Streaky, juddering wipers are one of those small annoyances that get worse right when you need them least, in driving rain or low winter sun. The good news is that replacing wiper blades is one of the simplest jobs you can do yourself, usually without tools, and it takes less time than a fuel stop.
Working out what you need
Wiper arms and blade fittings vary between manufacturers and even between model years, so don't assume the same size fits front and back, or that both front blades match. Check your handbook for the correct sizes and fitting type, or measure your existing blades end to end. Most vehicle parts retailers can also look up the right fit if you give them your registration.
While you're there, it's worth buying a matching pair even if only one side has started to smear, since the other is rarely far behind.
Removing the old blade
- Pull the wiper arm away from the windscreen until it locks in the raised position.
- Find the small tab or clip where the blade meets the arm.
- Press the tab and slide the blade down and away from the arm's hook.
Go slowly here, wiper arms are spring-loaded and can snap back against the glass if you let go, which can chip or crack a windscreen.
Fitting the new blade
Slide the new blade's connector onto the arm's hook until it clicks into place, then gently lower the arm back onto the windscreen by hand rather than letting it drop. Give the wipers a quick test with the washer fluid running to check they sit flush against the glass and clear water evenly across their full sweep.
If a blade still judders or leaves a line after fitting, check that it's the correct size and orientation for that side, and that the rubber edge isn't twisted.
Fresh blades are cheap and quick to fit, so there's little reason to put up with poor visibility once you notice smearing, splitting rubber, or a squeak on each pass. Replacing them as a pair, roughly once a year or whenever they start to underperform, is one of the easiest ways to keep every drive that bit safer.
