Online, windshield wipers are usually sold in pairs for between $15 and $40 for most cars. But if you have a mechanic handle the job, try to pair the installation with another service to avoid labor charges.
Check multiple websites and stores to find the most affordable, high-quality windshield wipers.
Factors that affect the cost of windshield wipers
Windshield wipers are priced like many other products: Brand-name, quality, merchant and size will have the biggest impact on cost. Here are factors to consider when determining whether a blade is priced well.
Blade type
There are three primary types of windshield wiper blades: Conventional, beam and hybrid.
Beam blades cost more than conventional but tend to last longer and perform better. Hybrids fall somewhere in the middle on price and functionality.
Size and vehicle fit
Different vehicles require different windshield wiper lengths, and some vehicles have two different-sized blades or a rear wiper.
If you only need to replace the rubber blade portion of your wipers, you may pay less than if you’re replacing the entire arm.
Brand
Premium brands such as Bosch, Rain-X and Michelin often perform better, but are more expensive than generic or store brands. If you replace your windshield wipers through a dealership, you may have fewer brands to choose from.
Installation
Windshield wiper replacement is a pretty easy do-it-yourself repair, which will probably cost a lot less than getting a professional install at a shop or dealership. Not only will a professional installer charge for labor, but you may pay a premium on the wipers themselves.
Location and store type
Auto parts stores may have different prices than big box stores and online retailers for the same exact wipers. You will likely pay more for parts at a dealership, too, even if you buy the parts there and install them at home.
How often should you replace windshield wipers?
Your windshield wipers are an important safety feature since they have to provide good visibility in rain and snow, so it’s a good idea to inspect your wipers every six months and consider replacing them once a year. The blade on a windshield wiper wears out over time due to use, weather and debris. If you use higher-quality blades, you may not have to replace them as frequently.
Some signs that you need to replace the wipers sooner include:
- Streaking or smearing across the windshield.
- Squeaking noises.
- Bouncing or skipping across the glass.
- Cracks or fraying in the rubber, or a blade that’s come off of its frame.
- Metal corrosion on the frame.
How to save on windshield wiper replacement
While windshield wipers are relatively inexpensive, a little extra effort can stretch your dollar further. Here are a few ways to avoid overpaying for your new blades.
Do it yourself
Windshield wiper replacement is one of the car repair tasks that nearly any driver can handle on their own. If you can reach your wipers — which may be difficult on tall vehicles like SUVs and trucks — you can probably swap out your wiper blades and save a little money.
There are YouTube videos for all sorts of vehicles, and wiper brands like Michelin and Rain-X have installation videos available online.
You can also buy wiper blades from an auto parts shop that offers free installation on parts purchased there. You’ll avoid extra charges and won’t have to pay labor. The entire process usually takes a few minutes.
Price shop
Wiper blade replacement is a quick and easy maintenance task and it doesn’t cost much, but you can still save money by comparing prices online and at different auto shops before you buy them.
You need to provide your car’s year, make and model to find your wiper size and style. Or you can simply use a tape measure to check the length of the wipers you are replacing. But look at the connector to make sure it will fit what’s on your car. Dealerships may match by checking your car’s vehicle identification number (VIN).
Make your wipers last longer
While you can’t prevent environmental damage to your wipers, you can make them last longer by keeping them clean and free of debris. Clean off your wiper blades with a soft cloth each time you wash your vehicle or fill your gas tank. This can help remove dirt, sap, bugs and other debris that can create wear on the rubber.
You can also prevent unnecessary damage by only operating your wipers when your windshield is wet.
FAQs
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Do I need to replace both wiper blades at the same time?
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What’s the difference between rubber and silicone wiper blades?
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Can I replace the rubber insert of my wiper blade instead of the whole component?
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Are rear wiper blades different from front ones?
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Will any wiper blade fit my car?
Stephanie Colestock is a seasoned writer specializing in personal finance. With over 14 years of experience, she crafts insightful and accessible content on a wide range of financial topics, including insurance, credit and debt management, banking, investing, retirement planning, and household finances.
Her bylines appear in top-tier publications such as TIME, Fortune, MSN, Forbes, USA Today, Money, Fox Business, and CBS. Stephanie’s deep understanding of complex financial concepts and her ability to communicate them clearly have made her a trusted voice in the industry.
When she’s not writing, Stephanie enjoys helping individuals make smarter financial decisions through her engaging and well-researched articles.
Annie is a writer and editor at Jerry with more than a decade of experience writing and editing digital content. Before joining Jerry, she was an assistant assigning editor at NerdWallet. Her past work has appeared in the Associated Press, USA Today and The Washington Post. Her work has been cited by NorthWestern University and Harvard Kennedy School. Annie served as a spokesperson for NerdWallet during her time at NerdWallet and has been featured in New York Magazine, MarketWatch and on local television and radio stations.
Previously, she worked at USAA and newspapers in Minnesota, North Dakota, California and Texas. She has a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Minnesota.
Phil grew up fixing lawn mowers, motorcycles and cars. He began his journalism career as a night police reporter in Chicago and Denver. Moving to Los Angeles, Phil ghost-wrote several how-to books about car buying. He then was hired by the consumer automotive site Edmunds.com where he worked as an “undercover” car salesman. This led to a series of articles called “Confessions of a Car Salesman.” Additionally, he wrote DIY articles about car maintenance and repair and took high-performance driving lessons on race tracks in Nevada and California. Later, he wrote a syndicated automotive column for Nerdwallet. He recently he authored the book Electric Cars: How to Get Rolling Today. For Jerry he will use his experience to help car owners make smart decisions about driving, repairing and maintaining their vehicles. Phil lives in Long Beach, Calif., and still enjoys turning wrenches and helping his son change the oil in his 2016 Mazda3.
