To choose the right wiper blades, you need the length of each blade, the type of connector on your wiper arm, and whether you need front blades, a rear blade or both. The easiest way is to shop by your car's make, model and year. Every WipeWave listing shows the blade sizes and the arm connector it fits.
How do wiper blade sizes work?
Wiper blades are sized by length in inches, measured from one end of the blade to the other. A listing that says 24" 16" contains one 24 inch blade and one 16 inch blade.
Sizes are usually given to the nearest inch. Some brands use millimetres instead. As a guide, 600mm is about 24 inches and 400mm is about 16 inches.
Do not assume a slightly longer blade is better. The wrong length can hit the windscreen trim, overlap the other blade or leave areas uncleaned.
How to measure your old blades
- Lift the wiper arm away from the windscreen.
- Measure the blade from end to end with a tape measure.
- Round to the nearest inch and write it down.
- Measure the other blade too, as the two front blades are often different lengths.
Why is the driver side blade a different length?
On most cars with two front wipers, the blade on the driver side is longer than the one on the passenger side, because it has to clear the area directly in front of the driver. Some cars use two blades of the same length.
When the sizes differ, fit the longer blade on the driver side unless your vehicle handbook says otherwise. If you are not sure, match the lengths of the blades you are taking off.
Front, rear or both?
Our WipeWave listings come in three types. A front pair is two blades for the windscreen, and a front and rear set adds a rear window blade to those two. There are also single blades, for example for a rear wiper.
Check the pack contents and sizes in the listing title before you order.
Wiper arm connector types
The connector is where the blade joins the wiper arm. Blades must match your arm's connector, so look at the end of your wiper arm and compare it with the types below and the listing photos.
| Connector | How to recognise it | How to remove the blade |
|---|---|---|
| U-hook (J-hook) | The arm ends in a curved hook shaped like a U or J. This is the most common type. Hooks come in different widths, such as 9mm and 12mm. | Press the release tab on the blade, then slide the blade down and out of the hook. |
| Side pin | A round pin sticks out from the side of the arm near its end. | Release the clip on the blade connector, then slide the blade sideways off the pin. |
| Push button | The arm has a flat end that locks into the blade with a button. Some listings name a specific version, such as Type E. | Press the button and slide the blade off the arm. |
| Pinch tab | The blade connector has a tab on each side that holds it to the arm. | Squeeze both tabs together and lift the blade off. |
| Slim top | The arm ends in a narrow, flat bar that sits on top of the blade connector. | Lift or press the release tab on the connector and slide the blade away from the arm. |
Not sure which you have? Take a photo of where the blade meets the arm and send it to us.
How to change wiper blades
- Switch off the ignition so the wipers cannot move while you work.
- Raise the arms. On some cars the wipers park under the edge of the bonnet and must be moved to a service position first. Your vehicle handbook explains how.
- Lay a folded towel on the windscreen under the arm. If the spring-loaded arm snaps back without a blade, it can crack the glass.
- Remove the old blade using the method for your connector type above.
- Fit the new blade the same way, until it clicks or locks into place. Give it a gentle tug to check it is secure.
- Lower the arm gently onto the windscreen and repeat for the other blades.
- Test the wipers with washer fluid. They should clear the screen without hitting the trim or each other.
When should I replace my wiper blades?
Replace your wiper blades when they stop clearing the windscreen cleanly. Streaks or smears left on the glass are a sign, and so are patches the blade misses. Listen for juddering or chattering as the blade moves, or squeaking.
Look at the rubber as well. It may be split, cracked, hard or peeling away. A bent or damaged blade needs replacing too.
As a rough guide, check your blades every few months and replace them at least once a year. Worn wipers make driving in rain harder. Blades that do not clear the screen properly can also cause an MOT failure.
How to make wiper blades last longer
Wipe the rubber edge with a damp cloth when you clean the car. Keep the washer fluid topped up, as wiping a dry screen wears the rubber faster.
Do not use the wipers to clear ice or frost. Clear the screen first, and check the blades are not frozen to the glass before you switch them on.