Replace the Wiper Blades

Worn wiper blades on the Suzuki Swift Mk2 (RS, 2004–2010) smear, judder and leave streaks across the windshield, and perished rubber is a common MOT failure. Swapping them is a five-minute job with no tools. This guide covers the front blades and the rear wiper on 3- and 5-door hatches.

The procedure is the same for every Swift Mk2 engine — M13A 1.3, M15A 1.5, the M16A 1.6 Sport, and the 1.3 DDiS diesel.

How to replace the wiper blades

Suzuki uses a squeeze-lock blade on this generation: the blade clips into a hook on the wiper arm with a small lock tab, and the rubber element locks into the end of the metal frame. Work on one blade at a time so you have the other as a reference.

Blade sizes (typical): most Swift Mk2 hatches use roughly a 525 mm (21-inch) driver-side blade, a 475 mm (19-inch) passenger-side blade, and a 300 mm (12-inch) rear blade. Exact sizes vary by trim and year, so measure your old blades or use a retailer fitment lookup before buying.

1. Lift the wiper arm fully away from the glass until it stands upright and stays there. The arm is spring-loaded and can snap back hard enough to crack the windshield, so lay a folded cloth or towel on the glass before you start.
2. Turn the blade so it sits across the arm. Squeeze the lock tab on the blade toward the wiper arm and slide the blade frame off the hook at the end of the arm.
3. Unlock the locked end of the old blade element and slide the rubber blade out of the frame. If your new blade comes without the two small metal retainer strips, move them from the old blade into the new one.
4. Fit the new blade by reversing the removal: slide it into the frame with the locked end positioned toward the wiper arm, and make sure it is held by all the hooks until the end clicks and locks into place.
5. Clip the frame back onto the wiper arm and check that the lock tab snaps fully home — tug the blade gently to confirm it is secure.
6. Lower the arm back onto the glass slowly by hand (do not let it drop), remove the cloth, then lift and lower the arm once to check it seats flat. Repeat for the second front blade.

Take care not to flex the metal frame end any more than necessary while fitting the new element — Suzuki warns it can break off.

Rear wiper (hatchback)

Most 5-door and some 3-door Swifts have a rear wiper on the tailgate. The method is simpler because there is no squeeze-lock tab: hold the arm away from the glass, pull the blade frame off the arm, then slide the old blade out and the new one in the same way. Reassemble in reverse order and make sure the frame is fully retained on the arm.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size and type of wiper blades does the Suzuki Swift Mk2 take?

The owner manual does not print blade lengths, and it notes that fitment can vary by vehicle specification. The safest approach is to measure or match your existing blades, or check a fitment guide or parts lookup for your exact year and body style before buying. The Swift Mk2 uses a conventional hook-arm blade with a squeeze-lock catch at the front.

How often should I replace the wiper blades?

Suzuki says to replace the blades when they become brittle or damaged, or when they start to streak or judder rather than wipe cleanly. In practice most blades need changing every 12 months or so; UV and frost harden the rubber faster than mileage wears it.

Do I need to replace the front and rear blades at the same time?

Not necessarily — replace whichever blade is streaking. The two front blades are often sold as a pair and wear at a similar rate, so it is usually worth doing both together, while the rear wiper is a separate item you can change on its own.

This guide is for general information only. Always follow the procedure in your vehicle’s official owner manual, and consult a qualified mechanic if you are unsure. ServiceReset is not affiliated with Suzuki.