Replacing a rear windshield wiper takes 5 to 10 minutes and requires no tools on most vehicles
A rear wiper that streaks, skips, or leaves dry spots usually means the blade needs replacing, not the entire arm. The blade is the rubber part that actually touches the glass — it wears out faster than the metal or plastic frame holding it. On most cars, you can swap just the blade by hand, though a few models require you to replace the whole arm assembly.
The process differs slightly depending on your vehicle's design, but the basic steps are the same: locate the rear wiper arm, release the blade, slide it out, and slide the new one in. You do not need a mechanic, and you do not need special tools. The hardest part is usually finding the exact blade size for your vehicle, which you can look up in your owner's manual or by measuring the old blade.
Key Takeaways
- Most rear wiper blades slide onto a hook or clip at the end of the arm and can be removed by hand without tools.
- You need to know your vehicle's year, make, and model to buy the correct blade size, which ranges from 12 to 18 inches on most cars.
- Replacement blades cost between $15 and $30 and are sold at auto parts stores, big-box retailers, and online.
- If the wiper arm itself is bent, cracked, or will not hold the blade in place, you will need to replace the entire arm assembly instead.
Locate your rear wiper arm and check the blade attachment style
Open your rear hatch or trunk and look at the rear window. The wiper arm is the metal or plastic rod that moves back and forth. At the end of the arm, you will see either a small hook, a clip, or a button — this is what holds the blade in place. The attachment style determines how you remove the old blade.
Most vehicles use a hook-style attachment, where the blade slides onto a curved metal piece at the end of the arm. Some use a clip that you squeeze or a button you press. If you are not sure which type yours is, consult your owner's manual or search your vehicle's year, make, and model online — you will find photos showing exactly how the blade attaches.
Find the correct blade size for your vehicle
Rear wiper blades come in different lengths, and using the wrong size means the blade will not fit or will not clean properly. The easiest way to find your size is to check your owner's manual, which lists the rear blade length in the maintenance section. If you do not have the manual, you can measure the old blade from end to end, or you can take a photo of it and show it to a staff member at an auto parts store.
You can also search your vehicle's year, make, and model on the websites of retailers like AutoZone, O'Reilly, or Advance Auto Parts — they have lookup tools that show you the exact blade size. Write down the size before you shop, so you do not buy the wrong one. Rear blades typically range from 12 to 18 inches, and even a 1-inch difference will not fit your arm.
Remove the old blade by releasing the attachment mechanism
Lift the rear wiper arm away from the window so it stands straight out. Look at the point where the blade meets the arm. If your vehicle uses a hook attachment, the blade will slide onto a curved metal piece. Grasp the blade firmly and slide it toward the hook (not away from it) until it comes free — you may need to wiggle it slightly as you slide.
If your vehicle uses a clip attachment, look for a small lever or button on the side or underside of the blade. Squeeze or press this release mechanism while pulling the blade away from the arm. If your vehicle uses a button-style attachment, press the button and slide the blade out. Once the old blade is off, set it aside — you can recycle it at most auto parts stores.
Slide the new blade onto the arm and lock it in place
Take the new blade out of its packaging and hold it up to the arm to see how it attaches. For hook-style attachments, align the slot on the blade with the hook and slide the blade onto the hook until you hear or feel a click. The blade should be firmly seated and should not slide off if you tug gently on it.
For clip or button attachments, slide the blade into the arm until the clip or button locks into place automatically. Some blades require you to press a release button on the blade itself to lock it in. Check the instructions that came with the new blade if you are unsure. Once the blade is locked, lower the wiper arm back down onto the window and test the wiper by running it a few times to make sure it moves smoothly and does not skip.
Test the wiper and troubleshoot if it does not work
Turn on your rear wiper and watch it move across the window. The blade should make full contact with the glass and leave no streaks or dry spots. If the blade skips or chatters, it may not be seated properly on the arm — lift the arm again and check that the blade is fully locked in place. If the blade is locked but still skips, the arm itself may be bent or the blade may be defective.
If the wiper does not move at all, check that you did not accidentally disconnect the wiper motor when you were working. If the motor runs but the blade does not move, the arm may be stuck or the connection between the arm and motor may be loose. In either case, you may need to have a mechanic inspect the wiper system, as the problem is likely not with the blade itself.
When to replace the entire wiper arm instead of just the blade
If the metal or plastic arm is bent, cracked, or corroded, replacing just the blade will not fix the problem. A bent arm will not hold the blade at the correct angle, so the blade will skip or miss spots even when new. If the arm is damaged, you will need to replace the entire assembly, which includes the arm, the motor connection, and the blade.
Replacing an arm is more involved than replacing a blade and usually requires removing bolts or clips that attach the arm to the vehicle. If you are not comfortable doing this, a mechanic can replace the arm in 15 to 30 minutes. Arm assemblies typically cost $30 to $80 depending on your vehicle, plus labor if you have a shop do the work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to replace the front and rear wipers at the same time?
No. Front and rear blades wear at different rates depending on how often you use each wiper. Replace them independently as needed. Many people use the rear wiper less often, so it may last longer than the front blade.
What if the new blade does not fit the arm?
Double-check that you bought the correct size for your vehicle. If the size is correct but the blade still will not fit, the arm attachment style may be different from what you expected. Take the blade back to the store with your vehicle information, and a staff member can help you find the right one or show you how to install it.
Can I use the same blade for both front and rear wipers?
Not usually. Front and rear blades are often different sizes and attach differently. Check your owner's manual to confirm the size for each position. Using the wrong blade will result in poor cleaning or installation problems.
How often should I replace my rear wiper blade?
Rear blades typically last 6 to 12 months depending on climate and how often you use the wiper. If you live in a dry climate and rarely use the rear wiper, it may last longer. Replace it as soon as it starts to skip, streak, or leave dry spots.