How To Install Wiper Blades Guide

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.

1. Release 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.

2. Take 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.

3. Line 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.

4. Pull 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.

5. Check 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.

6. Turn 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.