How to replace your windscreen wipers (with video)

Replace your wiper blades as soon as they aren't cleaning as well as they used to – at least every year or two – dirty smears left by old blades causes impaired visibility which is particularly bad in low sun or night driving conditions.

It can be a bit frustrating doing this the first time, but you'll soon get the knack for next time.  We recommend you take the time to check and change your blades in clement weather and when you're in a good, patient and relaxed mood – it also helps to have a cup of tea handy!

You should thoroughly wash your windscreen once you are ready to attach your new blades.  You should replace both blades at the same time – it's also worth replacing the rear windscreen wiper if you have one.

Difficulty rating: 2

Time required:  20-30 mins

Tools required:

• replacement rubber wiper blades with support structure
• plastic adapter attachment
• small flat head screwdriver

Step 1:

When you are buying your replacement wiper blades, refer to the chart in the store which will tell you what blades to get for your vehicle's make and model - not all wipers are the same shape and size.

Step 2:

Windscreen wiper blades normally come packaged with both the rubberwiper and the attached support structure.  (These steps are for replacing both of these parts – to replace just the rubber wiper, refer to the instructions that come with it).

Step 3:

Check that your new windscreen wiper blade comes with small plastic attachments used to secure the centre of the new blade to the wiper arm still on your car. Usually several different styles of attachments are included with the replacement blade - if they are not included you will need to get the correct attachment from your car parts store. Check your existing attachment and match it to the correct one in the new package.

Step 4:

Ensure your car is parked on a level surface away from other traffic

Step 5:

Take hold of the windscreen wiper arm and pull up and away from the windscreen. The blade and arm should now be sticking out perpendicular to the window in a "T" shape.

Step 6:

To release the old windscreen wiper blade from the arm, there will usually be a securing tab to be pressed near the centre attachment -using a small screwdriver often helps. Some attachments have two tabs on either side of a small metal bump, which also need to be pressed, others just snap onto the blade.

Step 7:

Once released, firmly pull the old blade downwards away from the arm, sliding the parallel metal bars over the top of the wiper arm.

Step 8:

Remove the old attachment from the wiper blade, if it is still in one piece you should be able to use it again, otherwise you'll need to use the new one.  Fit the correct attachment to the wiper arm – it should click into place.  (In some cases the fastening mechanism of the blades will require you to fit the attachment to the wiperblades first.)

Step 9:

Ensure that the blades you are about to fit are the right way around,as they need to face the same direction as the old ones.

Step 10:

Install the new blade onto the windscreen wiper arm by pulling the attachment into the metal hook at the end of the wiper arm (or pull the wiper into the attachment if, you have already attached it to the arm).  Again these should click into place.

Step 11:

Gently lower the wiper arms back into place, taking care not to damage the windscreen.

Step 12:

Test by turning on the wipers to their slowest setting. If the blades slip or don't operate correctly, turn off the wipers and check that the attachments are seated firmly in place.