Windshield wiper blade replacement on Hyundai Kona EV

I’ve found that windshield wiper replacement is a job someone either does quickly or struggles with. There’s no middle ground.
I fall into the latter category. I always get friends and family to do it for me (yes, I know, despite being a car mechanic).
If you, like me, struggle with replacing windshield wiper blades, I recommend you do what I do: get someone else to do it for you!
This particular blog post will explain how to change the Hyundai Kona EV windshield wipers.
Let’s get into it.

The importance of changing windshield wipers for the Hyundai Kona EV

The windshield is there to be seen through. The transparent glass protects us from the elements while providing a wide view of the road ahead. It’s a massive improvement on the horse and carriage; the driver had to sit outside. Ouch.
Windshield wipers (along with windshield washer fluid) are a vital part of keeping this simple system safe. Driving through a heavy rainstorm or along a dirt road without either of them is extremely dangerous.
It would lead to a crash.
When replacing windshield wipers for the Hyundai Kona EV, use OEM parts.

How do you know if the Hyundai Kona EV windshield wipers need replacing?

Bear in mind that wiper blades are a standard regular maintenance part. They don’t last forever. As a car mechanic, I’d expect to replace them every 12 to 24 months.
The effectiveness of your Kona EV windshield wipers could be reduced by:

• Wax products used in commercial car washes
  • This problem is becoming increasingly well-known.
• Dirt from the road
• Tree sap
• Insect deposits
• General wear and tear
• Using the wipers on a dry windshield
  • This could also damage the glass if debris gets stuck between it and the blade.

Watch out for some unmistakable signs that indicate your Kona EV’s windshield wipers are ready to be replaced.

• Poor cleaning capability
• Streaking patterns on the windshield
• Not completely clearing water off the glass face
• Sounds of the rubber sticking to the glass (you should always wet the screen before activating the windshield wipers)
• Obvious visual deterioration
• Excessive dirt build-up on the wiper blade
  • This is often most obvious when they wipe the windshield. It leaves an arcing pattern of dirt behind.

Before buying new wiper blades for your Hyundai Kona EV…

Before you buy new windshield wipers for your Kona EV, clean your car. Do this by hand (as opposed to a commercial/drive-through car wash).
As part of this process, wash down the windshield. Use a regular sponge to wipe the blade down where it connects with the glass.
After it dries, visually inspect it for damage.
Sometimes, dirt is the sole reason for your windshield wipers not working, and a home car wash fixes this.
If the symptoms continue, it’s time to buy some new ones. OEM windshield wipers come in at around $15 each. Non-OEM aftermarkets will be between $5 and $12 in most cases.
Cover the front or rear windshield (as applicable) with a thick towel or blanket before replacing the blades. This helps prevent them from being smashed if the spring-loaded arms snap back down after you lift them up.

Replacing ‘Type A’ front windshield wipers

‘Type A’ windshield wiper blades are rotated into position on the end of the arm.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to replacing them on the Hyundai Kona EV.

1. Protect the front windshield.
2. Lift the wiper arm (one at a time).
3. Rotate the blade, so it’s perpendicular to the arm.
4. Squeeze the clip and pull the blade down and off the arm’s end.
5. Lift it back up, maneuver it around the hook-end of the arm, and remove it.
6. Attach the new blade in the reverse order.
7. Gently lower the arm-and-blade assembly down to the bottom of the windshield.
8. Take the protective cover off the windshield.

Repeat this process for the other front windshield wiper.

Replacing ‘Type B’ front windshield wipers

‘Type B’ Hyundai windshield wipers hook into the clip. Most would say they’re simpler to install than the ‘Type A’ models.

1. Protect the front windshield.
2. Lift the wiper arm and keep the blade parallel to it.
3. Raise the clip on the back of the blade assembly.
4. Pull the blade down, parallel to the arm.
5. It will come off.
6. Attach the new ‘Type B’ wiper blade by following the steps above in reverse.
7. Gently lower the blade back onto the windshield and remove the protective cover.

How to change the rear Hyundai Kona EV windshield wiper blade

The Hyundai Kona EV has a very simple rear windshield wiper. Here’s how to replace it.

1. Protect the rear windshield.
2. Pull the wiper arm away from the glass.
3. Rotate the wiper blade, so it’s perpendicular to the arm.
4. Pull it off.
   • You may need to use a little force. If it seems stuck, don’t break it.
5. Push the new windshield wiper blade on until it clicks into place.
6. Rotate the blade, so it’s parallel with the arm again, then gently lower it back onto the rear windshield.
7. Remove the protective rear windshield cover.

If at any point you get stuck, you’re worried about windshield damage, or the wiper blade feels like it’s going to break, go to your local mechanic. You could go to a Hyundai dealer if you prefer, but there’s usually no need.
Consult your owner’s manual for more in-depth information and diagrams. These will be incredibly helpful.
In the meantime, you’ll find a PDF version of the Hyundai Kona EV owner’s manual below.