How to check and replace your windscreen wipers

One of the more simple, but vital, car maintenance checks you'll need to do a few times a year, is to see if your windscreen wipers are still in complete working order.

In this guide, we will explain what to look for and the step-by-step process of replacing them.

If your MOT is due or if you would like to book your vehicle in for a full car service, you can book online with your local RAC Approved Garage today.

Are you experiencing a car fault, warning, or mechanical problem on your road trip? Find a local mechanic with the RAC.

How to change your windscreen wipers - RAC video guide

Watch RAC Patrol Ben Aldous demonstrate how to check and replace your windscreen wiper blades.

When do my wiper blades need replacing?

Wiper blades typically need replacing every six to 12 months, but their real lifespan depends on weather conditions, driving habits, and how often they’re used.

Also, where your vehicle is kept when not in use is also a key factor.

You will know they are due for a change when they start leaving streaks, smears, or patches of water on the windscreen.

They may also sound like they are rubbing unevenly on the glass.

Other warning signs include squeaking, juddering, or a chattering motion as they move across the windscreen.

When you lift the wiper off the glass and you see that the rubber looks cracked, split, or is beginning to peel away from the frame, this means that the blades won’t make proper contact with the windscreen and need replacing.

Finally, if you are driving during heavy rain and you have reduced visibility even if the wipers are moving, then it is important not to ignore it. This is because worn wipers can seriously compromise safety.

Regular car maintenance involves checking the blades and cleaning them can extend their life, but once they show visible wear, replacement is the safest option.

Step‑by‑step guide to replacing wiper blades

Replacing wiper blades is a simple job most drivers can do in a few minutes – and is crucial for their safety.

You should start by lifting the wiper arm away from the windscreen until it locks in an upright position.

The next step is to locate the release tab or clip where the blade connects to the arm and press or slide it to detach the old blade.

Carefully remove it, making sure the bare metal arm doesn’t snap back onto the glass as this could cause several issues.

Finally, you should align the new blade with the hook or connector and push it into place until you hear a click.

You’ll need to gently lower the wiper arm back onto the windscreen and then repeat the process for the other blade.

When you have completed this, get back in your car and test the new wipers with washer fluid to ensure they move smoothly and clear the screen properly.

Common problems with windscreen wiper blades

Windscreen wiper blades can develop several common issues over time, most of which stem from general wear and tear, as well as weather and dirt build-up over time.

One of the most frequent problems is steaking and usually indicates hardened or cracked rubber on the wiper blades.

Smearing often happens when the blade edge becomes rounded or contaminated with road grime – or something has got stuck in the blade.

If the blade is juddering across the glass, it can be caused by uneven pressure, a bent wiper arm, or blades that have lost flexibility.

In winter, blades can freeze to the windscreen, tearing the rubber when pulled loose.

This is why regular cleaning and timely replacement help prevent most of these issues and keep visibility clear.