When to replace Charger wiper blades

The manual notes that the life expectancy of wiper blades varies depending on geographical area and frequency of use. Poor blade performance may show up as chattering, marks, water lines or wet spots. If any of these are present, clean the wiper blades or replace them as necessary.

It also says to inspect the wiper blades and wiper arms periodically, not just when wiper performance problems show up. The inspection should include:

• Wear or uneven edges
• Foreign material
• Hardening or cracking
• Deformation or fatigue

If a wiper blade or wiper arm is damaged, the manual says to replace the affected arm or blade with a new unit and not to attempt to repair it. The owner's manual does not list wiper blade lengths or part numbers. If you are not sure which blades fit, check the ones on your vehicle before you buy, or ask our service department when you visit.

From the 2026 Dodge Charger owner's manual (Windshield Wiper Blades), read November 8, 2026.

Wiper care and winter use

Clean the rubber edges of the wiper blades and the windshield periodically with a sponge or soft cloth and a mild nonabrasive cleaner. This removes accumulations of salt or road film.

Running the wipers on dry glass for long periods may cause the blades to deteriorate. Always use washer fluid when using the wipers to remove salt or dirt from a dry windshield.

Avoid using the wiper blades to remove frost or ice from the windshield, and keep the blade rubber away from petroleum products such as engine oil and gasoline.

The manual cautions to always remove any buildup of snow that prevents the windshield wiper blades from returning to the park position. If the wiper switch is turned off and the blades cannot return to the park position, damage to the wiper motor may occur.

When you refill the washer fluid reservoir, the manual suggests putting some washer fluid on a cloth or towel and wiping the wiper blades clean, which helps blade performance. To keep the washer system from freezing in cold weather, choose a washer solution or mixture that meets or exceeds the temperature range of your climate; most washer fluid containers show this rating. The reservoir is under the hood, and the manual says to check its fluid level at regular intervals and fill it with windshield washer solvent only, not radiator antifreeze.

The once-a-month or before-a-long-trip checklists for both Daytona and gasoline models include checking the wiper and washer operation, the wiper blades and the washer reservoir.

From the 2026 Dodge Charger owner's manual (Wipers And Washers; Windshield Wiper Blades; Adding Washer Fluid; Scheduled Maintenance, Daytona and Gasoline Models), read November 8, 2026.

Replacing a Charger front wiper blade

The wiper and washer controls are on the multifunction lever on the left side of the steering column; the front wipers are operated by rotating a switch on the end of the lever. To remove a front blade, the manual lists these steps:

1. Lift the front wiper arm upward to raise the wiper blade off the windshield.
2. Push the release button on the arm of the wiper blade.
3. Push the wiper blade up and remove it.
4. Install the wiper blade and firmly push it until it snaps into place.

The manual's diagram labels the wiper blade, the release button and the wiper arm.

From the 2026 Dodge Charger owner's manual (Front Wiper Blade Removal/Installation; Wipers And Washers), read November 8, 2026.

Charger service at Elgin CDJR

Wiper blades are among the Express Lane services listed on our service center pages. Our service department is open Monday to Friday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and is closed Sunday. Elgin CDJR is at 1500 W. Lake St. in Streamwood. Get directions.