How Much Does It Cost To Replace Wiper Blades?

Wiper blades are one of the easiest parts of a vehicle to replace. Many vehicles have wiper blades that are super simple to replace, and others require knowing a few tricks. We will offer some guidance, but we wish to primarily help those buyers who just want it done for them in this story. Folks who may be taking their vehicle in for an oil change or tire rotation and also want to get rid of those annoying streaks when their wipers are in use.

We won’t torture you with reading the whole story to get your answer. For mainstream brands and vehicles sold in high volume, the price to change the front two windshield wipers is almost always under $100. Prices for a pair of blades range from about $30 at the very low end to around $75 for the pair. If you own a pricey European model hand-built by master craftspeople, you probably know that your price will be more than what the folks driving around in Camrys pay. Also, size is a factor to a certain extent. The wipers on a big truck cost a bit more than the wipers on a compact crossover. One last tip - If you own a crossover, hatchback, or SUV with a rear wiper, have that one replaced as well.

Since we all know how wipers work, we will skip our usual introduction explaining the way the part works and what it does.

Wiper Blades - Why Bother Changing Them?

Wiper blades are often forgotten. Why maintain something you rarely need? Well, with the El Niño winter bringing us a deluge about every four days, wipers are suddenly popular again. Still, they work almost forever without changing, so why even bother?

There are a few important reasons. The most obvious is that they work better when new. No streaks, no smearing, and you get a better view of the road. (Duh…) However, there is another big reason to change the blades before they go kaput. Wiper blades are degraded by the sun and by heavy use. The part that folds over does so every cycle. Eventually, the blade’s most important part will crack and tear. Wait too long, and the metal wiper structure could contact the glass and score it. It’s pretty much impossible to undo that damage to the glass.

Similarly, wiper blades lose their strength over time. One winter, you may start the vehicle, and the wipers may be frozen to the glass and tear, leaving you with a repair that is best done when your fingers are not stiff.

How Wiper Blades Are Typically Changed In 2024

For the better part of the past century, wiper blades were made up of three main parts. The wiper arm was built to last for the life of the vehicle. Inside the arm was a rubber strip, and inside that, thin metal strips that helped the wiper rubber stay in the arm. In those days, “changing the wipers” meant taking this simple assembly apart and replacing just the rubber strips, which were pretty universal and sold by the length. These were the perfect design, and therefore, automakers felt the need to fix what was not broken so as to sell you something.

Today, most modern wipers are designed similarly, but the rubber strip may not be removable anymore, or the part may not be sold. Instead, the entire arm is replaced. Not the part that is attached to the base of the windshield. But the whole wiper blade assembly is one part, and it is simply removed and replaced. Changing the parts is quicker, but the results are not any better than the less expensive method from the good old days.

Wiper Blades - Do Fancy Ones Work Better?

If you shop for wiper blades, you can find ones made from adamantium steel alloy, ones with three wiper surfaces, ones infused with snake oil that promises endless wiping delights, and some that have brand names you may recognize. The truth is, they will all work great. But in our experience, not much better than the OEM’s choice. So, you won’t be unhappy if you shell out more for wiper blades than you need to, but don’t expect much improvement.

Wiper Blades - Do I Need Winter Wiper Blades?

There are wiper blades that are designed specifically for harsh winter conditions. These blades have the same basic design, but they add a soft black rubber sleeve covering most of the structure of the blade arm. These are not a scam. Winter wiper blades definitely work better when you drive in freezing rain, sleet, and snow. The sleeve helps to keep the wiper arm’s moving parts from stiffening up. And they also work just fine in warm weather. If you drive in harsh winter conditions, consider winter-style blades. They don’t cost meaningfully more, and here in New England, we have found that they do work as advertised and make a positive difference when the precipitation is freezing on your glass as it falls.

Wiper Blades - Who Can Change Them For Me?

Anyone can change wiper blades. But anyone can mess it up as well. There are only two risks. The first is that the person changing the blades will accidentally let the arm snap down on the glass without the blade being affixed. This can damage your windshield, and by damage, we mean enough that it will need to be replaced. The second risk is that the blades purchased won’t work with the vehicle for some odd reason. And that wastes a bit of time.

We like to let the local shop change our blades when we have the vehicle in for service. Any person working in any shop is qualified to replace wiper blades. Of course, your dealer’s service department can change the blades for you at a higher cost. Still, we are not talking about a lot of money.

The one place we would avoid is a gas station with a convenience store built in. The days of the folks at gas stations knowing their gas from their elbow have now passed us by. If the station is also a full-service shop, sure, go ahead. But skip the gas-only shops. Those folks won’t want to look up from their phones to help you anyway.

Parts Only - How Much Should I Pay For Wiper Blades?

We priced out wiper blades for a popular small SUV and found the prices were under $20 for a front set of two. You can pay as much as $50 for a set. The small rear wiper was also under $20. These are the prices for just the component, not the installed cost.

How Much Should I Pay To Have My Wiper Blades Changed For Me?

Car Talk’s staff has purchased wiper blades from independent mechanics, dealer service centers, and from parts counters to change them ourselves. We have had the shops charge just for the parts. We have had other shops add an additional charge for the mechanic’s time to change the blades. What you pay will depend on where you go.

To get some timely examples for this story, we phoned a Metro Boston-Area Jiffy Lube and asked for the cost to have the front wiper blades on a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport changed for us. The cost quoted was $20 per blade with no labor upcharge. The shop also offered a premium blade for $30 per blade.

We also phoned Acton Ford and asked for the prices using the same model as our example. The folks there quoted us $25 for each blade and confirmed that it was the full blade, not just the rubber insert. The service associate we spoke to also told us that Acton Ford does not charge for the installation of wiper blades when a vehicle is in for additional service. The price is simply the cost of parts.

Our limited pricing examples proved one thing for us. That is, many shops do not overcharge for wiper blades, and some will not charge you extra for the installation if you are there for other services.

Wiper Blades - Can I Change Them Myself? Where Can I Buy Wiper Blades?

You can change your own wiper blades. If your vehicle is of the type that lets you pull the arms up, it is easier. If the arms are tucked away under the lip of your hood when the wipers are off, you will need to know how to get them to remain up in the “service position” so that you can change the wipers. Your manual is the best place to figure out the trick. We always try just shutting off the vehicle when the wipers are in motion, but this does not work on all models. The ones that return automatically have a service position procedure you need to know.

If you want to change your own blades, watch a YouTube video, preferably one that shows the blades being changed on your exact model. This is all you really need. No tools are used. Our top tip is to place a towel on your windshield while you work. This will help prevent any possible damage if you accidentally let the wiperless arm smack back down to the glass.

Blades are sold mostly by the length. For example, 20 inches. And the front two are almost never the same length, so you end up buying two parts. Amazon can help. It has a handy tool that asks for your year, make, and model, so you are assured that you get wipers of a style and size that will work well with your exact vehicle. Read the reviews. Many include helpful tips.

Another perfect place to get replacement wipers is your dealership’s parts counter. If you want them to fit right and look the same as the ones you are taking off, this is your best bet. Every auto parts store has an entire aisle dedicated to wipers. Not a good thing if you want to quickly get in and out with the part that fits your vehicle best. Way too many choices.

How Often Should I Change My Wiper Blades?

Wiper blades can be changed every year or two or whenever streaks begin to appear. The 30K, 60K, 90K, etc. service intervals are easy default change-out times.

Can I Just Clean My Wiper Blades Instead of Changing Them?

Wiper blades get dirty and will streak if not cleaned. The way to clean them is simple. Spray some water, glass cleaner, or isopropyl alcohol on a soft cloth or paper towel. Lift the blade up just a bit and pull the moistened cloth along the rubber blade without much force. If you grip firmly and pull, you may dislodge the blade off the arm or the rubber off the wiper. Be gentle. You will see a satisfying black residue on the cloth when you finish. We try to do this weekly to keep our blades clean. If you live where it is dusty or sandy, frequent cleaning can help keep your glass from being scored.

One Top Tip - Why You Should Keep The Old Set

When you have your wiper blades changed, ask that the old set be placed on your passenger front floor mat. You will then be sure the ones on the car are new and that the work was done. We suggest storing the old set in your trunk. Wiper blades do sometimes tear in winter, and having the old set is a quick and easy way to get safely back on the road until you have time to buy a new set. Think spare tire.

Hey, What About Those Chemicals That Negate the Need For Wipers?

There are some chemicals that you can purchase to apply to your windshield that will make it possible to drive in the rain without using your wipers. The chemicals are a mixture of water, surfactants, and other compounds that make water bead up and then fly away off the glass as you drive along. They work. However, not perfectly, and not in all scenarios. The downside is that the chemicals tend to leave a line on your glass where the passenger-side wiper stops. You only live once. Give them a try if you like, but wear rubber gloves when you apply the stuff, and be prepared to be staring at a line across your windshield.

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