What Size Windshield Wipers Do I Need?

You can check your owner's manual, online, ask a tech, or measure your current wipers to know what size windshield wipers you need.
Written by Talullah Blanco
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
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To know what size windshield wipers you need, check your owner’s manual or measure your windshield wipers manually. 
Windshield wipers are one of the most important components of your vehicle, but you often forget about them until you’re caught driving in the pouring rain and are cranking them up to full gear. Driving with worn wipers can be extremely dangerous, and that’s why it’s important to make changing your windshield wipers part of your regular car maintenance routine. 
But before you replace your old wipers, you’ll need to know the size of the windshield wipers you need. In this guide,
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When should I change my windshield wipers?

Most wiper manufacturers recommend that you change your windshield wipers every six or twelve months depending on the climate you live in and how often you drive. However, this is just a general rule of thumb.
These signs indicate that it may be time to change your windshield wipers: 
  • Streaks on your windshield
  • Cracked rubber blades
  • Bent wiper frames
  • Squeaking or scratching sounds 
Whether you notice one or all of the above signs, you’ll need to know your windshield wiper size before you can swap out your old blades for new ones. 
MORE: How to make windshield washer fluid

What size windshield wipers do I need?

The size of windshield wipers you need will depend on the type of car you drive. Auto manufacturers determine the size of windshield wipers for each vehicle to ensure they cover as much windshield area as possible. 
Choosing the wrong size windshield wipers could damage your blades or leave your windshield uncleared. Luckily, there are multiple ways to find the right size windshield wipers for your car:
  • Check your owner’s manual. The manufacturer-recommended windshield wiper size for your specific vehicle will be found in your owner’s manual. 
  • Ask a tech. Visit your local dealership and ask a technician what the correct wiper size is for the make, model, and year of your car. They’ll likely have windshield wipers available for purchase and installation. 
  • Check online. Input your car’s year, make, and model into the online
    Rain X
    windshield wiper size tool to find the blade size you need. 
  • Measure your current windshield wipers. You can find the size of windshield wipers you need by measuring the ones that are already on your car. 

How to measure your windshield wipers

Don’t worry—measuring your windshield wipers is easier than you’d think! To find the size of your wiper blades you'll just need a measuring tape. Follow these steps:
  • Pull the wiper blade away from the windshield and straighten it 
  • Use the measuring tape to measure the wiper length from end to end
Some vehicles have the same size wiper blades, while others have two different-sized blades, so make sure you repeat the above steps to measure both your driver- and passenger-side windshield wipers.

How to change your windshield wipers

Once you’ve chosen what size windshield wipers you need, you can install them yourself in a couple of minutes. Here’s how to change your windshield wipers:
  • Set your windshield wipers in the service position
  • Pull the old blade off the wiper arm 
  • Slide the new blade on the wiper arm and click it into place
  • Return your wipers to their operating position by placing them on the windshield
Key Takeaway If your wiper blades are different sizes, make sure you install the right size on the driver and passenger sides. 

How to choose the right car insurance policy

Finding the right car insurance policy is just as important as choosing the right size windshield wipers for your car. 
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FAQ

It’s recommended you change your windshield wipers every twelve months. If you live in a colder climate or somewhere it rains frequently, you’ll need to change your windshield wipers closer to every six months.
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