How to Replace Front Windshield Wiper Blades on a 2018 Nissan Altima
Step-by-step J-hook removal/install tips, required tools and parts, and safety precautions to prevent glass damage for 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018
How to Replace Front Windshield Wiper Blades on a 2018 Nissan Altima
Step-by-step J-hook removal/install tips, required tools and parts, and safety precautions to prevent glass damage for 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018
đź”§ Altima - Front Wiper Blade Replacement
Replacing the front wiper blades is a quick job that improves visibility in rain and reduces streaking. You’ll remove the old blades from the wiper arms and click the new ones into the same connector.
Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 0.25-0.5 hours
⚠️ Safety & Precautions
- 🛑 Protect the windshield: Place a towel under each wiper arm so it can’t slap the glass.
- 🛑 Don’t let the wiper arm snap back: The metal spring arm can crack the windshield.
- 🛑 Work on a cool, dry windshield to avoid slips and scratches.
- Battery disconnect is not required.
đź”§ Required Tools
You'll need the following tools for this repair:
- Safety glasses
- Nitrile gloves
- Clean shop towel
- Painter’s tape
🔩 Required Parts
HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:
- Front wiper blades - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
đź“‹ Before You Begin
- Park your Altima on level ground and switch the ignition OFF.
- Lift each wiper arm gently and slide a clean shop towel under it on the glass.
- If your wiper arms feel like they hit the hood and won’t lift, stop and tell me—some setups need a service position procedure.
🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps in order:
Step 1: Confirm you bought the correct blades
- Use your hands to compare the new blades to the old ones (length and connector style should match).
- Use safety glasses and nitrile gloves to protect your hands and eyes while handling the spring-loaded arms.
Step 2: Prep the windshield so it can’t get damaged
- Place a clean shop towel where the wiper blade would land if it snapped down.
- Use painter’s tape to lightly hold the towel in place if it wants to slide. Prevents accidental glass damage.
Step 3: Lift the driver-side wiper arm
- Use your hands to lift the wiper arm away from the windshield until it stays up on its own.
- Keep one hand on the arm any time the blade is off. Never let the bare arm drop.
Step 4: Remove the old blade from the arm
- Most Altima blades use a J-hook connector (a hook-shaped end of the wiper arm that the blade slides off of).
- Use your hands to press the small release tab/button on the blade connector.
- While holding the tab, slide the blade down toward the base of the arm, then rotate it and unhook it.
- If it’s stuck, use your hands to wiggle it—do not pry against the glass.
Step 5: Install the new blade on the driver-side
- Use your hands to hook the new blade adapter onto the arm’s hook (or matching connector).
- Slide it into place until you hear/feel a solid “click.”
- Use your hands to tug lightly on the blade to confirm it’s locked.
Step 6: Lower the driver-side arm safely
- Use your hands to guide the arm down slowly onto the windshield.
- Remove the clean shop towel and painter’s tape.
Step 7: Repeat on the passenger-side
- Use your hands and repeat Steps 2 through 6 for the passenger-side blade.
- Keep the clean shop towel under the arm any time the blade is off.
âś… After Repair
- Turn ignition ON and test the wipers on LOW, then HIGH.
- Test the washer spray and verify the blades wipe clean without skipping.
- If you see streaks, clean the glass with washer fluid and wipe the blade edges with a clean shop towel. Shipping film can cause streaking.
đź’° DIY vs Shop Cost
Shop Cost: $40-$80 (parts + labor)
DIY Cost: $20-$50 (parts only)
You Save: $20-$30 by doing it yourself!
Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.2-0.4 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.

















