Changing the wipers on a 2020 Honda Civic is quick and straightforward: lift the wiper arms, release the old blades, snap in new ones, then return the arms to the glass and test. Front blades on this model are typically 26 inches for the driver side and 17 inches for the passenger side; a rear wiper exists only on Civic Hatchback variants and uses a separate replacement blade.
What you’ll need
Before you start, gather the right blades and a few common tools to ensure a smooth swap.
- Replacement front wiper blades sized for a 2020 Honda Civic (driver: about 26 inches; passenger: about 17 inches)
- A rear wiper blade if you own a Civic Hatchback (length varies; check your old blade or packaging)
- A clean cloth to wipe the blades and windshield surfaces
- Optional: a small flat-head screwdriver if a very tight connector needs assistance
With the right blades and adapters on hand, you’re ready to replace the wipers quickly and accurately.
Front windshield wiper blade replacement
The front blades are the ones you’ll swap most often. Follow these steps to remove the old blades and install new ones.
- Park the car, turn off the engine, and ensure the wipers are in the resting position on the windshield.
- Gently lift the wiper arm away from the glass until it stays upright and away from the windshield.
- Find the release mechanism on the blade’s connector. Depending on the blade you bought, press the release tab or squeeze the latch to detach the blade from the arm.
- Remove the old blade from the arm and set it aside.
- Prepare the new blade by selecting the correct adapter for a J-hook style wiper arm and attach the blade by sliding it into the arm until you hear or feel a click.
- Lower the wiper arm back onto the windshield and press the blade lightly to ensure it sits firmly. Repeat for the other front blade if needed.
- Test the wipers by turning them on at a low speed to confirm proper contact and no streaking; adjust if necessary.
If you’re unsure about blade size or the adapter compatibility, check the blade packaging or reference your owner’s manual for the exact fit.
Rear windshield wiper replacement (Civic Hatchback)
If you drive a Civic Hatchback, you may also need to replace the rear wiper blade. The process uses a different mounting than the front blades. If your model doesn’t have a rear wiper, skip this section.
- Lift the rear wiper arm away from the rear window to access the blade.
- Depress the release tab on the blade’s connector and slide the blade off the arm to detach it.
- Attach the new blade by aligning it with the arm’s connector and snapping it into place; ensure it is secure.
- Lower the wiper arm back onto the rear window and test the rear wiper to confirm smooth operation.
Rear blade lengths can vary by model and year, so verify the correct size before purchasing and replacing.
Tips for longer blade life
Regularly clean the blades and windshield, replace blades at signs of streaking or skipping, and consider replacing both front blades at once to ensure even performance. Inspect the wiper arms for stiffness or bending, and avoid letting the blades dry out on a hot windshield.
Summary
Replacing the wiper blades on a 2020 Honda Civic is a routine maintenance task that most drivers can complete in about 10 minutes. Use the correct blade sizes, follow the release mechanism on the blade adapters, and ensure the blades are fully seated before testing. For hatchback models, don’t forget to check and replace the rear wiper blade if needed. Properly maintained wipers provide clearer visibility and safer driving in adverse weather.