How to Choose Windshield Wiper Blades: 8 Steps (with Pictures) (2024)

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Co-authored byEd Beery

Last Updated: April 16, 2024References

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   Read your car manual. Windshield wiper blades come in many different sizes, and the same car may accommodate more than one size. Read your car manual to see what sizes of wiper blades can be installed on your car. Checking this way is the most straightforward way to figure out what you’re looking for before you go shopping.^[1]

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   Measure your current wiper blades. Use a measuring tape to measure your wiper blades. If your car uses two wiper blades of different lengths, measure them both. To have an easy reference while you are shopping, save the measurements on your phone.^[2]

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   Ask for assistance at an auto parts store. Visit an auto parts store for help finding the right sized wiper blades for your car. Tell a store clerk the year, make, and model of your car so they can find the right blades for you. Some auto parts stores will install the blades for you after you purchase them.

   See Also

   How to Clean Windshield Wipers: 11 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHowBest Windshield Wipers for Your Car in 2024Windshield Wipers - Wiper Blades Replacement for Cars, Trucks and SUVs | AutoZone10 Best Windshield Wipers [Buying Guide] – Autowise

   • Alternatively, bring one of your old wiper blades to the store to have them match it.
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   Go through a dealership. For a pricey but straightforward method, visit a car dealership to get the exact model of wipers that came with your vehicle. If you drive an older model of car, this will mean that your wipers will lack new features.^[3]

   • Alternatively, you may be able to call the dealer’s parts department to get the make and model number of the wiper’s to track down on your own.

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   Buy conventional rubber blades if you're concerned about price. Conventional wiper blades are made of rubber within a metal frame. If you already have these blades and are happy with their performance, stick with them. These wipers are the most simple and cost effective choice.

   • Rubber and synthetic rubber blades will break down in the sunlight UV rays, so you might not save that much in the long run, since they will require replacement more often.
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   Invest in silicone wiper blades if you want durability. Silicone blades are an alternative to regular, rubber wiper blades. These blades wipe away water more effectively with each stroke than rubber wipers. Silicone blades cost more than rubber blades but also last up to twice as long.^[4]

   • Many silicone blades come with warranties, which is uncommon for regular wiper blades.
   • Silicone blades are quieter than rubber wiper blades.
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   Opt for beam blades to eliminate streaking and residue. Beam blades are rubber and spring steel blades that do not have an external frame, allowing them to put more even pressure across the windshield when wiping. Beam blades can cost up to twice as much as conventional wiper blades, but the better performance may make them worth the investment.^[5]

   • Beam blades are the best option for curved windshields because of their flexibility.
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   Find sturdy winter blades that will survive cold weather. There are several different features to shop for if you want sturdy wiper blades that will stand up against a cold winter. Ask a store clerk at an auto parts store to show you the best winter-resistant wiper blades for your vehicle. When shopping, remember that:^[6]

   • Beam blades are best at clearing heavy residue (e.g., snow and ice) because they have fewer metal parts to break off.
   • Some winter-ready blades are infused with graphite or teflon for extra strength.
   • Investing in more durable blades will help prevent stress on your vehicle’s wiper motor.
   • Winter blades typically cost more than regular blades.
   • Steel frame blades can get clogged with snow and ice, rendering them useless without breaking up the ice buildup on the blades. The ice can build up while driving in snow, requiring the driver to break it up after driving for a period of time.

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