Do you need a specific rear wiper blade?
The short answer is: it depends. Whether you need a specific rear wiper blade for your vehicle depends on the make, model, and year of your car. Some vehicles require a specialized rear wiper blade, while others can use a more generic replacement. Let's dive into the details to help you determine if you need a specific rear wiper blade for your car.
Understanding Rear Wiper Blades
Rear wiper blades are an essential component of a vehicle's windshield cleaning system, responsible for clearing the rear windshield of water, snow, and debris. Unlike front wiper blades, which are a standard size and shape, rear wiper blades can vary significantly in their design and dimensions, depending on the specific make and model of the car.
Factors that can influence the need for a specific rear wiper blade include the size and shape of the rear windshield, the mounting system used to attach the blade, and the overall design of the vehicle's rear wiper assembly.
Determining if You Need a Specific Rear Wiper Blade
To determine if you need a specific rear wiper blade for your vehicle, consider the following steps:
- Check your owner's manual: The best place to start is by consulting your vehicle's owner's manual. This document will typically provide the exact specifications for the rear wiper blade, including the part number and any other relevant details.
- Measure the existing blade: If you don't have access to the owner's manual, you can try measuring the existing rear wiper blade on your car. Note the length, width, and any unique features, such as the mounting system or the presence of a spoiler or other accessories that may affect the blade's design.
- Search for a replacement: Once you have the necessary information, you can search for a replacement rear wiper blade that matches your vehicle's specifications. Many auto parts stores and online retailers offer a wide selection of rear wiper blades, often with the ability to filter by make, model, and year.
- Consider universal options: If you can't find a specific replacement, some universal rear wiper blades are designed to fit a range of vehicles. These may require some minor adjustments or modifications to ensure a proper fit.
By following these steps, you can determine whether you need a specific rear wiper blade for your vehicle or if a more generic replacement will suffice.
Is there a difference between rear wiper blades?
Rear wipers are usually a lot smaller than the fronts, and although plenty of cars have the same style wipers as on the front, some cars feature a model-specific rear wiper with the arm and the blade integrated as one unit.
Can you use any wiper blade for the rear?
Choosing The Correct Rear Wiper Blade
Your rear wiper blade will be specific to your vehicle and sometimes choosing the right replacement can be difficult. It's best to use our wiper blade finder or use your vehicle manual to see the what size wiper blade you will need.
How do I know my rear windshield wiper size?
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.
Are rear windscreen wipers universal?
No, wiper blades aren't universal. Cars come in a whole range of shapes and sizes, from sports cars to SUVs, and each has a different sized windscreen and wiper blade.
