What size windshield wipers do i need? Not only are windshield wipers important to keep you safe during rainy weather, but it’s also good to make sure your windshield stays clear of dirt and debris when you’re out on the Minneapolis road. So when it’s too old and makes noise or breaks and isn’t working correctly anymore, it’s definitely time for a replacement.
Your windshield wiper’s size varies depending on the make, model, and vintage of your vehicle, and it’s essential you know exactly which size you need before you try to change them out. Improperly fitted blades can’t do their job, which could be a problem if you’re on the road to Maple Grove and the weather takes a turn. So, if you’re asking yourself: what size windshield wipers do I you need?
What is wiper blade sizing?
Wiper blade sizes are designed to cover a certain area of your windshield to provide maximum visibility in stormy weather. Most experts recommend sizing your blade as close to the manufacturer’s instructions as possible to maintain safe driving conditions. Once you find the correct measurements, you can purchase vehicle-specific blades or find general blades that match the length required for certain automobiles.
Wiper sizes are indicated in millimeters, noting if the wiper set is for the front or rear of the car. Blades on the driver’s side extend longer than the passenger side to provide the best visibility for the person behind the steering wheel. Choosing a blade that’s too short can leave large areas of your windshield unaffected, lowering your visibility. Blades that are too long can hit each other and cause damage to the blade mechanism.
If you’re unsure of what blade size you need, try looking in the owner’s manual or search for your vehicle blade size online. Rain-X offers a blade size finder on its website where you can search based on the year, make, and model of your automobile. Many manufacturers allow you to choose your vehicle when you purchase a blade or set of blades on Amazon.
What size windshield wipers do i need?
When it comes to your windshield wiper blades, size is important as it’s what ensures the proper functionality of your vehicle’s wiper system. Here’s how to find out what size windshield wipers you need for your vehicle:
- Check Your Manual: Your vehicle’s manual should tell you what wiper blades size you need for each side and may even recommend a brand. Some vehicles have different size requirements for the driver and passenger sides, so read carefully before replacing your wiper blades.
- Use a Tool: You can make use of tools online, such as the wiper selector here, or contact our parts department to find out your vehicle’s optimal windshield wipers size.
- Ask a Tech: If in doubt, speak to someone who knows cars like yours inside and out, such as the certified service professionals. Not only can we help you find the right part for your Minnetonka area vehicle, but thanks to our service specials, we can install them for you often for less than the cost of doing it yourself.
Of course, if you’d prefer to install your own wiper blades, you’re certainly welcome to! You can use the instructions on the back of the windshield wiper packaging or read our step-by-step guide and have the job done in just a few minutes. Either way, replacing parts so that you and your passengers are safe out on the road is of the utmost importance.
How to choose the correct wiper blades?
Windshield wiper blades are vehicle specific. On some vehicles, both wiper blades are the same size. On other vehicles, the two wiper blades are different sizes. The optimal wiper blade size is determined by the manufacturer and selected for proper fit to clear as much of the windshield as possible.
If you replace your wiper blades with a larger sized blade hoping to clear more area on the windshield, you will find that one or both will hang off the side or hit the top of the windshield trim when upright.
Additionally, if both windshield wipers are too long, they may hit each other causing damage to the wiper blades, arms, and even the wiper motor. This will cause excessive wear on the wiper blades leading to spots that do not get cleared when the wiper blade isn’t flush with the windshield.
If you replace your wipers with a smaller sized blade, you will find that there are areas of the windshield that are not cleared. And some of these areas may be critical for safe operation of the vehicle.
Check your owner’s manual and only replace your wiper blades with the size specified by the manufacturer. This will ensure proper fit and prevent unwanted damage. If you cannot locate your owner’s manual, you can easily find out the wiper blade size by using a blade size finder.
When to replace windshield wipers?
If you notice any of the following symptoms, it is time to change your wiper blades.
- Streaking noise while the windshield wipers are in motion and wiping moisture off of the windshield
- Improper wiping of the glass
- The wiper blades leave a film of material while wiping
- When turned on, the wiper blades stick to the glass
With use, the rubber material of the wiper blade deteriorates and wears away. And dependent on how often the wiper blades are used will also determine the frequency of replacement.
When should you change the blades?
If it’s time to change your wiper blades you may notice some of the following symptoms:
- Shrieking noise when they wipe the moisture off your windshield
- Uneven wiping of the window surface
- Your wiper leaves a milky film of material while wiping
- The rubber is cracked or falling apart in some areas
The rubber material used in your wiper blades wear out easily with usage. It is advisable to change your wiper blades once or twice in a year depending on the type of blades used.
Rubber wiper blades do not last long and they need to be replaced regularly. Halogen-hardened rubber blades last a little while longer, whereas Silicone blades have the longest lifetime. The cost of these blades also varies according to the durability.
Why not just change the rubber blades?
The rubber blades of your wiper are available in auto parts stores and other locations. If you opt to get them changed, instead of replacing your entire wiper blade, it is cost effective.
But you should also remember that fitting the rubber blade over your wiper is a tedious task, and you can easily change the entire wiper instead of put your effort and time on to fitting the rubber blade.
What are the different types of windshield wipers?
Get the standard with conventional design
This is traditionally the most common wiper design. It consists of a rubber squeegee held by a metal frame. The frame can pivot, allowing the squeegee to be held to the windshield. These are common on older vehicles, but less common now. Today, most new vehicles come with either beam or hybrid blades. They are affordable, and typically should be replaced around every six months.
Get superior wiping with the innovative beam design
These blades feature curved frame contours to the windshield to provide maximum contact for the cleanest wipe available. They can wrap around the curvature of your windshield because they are made from a solid piece of rubber. They are more expensive than conventional blades, but they are also more efficient and last about twice as long.
They’re particularly useful in cold climates as they have no metal frame that can be clogged with ice and snow. In fact, many people clear their windshield of winter debris by slapping the beam blade against it.
Get the best of both worlds with the hybrid design
This does not mean “hybrid” automobile. Instead, these blades use conventional design with an aerodynamic rubber shell attached to the metal frame for better than conventional performance. The rubber shell provides similar all-weather protection as beam blades, and the metal frame features pivoting suspension points so help press the rubber firmly against the curved windshield.
They are more affordable than beam blades and more expensive than traditional blades, making them a great middle of the road option to maximize both savings and performance.
FAQs
What are size of replacement windshield wipers?
The blades needed are specific to that unique year, make, and mode. It is essential to choose replacement blades of the correct size for your vehicle. Most wipers measure between 10 and 28 inches.
Can I use 22 wiper blade instead of 24?
Nothing wrong will happen by using 22″ instead of 24″. All you will get is lesser wiping area. But no damage to be worried about. Regarding the other 17″ instead of 16″ wiper, only possibility is that the increases 1″ length could interfere with the other wiper or the edges of the windshield.
What is the most popular windshield wiper size?
Typical front wiper blades are between 16 and 28 inches long. Rear wiper blades are between 11 and 16 inches long. The recommended size varies by manufacturer, and sometimes even between wiper blade product lines.
Above is information about What size windshield wipers do i need? that we have compiled. Hopefully, through the above content, you have a more detailed understanding of What are the different types of windshield wipers? Thank you for reading our post.
