How to Replace Your Windscreen Wipers

10-steps to changing your wipers a seeing clearly

Windscreen wipers might not be the first thing you think about when it comes to car maintenance, but they play a vital role in keeping you safe on the road. Whether it’s heavy rain on the M6 or salt spray on a frosty B-road in winter, clear visibility is always a non-negotiable.

So, when it comes to replacing your windscreen wipers, it’s not a job you want to put off.. Now, it can be a bit of a fiddly task, so it might be best left to the professionals if you’re not particularly handy, but it is doable yourself.

Why windscreen wipers matter

In the UK, we get our fair share of rain. In fact, your wipers will often be working harder than many other car components. Over time, exposure to rain, UV rays, grit, and fluctuating temperatures naturally wears the rubber blades down. When that happens, your wipers can’t clear the glass properly and visibility drops.

That’s why replacing your wipers isn’t just a box-ticking exercise – it’s a key part of keeping you safe on the road. So, how do you actually change your wipers? Let’s find out.

Step 1: Check what size wipers you need

Before you even think about fitting new wipers, you need to make sure you’ve got the right ones. Every car has specific wiper blade sizes, and fitting the wrong size means they won’t sweep the screen properly, if at all.

There are a few easy ways to find the correct wipers for your car:

• Check your vehicle handbook
• Use our wiper blade tool. Simply enter your registration number online, and we’ll match your vehicle with the right blades.
• Ask in-centre. Our technicians can quickly identify the correct fit.

Remember: front and rear wipers are often different sizes, and many modern cars use flat or beam blades instead of traditional ones. So, don’t just assume you’ll be needing 3-4 of the same wiper!

Step 2: Know when it’s time to replace

On average, wipers should be replaced every 12 months. But in reality, the UK’s varied weather means you might need to change them sooner if you spot any warning signs.

Look out for what we call the four S’s:

• Streaking – when blades leave lines of water or dirt behind.
• Skipping – when blades judder or miss patches of glass.
• Squeaking – when blades make an annoying squeal as they move.
• Splitting – when the rubber shows visible cracks or breaks.

If you notice any of these, new wipers are needed fairly urgently. You can also learn about how to spot when your wipers need replacement in another guide here.

Step 3: Get prepared

Before you start, park your car on level ground, switch off the ignition, and make sure automatic wipers are disabled. If they activate while you’re handling the blades, you could end up damaging the windscreen.

You’ll only need your new blades and a little patience. It’s also wise to replace both front wipers at the same time, so they wear evenly and perform consistently.

Step 4: Lift the wiper arm safely

Gently pull the wiper arm away from the windscreen until it locks upright. Be careful here: the spring-loaded arm can snap back and potentially crack the glass if you let go.

Step 5: Remove the old blade

Most UK cars use a hook-shaped wiper arm. To remove the blade:

1. Locate the small clip or tab where the blade attaches.
2. Press or unclip it while sliding the blade downwards, unhooking it from the arm.
3. Carefully set the old blade aside.

Different cars may use slightly different fittings, so it’s worth checking your handbook if you’re unsure.

Step 6: Fit the new blade

Take your new blade and align it with the arm hook. Slide it into place until you hear a click – this means it’s securely attached.

Give it a gentle tug to double-check it’s locked in before moving on.

Step 7: Lower the arm carefully

Once the blade is in place, slowly lower the wiper arm back onto the windscreen. As mentioned earlier, avoid letting it snap down, as this could damage both the new blade and the glass.

Step 8: Repeat for the other side (and rear)

Repeat the process for the passenger side wiper. If your vehicle has a rear wiper, it’s worth changing that too – it often wears just as quickly as the front blades.

Step 9: Test your new wipers

Switch on your ignition, spray some washer fluid, and run the wipers. They should sweep smoothly across the glass without streaks, skips, or squeaks.

If they aren’t performing as expected, check that the blades are properly locked into place.

Step 10: Dispose of the old blades

Finally, don’t just throw your old wipers in the bin. Most local recycling centres accept them, or you can bring them into your local Kwik Fit centre, where we’ll dispose of them responsibly.

Extra windscreen wiper tips for UK weather

Winter care

When the frost sets in, it can be tempting to turn on the wipers to clear your windscreen, but this is one of the quickest ways to damage the rubber. Always de-ice the glass properly first using a scraper or de-icer spray, and only then use your wipers. This will help prevent the blades from tearing or freezing to the glass.

Regular cleaning

Your wiper blades pick up all sorts of grit, dust, and road film as you drive, especially on salted winter roads. Giving them a quick wipe with a damp cloth every now and again removes this build-up, helps them glide more smoothly, and can noticeably extend their life.

Pair with good washer fluid

UK weather means your windscreen regularly has to fight against rain, mud, and salt. Using a quality screenwash that’s designed to cope with freezing temperatures not only reduces streaking but also stops the system from freezing up in colder months. It’s a small investment that makes a big difference to visibility and safety.

Expert windscreen replacement 

While replacing wipers is relatively straightforward once you know how to do so, not everyone feels confident doing it themselves. If you’d rather leave it to the experts, just pop into your nearest Kwik Fit centre. 

We stock a wide range of wiper blades for most cars and vans, and our technicians can help get you back on the road in no time.