{"id":9864,"date":"2025-10-15T16:03:05","date_gmt":"2025-10-15T15:03:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/?p=9864"},"modified":"2026-04-02T15:13:57","modified_gmt":"2026-04-02T14:13:57","slug":"how-to-change-windshield-wipers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/how-to-change-windshield-wipers\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Change Windshield Wipers \u2013 A Step-by-Step Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Worn-out windscreen wipers can seriously affect visibility. It makes a dreadful screeching noise and leaves scratches on the mirror. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wipers are one of those parts on a car that are often forgotten about until you really need them \u2013 like during a sudden rainstorm or when it\u2019s snowing and sleeting at the same time. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In this guide, we will simply explain when and how to change windshield wipers. Also, share tips on prolonging their lifespan to keep yourself safe and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/check-mot\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">MOT compliant<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> on the road.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Let\u2019s get started!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Key Takeaways: How to Change Windshield Wipers?<\/h2>\n<p>Worn windscreen wipers reduce visibility, can fail your MOT, and make noises, so check for streaks, smears, or brittle rubber, replace blades every 6\u201312 months, and maintain properly.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-start=\"304\" data-end=\"452\">\n<p data-start=\"307\" data-end=\"452\"><strong data-start=\"307\" data-end=\"343\">Replace wipers every 6\u201312 months<\/strong> \u2013 Streaks, smears, squeaks, or chatter are signs your blades are worn. UK weather can wear rubber quickly.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"453\" data-end=\"596\">\n<p data-start=\"456\" data-end=\"596\"><strong data-start=\"456\" data-end=\"483\">Check for signs of wear<\/strong> \u2013 Streaking, smearing, ineffective cleaning, unusual noises, or brittle rubber indicate replacement is needed.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"597\" data-end=\"747\">\n<p data-start=\"600\" data-end=\"747\"><strong data-start=\"600\" data-end=\"628\">Step-by-step replacement<\/strong> \u2013 Lift the wiper arm, remove old blades, fit new ones securely, lower arms carefully, and test for smooth operation.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"748\" data-end=\"888\">\n<p data-start=\"751\" data-end=\"888\"><strong data-start=\"751\" data-end=\"776\">Avoid common mistakes<\/strong> \u2013 Don\u2019t use the wrong blade size, let the arm snap back, skip cleaning the windscreen, or forget rear wipers.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"889\" data-end=\"1043\">\n<p data-start=\"892\" data-end=\"1043\"><strong data-start=\"892\" data-end=\"918\">Prolong blade lifespan<\/strong> \u2013 Keep the windscreen clean, avoid running wipers dry, lift arms in icy conditions, and remove grit or debris from blades.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1044\" data-end=\"1168\">\n<p data-start=\"1047\" data-end=\"1168\"><strong data-start=\"1047\" data-end=\"1065\">MOT compliance<\/strong> \u2013 Faulty wipers can fail your MOT. Always ensure blades clear the windscreen fully for safe driving.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1169\" data-end=\"1322\">\n<p data-start=\"1172\" data-end=\"1322\"><strong data-start=\"1172\" data-end=\"1199\">Easy rubber replacement<\/strong> \u2013 Wiper rubber can be swapped without replacing the entire blade; slide out the old rubber and fit the new one securely.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1323\" data-end=\"1451\">\n<p data-start=\"1326\" data-end=\"1451\"><strong data-start=\"1326\" data-end=\"1347\">Check wiper fluid<\/strong> \u2013 Use the correct windscreen washer fluid in the reservoir; UK winter may require an antifreeze formula.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1452\" data-end=\"1619\">\n<p data-start=\"1455\" data-end=\"1619\"><strong data-start=\"1455\" data-end=\"1489\">Scratch prevention and removal<\/strong> \u2013 Inspect blades for grit that may scratch the glass; minor scratches can be polished out, major ones need professional repair.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><div class=\"row saq-cta_div\">\n      <div class=\"col-xl-12\">\n        <div class=\"bg-yellow exchange-deal-content\" style=\"padding: 5rem 3rem;\">\n          <div class=\"title\">\n            <h3 class=\"big mb-4\">\n              Sell your old car quickly\n            <\/h3>\n            <p class=\"h6 mb-0 fw-normal\">\n              If your car has visible damage or persistent faults. like worn wipers or a cracked windscreen. It might be time to upgrade. Get a quick, fair offer and sell your old car through Exchange My Car.\n            <\/p>\n\t\t\t\n          <\/div>\n         \t <form class=\"row g-4 g-sm-5 gy-5 get-quote-form\" style=\"margin-top:20px;\" action=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/my-details\" method=\"post\" id=\"reg_form\" name=\"reg_form\">\n    <div class=\"col-6\">\n      <div class=\"position-relative\">\n        <div class=\"gb-icon-wrap small\">\n          <img src=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/ssaq\/assets\/images\/icons\/gb.svg\" alt=\"GB\">\n        <\/div>\n        <input type=\"text\" name=\"reg_num\" required=\"\" class=\"form-control gb-icon saq-reg_field_color saq-milage-field\" placeholder=\"ENTER REG \" title=\"Please enter registration number\" maxlength=\"7\" value=\"\">\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"col-6\">\n          <input type=\"number\" class=\"form-control js-milage_commo saq-milage-field  saq-mileage_field_color\" name=\"mileage\" placeholder=\"MILEAGE\">\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"col-12\">\n      <button type=\"submit\" name=\"homesearch\" class=\"btn btn-big  saq-button-field btn-blue w-100\">Sell My Car<\/button>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/form>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to Know When Wipers Need Changing?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As you know, a windscreen is essential for visibility and enables you to drive confidently in every kind of weather, especially during the UK\u2019s unpredictable weather. Before any major accident, you should be aware of when to replace windscreen wipers and prevent potential <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/check-mot-history\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">MOT<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> failure. Here is what you should know:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>a. Streaking or Smearing:<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you ever notice streaks or smears on your car&#8217;s windscreen, it likely means that the wipers are worn out. This usually happens when the rubber has lost its grip, got a bit grimy, or just gone brittle.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>b. Unusual Noises:<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you notice unusual noises like squeaks, chatter, or a juddery sort of sound, it means your blades aren\u2019t sliding smoothly. And it\u2019s probably the rubber stiffening up or a bit of grit caught in there.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>c. Ineffective cleaning:<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ineffective cleaning is also a sign of defective wipers. The wipers fail to clear the windscreen entirely, leaving patches of water or dirt. This could be caused by worn-out blades or an incorrect blade size.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>d. Ages of blade:<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even if they look alright, don\u2019t fool yourself. Six to twelve months is usually all you get before the rubber starts losing its edge.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img src=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/assets\/empty.png\" data-original=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Fexchangemycar.co.uk%2Fblog%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F09%2Fchange-windshield-wipers.jpg&w=777&h=485\" class=\"img-fluid img-inherit img-cover lazy\" alt=\"Car in Rain change windshield wipers\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to Change Windshield Wipers? Step-by-Step Guide<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Windscreen wiper replacement is a straightforward task that you can also do by yourself. Here is how you can change it:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1. Lift the wiper arms<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">First, carefully lift the wiper arms away from the windscreen until they stay upright. This gives you a clear view and easy access to the blades. Don\u2019t rush if the arm snaps back, it could scratch your glass.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2. Remove the old wiper blades<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Find the release mechanism on the blade. It might be a small tab or a hook, depending on your car. Press or slide the release mechanism, then gently slide the blade off. Take it slow, and keep your fingers clear, those arms can be springy.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3. Install the newer wiper blades<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now, take off any protective covers from the new blades. Make sure they\u2019re the right size and type for your vehicle. First, push the blade into the arm hook until it locks and you hear a click. Second, make sure the blade is aligned with the windshield and isn\u2019t twisted. And apply the same process for the other blade also.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4. Lower the wiper arms<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Slowly bring the arms back down so they rest evenly on the windscreen. Uneven pressure can cause streaks or, worse, scratches.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5. Test the new wipers<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now it\u2019s time to test the newly installed wipers. Before testing, make it clean the windshield and then give the wipers a quick run. Carefully check that they move smoothly and clear the screen without streaks or odd noises.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Common Mistakes to Avoid When Replacing Wiper Blades<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Windscreen wiper blade replacement is a straightforward process, but few common mistakes can damage your car. Here is what you need to know:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>a. Not checking the correct blade size<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Using the wrong size can damage the windscreen due to poor contact and streaking. Before replacing, always check your vehicle\u2019s manual or use an online tool to confirm the correct length. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>b. Letting the wiper arm snap back:<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Forgetting to clip the blade fully into place or attaching it upside-down can lead to ineffective wiping or the blade detaching while driving. Ensure you hear a click or feel the blade lock securely.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>c. Skipping a windscreen clean<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Putting new blades on a grubby screen can cause streaking and wear the rubber faster. Give the glass a wipe before fitting new blades.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>d. Forgetting rear wipers<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rear blades are often ignored but are important for safe reversing and all-round visibility. Check them too and replace if needed.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Simple Tips to Prolong the Lifespan of New Blades<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">New blades do a better job and last longer if you treat them right. A few simple habits can keep your windscreen clear, whatever the weather.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keep the windscreen clean from dirt, leaves and road salt because it can wear down the rubber quickly.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don\u2019t run the wipers on a dry windscreen; otherwise, it wears the blades due to friction. Always spray some washer fluid before running the wipers.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When it\u2019s icy or snowy, lift the arms before <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/scrap-my-car\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">scraping<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> the windscreen. It stops the rubber from tearing and keeps the arms from bending.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check that <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">pebbles, grit, or leaves stuck on the blade can scratch both the rubber and your windscreen. Have a quick look now and then and remove anything that\u2019s caught.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Where to put windscreen wiper fluid?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The washer fluid goes in the reservoir under the bonnet. Look for a blue or black cap with a windscreen symbol. Fill it to the marked level and don\u2019t pour over the level. Use a fluid suitable for the UK <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/get-your-car-winter-ready\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">winter<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, like antifreeze, to stop it freezing.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to replace windshield wiper blade rubber?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It&#8217;s simple to replace the windshield wiper blades&#8217; rubber. First, lift the wiper arm away from the screen, and then slide the old rubber out of the frame. Next, insert the new rubber, ensuring it fits securely. And lastly, lower the arm back gently and test the wiper.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to remove wiper scratches from windshield?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Light scratches can be polished out using glass polish or cerium oxide with a soft cloth. You should keep in mind to rub gently in a circular motion. However, for deeper scratches, you have to repair with a professional or need a complete replacement.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can faulty wipers fail an MOT?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes, a faulty wiper can fail your <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/when-does-a-new-car-need-an-mot\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">car&#8217;s MOT<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. It is a must that wipers should clear the windscreen properly. Inspectors check that the driver has good visibility and that the blades work efficiently.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How often should I replace wipers in the UK?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There is no fixed duration for the replacement of the wiper. However, it is necessary to replace your wiper blades every 6-12 months or sooner if you notice streaks, smears, squeaks, chatter, or cracks. UK weather, rain, snow and road debris could wear the rubber quickly, so regular checks are a good idea.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Final Thoughts: How to Change Windshield Wipers?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Perfect and clear wipers are important for safe driving, especially with the UK\u2019s unpredictable weather. You should regularly check for it and replace it when the rubber wears out. However, replacing them is a simple job that saves you from poor visibility and MOT failures. By choosing the right blades, fitting them correctly, and caring for them, you\u2019ll keep your windscreen clear all year round.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Worn-out windscreen wipers can seriously affect visibility. It makes a dreadful screeching noise and leaves scratches on the mirror. Wipers are one of those parts on a car that are often forgotten about until you really need them \u2013 like during a sudden rainstorm or when it\u2019s snowing and sleeting at the same time. In [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":9867,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_mi_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0},"categories":[1],"tags":[1644,1645,1643],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9864"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/13"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9864"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9864\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11489,"href":"https:\/\/exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9864\/revisions\/11489"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9867"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9864"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9864"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9864"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}