How to Replace Windscreen Wiper Blades
Smeary, juddering or streaking wipers are an MOT advisory waiting to happen and a real hazard in heavy rain. The good news: replacing windscreen wiper blades is one of the easiest jobs on the car, takes about five minutes, and needs no tools. The only tricky bits are getting the right size and matching the fitting type — this guide covers both.
How to find the right wiper size
Most cars use two different lengths front blades — the driver's side is usually longer than the passenger's. Getting both right matters, because a blade that's too long can foul the other arm or the A-pillar, and one that's too short leaves an unswept band right in your eyeline.
- Check your handbook — it lists both blade lengths.
- Measure the old blades with a tape, end to end of the rubber.
- Use a registration or VIN lookup to confirm the exact sizes for your variant.
Note that the two sides are often different lengths, so write both down before you order. Our wiper blades listings let you confirm the correct sizes and fitting for your car.
Know your fitting type
The other half of the job is the connector — the clip where the blade attaches to the wiper arm. Older cars almost all use a simple hook (J-hook) fitting; newer cars use a variety of push-button, bayonet, pin or side-lock connectors. Many replacement blades come with a set of adaptors to cover several fitting types, but it's worth identifying yours so you order the right thing.
- Hook / J-hook — the classic curved hook arm; still the most common on older vehicles.
- Push button — a tab on the connector you press to release.
- Bayonet / side pin — the arm ends in a pin or claw that clips into the blade.
- Pinch tab / side lock — squeeze tabs on the side of the connector.
If you're not sure, photograph the end of the wiper arm and the old connector before ordering.
What you'll need
- The correct new blades for each side
- The right adaptor (often supplied with the blade)
- A soft cloth to protect the windscreen
Step-by-step fitting
- Lift the wiper arm away from the screen until it locks upright. Lay a folded cloth on the glass in case the arm springs back — a bare arm can crack a windscreen.
- Release the old blade. For a hook fitting, rotate the blade across the arm, press the release tab and slide the blade down off the hook. For push-button and clip types, press the button or squeeze the tabs and pull the blade free.
- Fit the adaptor if needed so the new blade matches your arm.
- Attach the new blade until it clicks firmly home. Give it a gentle tug to make sure it's locked — a blade that flies off at motorway speed is dangerous.
- Lower the arm gently back onto the screen. Don't let it drop.
- Repeat for the other side, remembering the lengths differ.
- Test on a wet screen. Use the washers (never run wipers on dry glass) and check for smooth, clean, judder-free wipes.
Make them last
Wiper rubber perishes with UV, heat and grit. To get the most from new blades, clean the screen and the blade edge regularly, lift the arms clear before scraping ice rather than running wipers over a frozen screen, and avoid using them dry. As a rule of thumb, plan to replace blades roughly once a year, or sooner if they streak or judder.
Don't forget the rear
Hatchbacks and estates have a rear wiper too, which is often a different length and fitting again. Check and replace it on the same schedule — it's easy to forget until you need it.
Older or unusual fittings
If you've got a classic or an unusual import and can't identify the arm connector, photograph it and send us a request-a-part enquiry with the make, model and year. We'll help you match the correct blade and adaptor so you're not left guessing.
Frequently asked questions
- How do I know what size wiper blades my car needs?
- Check your handbook, measure the existing blades end to end, or use a registration/VIN lookup. The driver's and passenger's sides are usually different lengths, so note both.
- Are all wiper blade fittings the same?
- No. Older cars mostly use a hook (J-hook) fitting, while newer cars use push-button, bayonet, pin or side-lock connectors. Many blades include adaptors, but identify your type before ordering.
- How often should I replace my wiper blades?
- Roughly once a year, or sooner if they streak, smear or judder. UV, heat and grit perish the rubber over time, so don't wait for an MOT advisory.