no streaks, skipping or chattering.
Tips and common mistakes
Replace both blades at the same time, even if only one looks worn, so they clear the glass evenly.
Never let the bare metal arm fall onto the windshield, since the spring is strong enough to crack it.
Don't run new blades over dry glass. Always wet the windshield with washer fluid first.
If new blades chatter, clean the glass and check the arm is not bent.
Questions
How often should I change wiper blades?
About every 6 to 12 months, or sooner if you see streaks, skipping or split rubber. Hot sun and heavy use wear them faster.
What if my car doesn't have a U-shaped hook arm?
Some cars use a pin, bayonet or side-lock fitting. Check the connector type on your old blade or in the manual and buy blades that match it.
Can I replace just the rubber strip?
You can on some blades, but a full blade swap is quicker and the plastic frame often wears out too.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
