Wiper Size Guide

It is astonishing how automakers incorporate simple yet critical components into the vehicle for optimum safety on the road. Imagine how chaotic driving in the rain, snow or dusty roads would have been without the existence of wipers. Different car models use varying window wiper sizes. The wiper blades clear water, snow or dust from the surface of the windshield, giving drivers better visibility. What happens when the wiper blades are no longer effective?
The most practical solution is replacing the wiper blade. It can be a challenging endeavor for drivers if they have little knowledge regarding wiper sizes. It gets complicated if the driver performs the first aftermarket wiper blade replacement. Here is a simple guide you can follow during the next purchase and replacement of the wiper blades.

Wiper blade sizes

Sizing wiper blades is a delicate process. These blades help drivers to attain optimum visibility during rainy weather. Meaning aftermarket alternatives should be similar or closely identical to the original manufacturer version. Here is why. Undersizing the wiper blade means it cannot clear the whole windshield. That limits visibility. Drivers can enjoy safe driving experiences if the visibility is clear.

The appropriate wiper size is close to the dimensions recommended by the car manufacturer. Both OEM and aftermarket wiper blades are measured in millimeters. By comparison, the wiper blade on the driver’s side can be a little longer than the one on the passenger side. The driver requires maximum visibility to continue steering the vehicle on the wet road surface.

We insist on maintaining the original dimensions of the wiper blades. It is because long blades hit against each other and get damaged after a short time.

Types of wiper blades

Now that we are aware of the different wiper sizes, let us move a step further and explore the types of wiper blades in the market. The typical wiper consists of a blade made from strong and durable rubber or silicon material. These are the available aftermarket wiper types.

Conventional wiper blades

Such wiper blades are popular with old vehicle models. The wiper blade has a metallic frame and a flat rubber blade. The pivoted frame holds the squeegee allowing it to clear water from the windshield. These wipers are easy to replace and cost less than other types.

Beam type wipers

These wiper blades are designed to overcome the shortcomings of the conventional wiper blade. Beam blades feature a contoured design that allows them to hold firmly against the windshield. The wiper design does away with the metallic frame. It is replaced by a hardened rubber material that wipes off the water. They cost more to purchase and have a durable rubber material. Beam-type wiper blades are suitable for cold weather conditions.

Hybrid blades

Hybrid wiper blades are a combination of beam and conventional wiper designs. They use optimally designed metallic frames and durable squeegee, and aerodynamic design. These blades are effective for hot and cold weather. In terms of pricing, they cost more than conventional wiper blades but are cheaper than beam-type blades.

Winter blades

As the name suggests, these are specialized wiper blades used in extreme weather conditions. The blades feature a protective shell to minimize the accumulation of ice around the rubber material.

Final words

Before purchasing replacement wiper blades, it is vital to find the right size. Use the information on the owner's manual or online resources to establish exact size (in mm). Ensure the blade is a good fit for your vehicle and that the wiper blade is effective for the prevailing weather conditions. Finally, the cost should be within your budget.

Finding the exact wiper size for your car

The benefits of a wiper blade in rainy or wintry weather are immeasurable. Drivers cannot risk compromising road visibility. For every wiper blade purchase, the driver must ensure the new wiper blade is of the recommended size. Finding these sizes can be a little hectic. The first place to dig for the exact measurements is in the owner's manual. Most car manufacturers provide recommended sizes for replacement parts.

If the manual is unavailable, drivers can leverage online resources to find the correct wiper size. Several online tools allow drivers to narrow down the search for wiper blades based on the vehicle's model, year of manufacture and make. Online stores dealing with auto parts also have dedicated search bars that allow drivers to filter out wiper choices for a perfect purchase.