To replace wiper blades, look up the length for each side of your car, lift the wiper arm, press the release tab, slide the old blade off, click the new one on and lower the arm gently. It takes about ten minutes and no tools. Do it before monsoon season, because Arizona sun bakes the rubber until it cracks, chatters and smears right when you need a clear windshield.
Time: about 10 minutes. Skill: easy.
How do you know your wipers need to be replaced?
- Streaks or smears on the glass
- Chattering or skipping across the windshield
- Cracked, split or hardened rubber
- Rubber that looks warped or has pulled away from the metal
- Squeaks even when the glass is wet
Sun-baked rubber loses its flexibility. Many Arizona drivers replace blades once a year, ideally in late spring, before the storms. Check them again if you park outside all summer.
How do you find the right size?
The driver and passenger blades are often different lengths, and the rear may have its own. Find the sizes in one of these ways:
- Your owner's manual
- A size guide at an auto parts store
- Measuring the old blade from end to end, in inches
Also check how the blade attaches to the arm. Common types are a hook, a pin, a side-lock and a push-button. The package shows which type it fits. If you are not sure, take an old blade to the store and match it.
What do you need?
- Two new blades (and a rear blade if your car has one)
- A folded towel
- A rag and washer fluid
How do you replace wiper blades?
- Lift the wiper arm away from the windshield until it stands up on its own.
- Put a folded towel on the glass under the arm. If the arm slips and snaps back, the towel protects the windshield from cracking.
- Find the release tab or button where the blade meets the arm. Press it and slide the blade down the arm toward the base to detach it.
- Compare the old blade to the new one to be sure they match in length and fit.
- Slide the new blade on until you hear or feel a click. Give it a gentle tug to confirm it is locked.
- Lower the arm carefully against the glass. Do not let it drop.
- Repeat on the other side and the rear blade if needed.
- Test. Spray washer fluid and run the wipers. They should wipe without squeaking or leaving streaks.
Arizona tips
- Never run wipers on a dry, dusty windshield. The grit scratches the glass. Spray washer fluid first.
- Wipe the blade edge with a rag and washer fluid every now and then to remove grit.
- Fill the washer reservoir. Storm dust and monsoon grime use a lot of fluid.
- A sunshade or shaded parking spot helps the rubber last longer. In very hot weather the arms and blades heat up, so be careful when you handle them.
When to call a pro
Call a pro if the arm is bent or loose, the wipers do not move or stop in the middle, the washer spray does not work, or the blades streak even though they are new. A shop can also check the motor and linkage. Here are local auto repair shops in the directory, with phone numbers:
Not sure where to go? Ask the helper or browse Phoenix businesses.
Questions people ask
How often should you replace wiper blades in Arizona?
About once a year is common, because the heat breaks down the rubber. Replace them sooner if they streak, skip or squeak.
Why do my new wipers streak?
The glass may be dirty or have a film on it. Clean the windshield and the blades with washer fluid. Check that the blade is the right size and fully clicked onto the arm.
Do I need to replace both wipers at the same time?
Replace them as a pair, since they wear at the same rate. They are inexpensive, and a matched pair gives you a cleaner wipe.
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