Replacing your car's wiper blades is a straightforward DIY task that takes about 10 minutes and requires no special tools. The core steps are: identifying the correct wiper size and attachment type for your vehicle, lifting the wiper arm away from the windshield, pressing a small tab to release the old blade, and snapping the new one into place. The most common mistake is letting the wiper arm snap back against the glass, which can crack the windshield.
First, you need to buy the correct replacement blades. You can find the size information in your vehicle's owner's manual or by checking the manufacturer's website. Many auto parts stores also have a lookup guide. Wiper sizes are measured in inches (e.g., 26" for the driver's side, 16" for the passenger side). There are a few main attachment types: J-hook (the most common), pin arm, and side lock. Modern blades often come with a universal adapter kit that fits multiple connection types.
| Common Car Model | Driver Side Wiper Size (inches) | Passenger Side Wiper Size (inches) |
|---|
| Honda Civic | 26 | 16 |
| Toyota Camry | 26 | 18 |
| Ford F-150 | 22 | 22 |
| Chevrolet Equinox | 26 | 20 |
| Tesla Model 3 | 26 | 20 |
To install, lift the wiper arm completely away from the windshield until it locks in a service position. Never let the metal arm fall back onto the glass. Locate the release tab on the connector where the blade meets the arm. Press this tab firmly and slide the old blade off, down the arm. Take the new blade, select the correct adapter from the kit if needed, and slide it onto the arm until you hear a definitive "click." Gently lower the arm back onto the windshield. Repeat for the other side. It’s a good idea to run the wipers with some washer fluid to ensure a clean, streak-free sweep.
