How to Replace Front Windshield Wiper Blades on a 2016 Kia Sorento
Step-by-step wiper blade removal and install guide with sizes, tools list, and safety tips
How to Replace Front Windshield Wiper Blades on a 2016 Kia Sorento
Step-by-step wiper blade removal and install guide with sizes, tools list, and safety tips


🔧 Sorento - Front Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
Replacing the front wiper blades is a quick maintenance job that restores clear visibility in rain and reduces windshield streaking. You’ll remove the old blades from the wiper arms and clip the new ones on securely.
Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 0.25-0.5 hours
⚠️ Safety & Precautions
- ⚠️ Turn the ignition OFF and remove the key/fob from the vehicle before lifting wiper arms.
- ⚠️ Do not let the bare wiper arm snap onto the windshield; it can crack the glass.
- ⚠️ Support the wiper arm with one hand while removing/installing the blade.
- 🧤 Wear gloves if the wiper frame edges are sharp.
- 🔋 Battery disconnect is not required.
🔧 Required Tools
You'll need the following tools for this repair:
- Nitrile gloves
- Safety glasses
- Small flathead screwdriver
- Clean microfiber towel
- Step stool
🔩 Required Parts
HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:
- Front wiper blades - Driver: 26", Passenger: 16" - Qty: 2
- Windshield washer fluid - Qty: 1 gallon
📋 Before You Begin
- Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
- Turn the ignition OFF and make sure the wipers are in their “parked” (down) position.
- Place a clean microfiber towel on the lower windshield area as a cushion, just in case the arm drops.
🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps in order:
Step 1: Lift the wiper arm
- Lift one wiper arm away from the windshield until it stays up on its own.
- Keep one hand on the arm while you work. Don’t let it spring back.
Step 2: Locate the blade release tab
- At the point where the blade meets the arm, find the small locking tab/clip on the connector.
- If the tab is tight, use a small flathead screwdriver to gently help press the tab. (A flathead screwdriver is a small screwdriver with a flat tip used to press clips or pry lightly.)
Step 3: Remove the old wiper blade
- Press the locking tab with your finger (or the small flathead screwdriver).
- While holding the tab, slide the blade down and away from the hook on the end of the arm.
- Once it unhooks, remove the blade completely and set it aside.
Step 4: Install the new wiper blade
- Remove packaging from the new blade.
- Hook the new blade connector onto the end of the wiper arm.
- Slide it into place until you hear/feel a solid “click” as the lock engages.
- Lightly tug on the blade to confirm it’s locked. It should not slide off.
Step 5: Lower the arm carefully
- Use your hand to guide the wiper arm back down onto the windshield gently.
- Remove the clean microfiber towel you placed on the glass.
Step 6: Repeat for the other side
- Repeat Steps 1–5 for the other front wiper blade.
- Use the step stool if you need better reach on the driver side.
✅ After Repair
- Fill washer fluid using windshield washer fluid if it’s low.
- Start the vehicle and test the wipers on low and high speed.
- Test the washer spray pattern and make sure the blades wipe clean without chattering.
- If you see streaks, clean the windshield with the clean microfiber towel and washer fluid, then retest.
💰 DIY vs Shop Cost
Shop Cost: $40-$90 (parts + labor)
DIY Cost: $20-$50 (parts only)
You Save: $20-$40 by doing it yourself!
Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.3-0.5 hours.
🎯 Ready to get started?
HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.
















