How do I know my wiper blade size?

Knowing the correct wiper blade size for your vehicle is essential for ensuring optimal visibility and safety while driving. This article will guide you through the steps to determine the appropriate wiper blade size for your car.

Identifying Your Wiper Blade Size

The wiper blade size is typically indicated on the existing wiper blade or in your vehicle's owner's manual. However, if you don't have this information, you can follow these steps to determine the correct size:

• Locate the wiper arm on your vehicle. This is the metal or plastic arm that the wiper blade is attached to.


• Measure the length of the wiper blade, not the wiper arm. The blade length is the measurement you need to find the correct replacement.


• Common wiper blade sizes range from 12 inches to 28 inches, with the most common sizes being 16 inches, 18 inches, 20 inches, and 22 inches.

Once you have the wiper blade length, you can use this information to purchase the appropriate replacement blades for your vehicle.

Factors to Consider

When selecting wiper blades, there are a few additional factors to consider:

• Wiper Arm Type: Wiper blades come in different styles to fit different wiper arm types, such as hook, side-lock, and top-lock.


• Visibility Needs: Consider upgrading to a premium wiper blade if you live in an area with heavy rain, snow, or other challenging weather conditions.


• Replacement Frequency: Wiper blades should be replaced every 6 to 12 months, or sooner if they show signs of wear, such as cracking or streaking.

By following these steps and considering the additional factors, you can ensure that you select the correct wiper blade size and type for your vehicle, providing you with optimal visibility and safety on the road.

Can I use a 21 wiper blade instead of a 22?

Yes, you can likely use a 21-inch wiper blade instead of a 22-inch one, but it's not recommended as a permanent solution because it will clear a smaller area of your windshield. The shorter blade will miss a half-inch strip of the windshield at the top and/or bottom, potentially compromising your visibility, and you should use the correct size if possible. 
Potential outcomes of using a 21-inch blade

• Reduced visibility: You will lose a half-inch strip of cleared windshield at the edge, which could be noticeable in bad weather. 
• Incomplete cleaning: The shorter blade may not be able to sweep the entire area needed, which can lead to streaks. 
• Compromised performance: If your car has an automatic rain sensor, a shorter blade might not reach the area, potentially affecting your automatic wiper mode. 

Recommendations

• Check your car's owner's manual: Your manual will have the exact recommended sizes for your vehicle. It's common for a car's driver and passenger sides to require different sizes, as shown in this Reddit thread. 
• Stick to the correct size: For optimal performance and safety, it is always best to use the manufacturer's recommended sizes. 
• Use it as a temporary fix: If you must use a 21-inch blade temporarily, do so with caution and replace it with the correct 22-inch size as soon as possible. 
• Consider the other side: If your car uses a 22-inch for the driver's side, it likely uses a smaller size, such as a 20-inch, for the passenger's side. Replacing the driver's side with a 21-inch will not fix the passenger's side or the entire windshield. 

How do I know what window wipers to buy?

There are three main types of window wipers: traditional frame wipers, beam wipers, and hybrid wipers. Frame wipers are the most common, beam wipers offer better performance in harsh weather, and hybrid wipers combine the strengths of both for optimal efficiency.

How do I know what size wiper blades I need?

You can find your wiper blade size by checking your owner's manual, using an online size finder tool from an auto parts store, or measuring the current blades with a tape measure. It's important to get the correct size for proper coverage and to avoid damage. 
Method 1: Use your owner's manual or online tools

• Owner's manual: This is often the easiest way. The manual will specify the correct size for both the driver and passenger sides, which can sometimes be different lengths. 
• Online size finder: Most auto parts store websites have a "wiper blade finder" tool. You can enter your vehicle's year, make, and model to get a list of compatible sizes. 

This video demonstrates how to use an online wiper blade finder tool: 1mO'Reilly Auto PartsYouTube · May 3, 2019
Method 2: Measure your current blades

• Lift the wiper arms away from the windshield. 
• Measure the length of each blade from tip to tip with a tape measure. 
• Round the measurement to the nearest inch. 
• Note that the driver and passenger sides may have different sizes. 
• Record the size and, if possible, the type of arm attachment (e.g., J-hook) for a more specific fit. 

How do I find out what wiper blade I need?

You can also find the right replacement wiper blade by looking in your car's owner manual, on the side of the old blade or potentially even on the box of your new blades – just look for your cars make or model on the packaging or leaflet.