8 Simple Steps to Change your Windscreen Wipers

Replacing your wiper blades is an essential task when you own any vehicle, although if you’ve never done it before, it can be tempting to pay someone to do it for you. But if you follow our simple step by step guide below, you’ll soon find out that it’s a quick and easy job, and not at all worth the money some companies charge!

You should look at replacing your windscreen wipers at least every 2 years, but if you notice they aren’t cleaning as well as they used to, or it’s been a particularly harsh winter, you should consider replacing them sooner. De-icer sprays, a build-up of dirt or excessive heat can contribute towards a more rapid deterioration of the blades, so be sure to check them regularly for signs of wear – the last thing you want is to realise they need replacing urgently, in the middle of a torrential downpour!

You should always replace windscreen wipers in mild weather and be sure to replace both blades at the same time, as well as the rear wiper if you have one.

It should only take about half an hour, and you’ll only need the new blades, and maybe a small screwdriver. If you aren’t sure what windscreen wipers you need, take your manual along to the shop and compare it to the chart to ensure you get the right shape and size. The blades should be supplied with both the support structure and the rubber wiper.

Step 1

First things first, check that your wipers come packaged with the small plastic attachment you’ll need to fix the new blades onto the wiper arm on your car. If not you’ll need to find the right ones in the shop and match them to the blades. If you’re still not sure – just ask a shop assistant to point you in the right direction.

Step 2

Park up somewhere safe, level and away from busy traffic – a car park or driveway is best as you won’t have to navigate oncoming traffic.

Step 3

Pull the windscreen wiper arm up and away from the windscreen – the arm itself doesn’t come off, just the blade section, so don’t pull too hard! The wiper arm should be sticking straight out, with the blade on the end.

Step 4

To remove the old wiper blades, look for the attachment near to the centre of the blade attachment. It could be a small hook that means you simply need to lift the blade off. The other option is a small securing tab or a set of small securing tabs either side of a small metal bump. These just need to be pressed together to release the blade, and you should then be able to easily slide them straight off.

Step 5

If the old attachment (hook or tab) is still intact, you should be able to remove it from the old blade and re-attach it to the new one. If not, use the new one supplied with the blades.  It’s easy to fit and should just click into place.

Step 6

On some vehicles the right and left blades may be different sizes or shapes so be sure to get them in the right places, and the right way around (they should be facing the same direction as the old ones) or you could end up breaking them!

Step 7

The new blades will be easy to fit – you simply slide them into position and they should just click into place.Then you can just lower the wiper arm back on to the windscreen, taking care not to slam it down too hard.

Step 8

Make sure you test your new wiper blades by turning them on. If they slip or don’t move correctly, check the attachments are properly fitted and try again.

The Windscreen Company are specialists when it comes to damaged windscreens, supplying both replacement glass and quick repairs at affordable prices.