How to Choose Windshield Wiper Blades

Co-authored by Ed Beery

Last Updated: November 2, 2022 References

There are a variety of windshield wiper blades available and choosing the right model can be difficult. To find the right size, read your car’s manual, measure your wipers, or visit an auto parts store for assistance. If conventional rubber wiper blades aren’t doing the trick, try frame-less beam blades or silicone blades. As a general rule, investing more in wiper blades will result in greater performance and durability.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Finding the Right Size

1
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]
X
Trustworthy Source
Consumer Reports
Nonprofit organization dedicated to consumer advocacy and product testing
Go to source}
2
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]
X
Research source}

Advertisement
3
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.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- Alternatively, bring one of your old wiper blades to the store to have them match it.
4
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.^{[4]
X
Research source}
- 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.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Comparing Features

1
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.^{[5]
X
Research source}
- 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.
2
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.^{[6]
X
Research source}
- Many silicone blades come with warranties, which is uncommon for regular wiper blades.
- Silicone blades are quieter than rubber wiper blades.
3
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.^{[7]
X
Trustworthy Source
Consumer Reports
Nonprofit organization dedicated to consumer advocacy and product testing
Go to source}
- Beam blades are the best option for curved windshields because of their flexibility.
4
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:^{[8]
X
Research source}
- 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.

Expert Q&A

Question

How can I make my wiper blades last longer?

Ed Beery
Automotive Specialist
Ed Beery is an Automotive Specialist and the Owner of InTechgrity Automotive Excellence based in Denver, Colorado. With more than eight years of experience, he specializes in providing maintenance and repair services for both individuals and companies. Ed and the InTechgrity Automotive Excellence Team are approved by the American Automobile Association (AAA) for repairs and are Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certified.

Ed Beery

Automotive Specialist

Expert Answer

In freezing temperatures, always turn off your wipers when you park your car. If the wipers are left on, they will try to run the next time you start your car. This may have them grinding over ice, which detiorates the blade prematurely. It also helps to park indoors (or in the shade), to keep your windshield clean, and to scrape the ice off your wipers when it snows.