Audi and VW Wiper Blade Replacement Guide

Audi and VW wiper blade replacement is one of those little jobs that's easy to put off. Wiper blades are among the cheapest parts on your car, yet they're what help you see the road clearly. And still, we often forget about them until they start smearing water across the windscreen. Picture a January evening. It's dark, the windscreen is wet and covered in road salt, and your wipers are just smearing everything around. That's not just annoying any more. It's dangerous.

When should you replace your wiper blades?

• They leave streaks or tiny droplets on the windscreen instead of wiping it clean.
• They judder or skip across the glass as they wipe.
• They squeak every time they move across the windscreen.
• The rubber is cracked, has gone hard or has a piece missing.
• It's been a year since you last replaced them, even if they still look fine. Sunlight and freezing temperatures are tough on rubber. Over time, it hardens.

At Das Auto Service, we check the wiper blades at every service. It's one of the things we regularly look at, as I've also explained in my service interval schedule.

How do you choose the right Audi and VW wiper blades?

You can't just walk into a shop and say, "Give me some around 60 centimetres long." Audi and VW wiper blades come in different lengths, shapes and fittings. On some models, there are even two different versions for the same car, depending on when it was built. So start with the model and year. If you're unsure, check using the VIN. That way, you won't waste money on blades that don't fit.

• Front wiper blades usually come as a pair, with each blade a different length.
• The rear wiper blade is separate. On Avant, Sportback and hatchback models, it's easy to forget about it until it barely clears the glass at all.
• Genuine wiper blades are curved to match the windscreen of your particular model. That's why they don't whistle when you're driving on the motorway.

How do you replace Audi and VW wiper blades yourself?

Audi and VW have a wiper service position that lets you lift the wiper arms safely away from the windscreen. Changing the blades is easy once you know how to move them into that position.

1. First, switch off the ignition.
2. Within about 10 seconds, push the wiper stalk down. The wipers will move up into the service position.
3. Carefully lift the wiper arm away from the windscreen and replace the blade.
4. Gently lower the arm back onto the windscreen. Don't let it spring back, as it could hit the glass.
5. Switch on the ignition and operate the wipers once. They'll return to their normal position.

The service position is really handy in winter, too. You can lift the wipers without having to pull them away from an icy windscreen by force.

How can you make your wiper blades last longer?

• Whenever you wash your car, give the rubber on the wiper blades a wipe with a damp cloth. You'd be surprised how much dirt collects there.
• Use screenwash that's suitable for the season.
• If the windscreen is icy, clear the ice first and only then switch on the wipers.

A tip from Kris Mladenov: My advice is to replace your wiper blades once a year, ideally in autumn. That way, you'll be ready for the winter rain with a clear windscreen and good visibility. Trust me, the things that help you see the road are not where you want to save a few pounds.

I want you to have a clear view of the road this winter, whether it's raining or snowing. If you've found this helpful, share the article with your friends. You might save them quite a bit of trouble.

Find the right wiper blades in our shop

Audi A3 / S3 / RS3 hatchback / Sportback (8V) wiper blades, front and rear set

Complete set of front and rear wiper blades for the Audi A3 / S3 / RS3 hatchback and Sportback (8V).

View in our shop

Audi A3 (8P) front wiper blade set, version 1

Set of front wiper blades for the Audi A3 (8P). There are two versions for this model, so check using the VIN before ordering.

View in our shop

Rear wiper blade for Audi A3 (8P), A4 Avant (8E)

Rear wiper blade for the Audi A3 (8P) and A4 Avant (8E).

View in our shop

Read more

• Front wiper blades by model
• Rear wiper blades
• Front and rear wiper blade sets
• Which screenwash should I use in winter?
• Ice on your windows: scrapers, de-icer sprays and what not to do
• What should I check on my car before winter?
• Wiper blades in summer: tree sap, insects and dust

Frequently asked questions

How often should I replace my wiper blades?

I recommend replacing them once a year. But if they start leaving streaks, juddering or squeaking, don't wait until the year is up. Change them before they become a problem.

How do I put Audi and VW wipers into the service position?

Switch off the ignition and, within about 10 seconds, push the wiper stalk down. This moves the wipers into the service position.

How do I know which wiper blades fit my car?

Start with your car's model and year of manufacture. If there is more than one option, check using the VIN. That way, you won't end up buying the wrong ones.