What Size Windshield Wipers Do I Need?

Time flies, doesn’t it? Before you know it, winter will be here, and you’ll be relying on your windshield wipers to see the road ahead when snow and slush start pelting the windshield. To help ensure safety and clear visibility, it’s crucial to keep your wipers in proper working order. But you might wonder: What wiper blade size do I need if I need to replace them? We’re here to answer your questions and explain some of the different types of wiper blades you can choose.

Signs You Need New Wiper Blades

How do you know when to replace your wiper blades? Here are some telltale signs to look out for: 

• Streaking: If your wipers are leaving streaks, smudges, or blurry spots, the blade rubber has worn out or become damaged
• Chattering: Hearing some chattery noises as your wipers move across the windshield? Your blades have most likely lost their flexibility and aren’t making proper contact with the glass
• Reduced Performance: Wipers have one job — clear the windshield for better road visibility. If your blades aren’t living up to the task during snowy or rainy weather, you may need to replace them
• Worn Appearance: Take a good look at your wipers. Do you see any signs of cracking, warping, or fraying? If it looks like your blades have seen better days, it’s time for a replacement.

Also, don’t forget about your rear wipers if your vehicle has them! Seeing what’s behind you is just as important as what’s in front of you, so also keep these signs in mind for your rear wipers.

What Wiper Blade Size Do I Need?

You know you need replacement wipers, but what size do you get? It’s important to figure out the correct size because wipers that are too short may not clear the entire windshield, and wipers that are too long can hit each other and damage the blade mechanism.

First, check your owner’s manual. While typically an OEM does not provide a standard wiper size, your owner’s manual may provide one, depending on your vehicle’s make and model. If that’s not the case, you can either:

• Using a tape measure, measure your existing wiper blades — driver side, passenger side, and rear. Measure only the rubber blade, not the metal arm
• Use an online tool to find the exact blade size based on your vehicle’s make and model
• Visit your local automotive parts store or repair center and ask for a replacement recommendation

Types of Wiper Blades

When it comes to wiper blades, there are typically three different types you can choose: conventional, beam, and hybrid.

Conventional Blades
You’re probably most familiar with conventional blades, which feature a metal frame with a rubber blade to help distribute pressure evenly along the windshield. They’re affordable, reliable, and easy to install, but due to their straighter design, they only provide four to eight pressure points on the windshield, which can lead to inefficient wiping. More pressure points mean a more complete cleaning!

Beam Blades
Many newer vehicles today come equipped with beam blades — also known as flat blades. Unlike conventional blades, beam blades have no metal frame. Instead, they’re made from a solid piece of rubber that contours your windshield’s curvature, providing infinite pressure points for a more thorough wipe. While these blades are usually more expensive than conventional blades, they tend to use higher-quality materials for increased durability and performance.

Hybrid Blades
As the name suggests, hybrid blades combine the metal frame of conventional blades with the contour of beam blades. They generally offer all-weather performance, durability, and improved aerodynamics. In terms of cost, they’re priced between conventional and beam blades, making them a solid choice to maximize savings and performance.