When to Replace Wiper Blades

Replace when you notice streaking, skipping, squeaking, or smearing rather than clearing cleanly. Most manufacturers recommend replacement every 6–12 months or annually. In Australia’s harsh sun, UV degrades rubber faster — inspect every 6 months.

How to Find the Right Replacement Blades

Wiper blades are not universal — the length varies by car make, model and year. The driver’s side is often a different length to the passenger side. Find the correct size: check the sticker inside your glove box, look it up by registration on the Supercheap Auto or Repco website, or use the size charts available at any auto parts store. Bring the make, model and year of your car.

Step-by-Step Replacement

  1. 1

    Lift the wiper arm away from the windscreen

    Lift the wiper arm up — it clicks into a vertical position and stays there. Do this carefully: if the arm springs back without a blade, it can crack the windscreen. If you are replacing one blade at a time, rest a folded cloth on the windscreen under the other arm as a precaution.

  2. 2

    Find and press the release tab

    Look at where the wiper blade attaches to the arm. There is a small plastic release tab or button. Press it while pulling the blade away from the arm. The blade slides off the hook.

  3. 3

    Note the connector type

    There are several hook types (J-hook, pin, side pin, top lock). Most Australian cars use a J-hook. The replacement blades come with adaptors for multiple connector types — check the new blade packaging to identify which adaptor fits your arm.

  4. 4

    Attach the new blade

    Slide the new blade onto the arm hook in the same orientation as the old one. Press until you hear and feel a firm click — the blade is locked onto the arm. Give it a gentle tug to confirm it is secure.

  5. 5

    Lower the arm carefully and repeat for the other side

    Lower the arm gently back onto the windscreen. Repeat for the other wiper. Test with your windscreen washer to confirm both clear cleanly without streaking.

CostWiper blades cost $15–50 each depending on the type (traditional frame, beam/bracketless, or hybrid). Beam blades are more expensive but perform better in heavy rain and last longer in Australian conditions. Most auto parts stores will install them for free if you buy them there.

Frequently Asked Questions

A few possible causes: the windscreen has wax or silicone residue (from car polish) that repels the rubber — clean with glass cleaner and a microfibre cloth. The wipers are the wrong size and the ends are lifting off the glass. The wiper arm spring is weak and not pressing the blade firmly enough. Or the new blades are defective — return them if cleaning the glass does not help.
Yes — if one blade is worn enough to need replacing, the other has typically degraded similarly. Replacing both ensures consistent clearing across the whole windscreen and saves another trip to the auto parts store in a few months. The rear wiper (if your car has one) should also be replaced at the same interval.