How To Choose The Right Windscreen Wiper Size For Your Car?

Car windscreen wipers are one of the most frequently used functions of a car and yet most car drivers tend to put off changing their wipers. As the rubber blade of wipers tends to wear out over time, it is recommended to change your wiper blades at periodic intervals so that they can continue to offer the best wiping performance.

Now, changing wipers can be a stressful affair for many car drivers. However, car makers design wipers in such a way that you can change them at home without needing any special tools. Although, to be able to do that, you will need to know the correct wiper blade size for your car. Here’s how you can do that.

Why Wiper Blade Size Matters?

Your car will have two wiper arms, or three, if it also has a rear wiper. In many cases, the length of each rubber blade will be different. There are many reasons as to why each wiper is of a different length:

1. Maximising Windscreen Coverage

Windshields might look rectangular, however, they are often curved and are thus asymmetrical in nature. Therefore, the length of the two front wipers differs to cover more area without overlapping each other.

2. Preventing Collision Between Wiper Blades

If both car windscreen wipers in the front are of the same size, they might collide with one another as they go about wiping the windscreen. Their lengths are staggered to stop them from touching one another.

3. Accommodating Wiper Arm Design

The wiper arm design is also different for each car. The wiper arm and wiper blade are two different parts of the wiper assembly.  Engineers use different length rubber blades to optimise the arc of the two wiper arms, so that they don’t go off the windshield and also don’t miss the corners.

4. Safety and Visibility

The driver’s side of the windshield is prioritised as the driver’s visibility is more critical for safety and thus gets a longer blade. The passenger side of the windshield gets a shorter blade so as to optimise coverage across the windshield.

5. Vehicle Specific Design

Each vehicle has a different windshield measurement. Therefore, the wiper for each vehicle needs to be of a different size to clear the maximum amount of area for visibility.

How To Find The Correct Wiper Size For Your Car?

Finding the size of your wiper blades is an easy task, and it can be done in a few different ways.

1. Check Your Owners Manual

The easiest place to find the correct size of your car’s wipers is its owner's manual. It will also offer you other types of information, such as how to change your wiper blades by yourself.

2. Visit An Authorised Service Station

You can also visit an authorised service station or nearby third party to find out the correct wiper size for your car. They will also have OEM rubber blades in stock. If you are not confident in changing your wipers by yourself, then, this also becomes a good opportunity to have a professional help you out.

3. Look At Online Forums

More often than not, any problem you face with your car has previously been discussed in an online forum. It can become a bit tedious finding the right piece of information and cross verifying it with other sources. However, this way you can find the right wiper size for your car by using either your laptop or smartphone.

4. Measure Your Current Wipers

If you like to get handsy with your car, measuring your car wipers is the definitive way to go about figuring out their size. All you will need is a large ruler, however, we recommend using a tape measure as it is easier to use. This is not a fool proof method though, as if the wrong size of wipers has been  previously installed, you might end up repeating the mistake. This is usually the case with pre owned cars.

Tips For Buying New Wiper Blades

Buying new wiper blades can seem like an easy task, but these small pointers will make sure you stay on the right track.

1. Stick To Manufacturer Recommended Sizes

In most cases, it is recommended that you stick to the wiper size recommended by the manufacturer. This ensures that your wiper blades work optimally and don’t collide with each other. Going for a shorter size can result in decreased visibility whereas a longer blade will not be able to apply the required pressure on the glass surface, thus decreasing the wiping performance.

2. Opt For Better Quality Rubber

If your budget permits, it is a good idea to opt for high quality rubber blades. These offer a superior wiping experience, and also last longer. Furthermore, higher quality rubber has less chances of damaging your windscreen as it ages over time.

3. All Weather Wipers

If you drive in a mix of weather conditions, it is recommended that you opt for wipers that can work in multiple weather conditions. Conventional wiper blades don’t offer the same performance in snow or ice and frameless wipes are better suited for such purposes.

4. Don’t Forget The Rear Wiper

The rear wiper isn’t used as often as the front wiper, but it too needs to be changed periodically to keep your rear windscreen clean. The rear wiper is generally smaller in length and you can easily find it at an authorised service centre.

Conclusion

Choosing the correct wiper blade size is a small yet crucial aspect of car maintenance. It ensures you get maximum visibility, and at the same time, keeps your wipers working in harmony. Therefore, changing your wipers at the right time and choosing the right size will go a long way in ensuring a stress free driving experience.