Wiper blades look simple, but buying the wrong ones is easy. They come in different lengths, different styles and with different fittings, and most cars need a different size on each side.
Here's how to work out which blades your car needs, what the different types are, and how often they should be replaced.
Why the driver's and passenger's blades are different
On most cars, the driver's blade is longer than the passenger's. The two blades sweep different areas of the windscreen, and the driver's side is set up to clear as much of your field of view as possible.
That means you'll usually be buying a pair of different lengths, often sold together as a set. Some cars also have a rear wiper, which is a different size again and sometimes a completely different design.
Blade lengths are normally given in millimetres or inches. You'll see sizes anywhere from around 300mm for a small rear blade up to 700mm or more for the driver's side on larger cars and vans.
Finding the right size for your car
There are a few ways to find out what fits.
Measure your old blades. Measure the rubber from end to end, not the arm. It's a quick check, but on its own it won't tell you the fitting type, so you'll need to look at that too.
Use the part number. Most branded blades have a part number printed on the frame or the connector. This is the most reliable way to find a direct replacement, because it covers length, fitting and blade style in one go.
Check your handbook. Many handbooks list the wiper blade sizes in the specifications section.
Ask us. If you're not sure, send us your VIN or your old part number and we'll help you find the right set.
Types of wiper blade
Conventional (framed) blades
These have a metal frame with several pressure points that hold the rubber against the glass. They're the traditional design and still fitted to many older cars and rear wipers. They work well but can be noisier at speed, and the frame can collect snow and ice in winter.
Flat (beam) blades
Flat blades have no external frame. A spring steel strip inside the blade spreads the pressure evenly along its whole length, and an integrated spoiler helps keep the blade pressed down at motorway speeds. Most new cars come with flat blades. They're quieter, cope better with ice and usually last longer.
Hybrid blades
A mix of the two, with a frame hidden under a plastic cover. They're common as original equipment on some makes and as an upgrade option for cars that originally had conventional blades.
In most cases, it's best to stick with the type your car came with. Switching from conventional to flat can work, but only if the blade fits your wiper arm properly and suits the curve of your windscreen.
Fittings: the bit people get wrong
The fitting is how the blade attaches to the wiper arm, and it's the most common reason a blade doesn't fit. The usual types are a U-shaped hook on the end of the arm, a side pin, and various push button or top lock designs on newer cars.
Many replacement blades come with a set of adapters to suit several arm types. Vehicle-specific blades come with the right connector already fitted, so they clip straight on. If you're replacing like for like, matching the part number avoids any guesswork. Our guide to changing your wiper blades shows what each fitting looks like and how it comes off.
When to replace them
As a rule of thumb, replace your blades every 6 to 12 months. In practice, how they're wiping matters more than the date. Change them if they leave streaks or smears, miss patches, judder across the glass, or squeak on a wet screen.
Have a look at the rubber edge too. If it's cracked, split, hard to the touch or coming away from the frame, the blade is done.
Blades on cars parked outside in strong sun or hard frost wear faster. So do blades that get used to scrape ice off the screen. If you only change them once a year, autumn is the best time, before the dark, wet months.
A few things that look like worn blades but aren't
Smearing straight after fitting new blades often comes from a dirty windscreen. Road film, wax and tree sap all cause streaks. Clean the glass thoroughly with a proper glass cleaner and try again.
Juddering can be caused by a bent wiper arm that holds the blade at the wrong angle, so it skips instead of gliding.
If one blade is clearing badly and the arm feels loose or weak, the arm's spring may have lost tension. A new blade won't fix that.
If the wipers move slowly, stop in the wrong place or don't work on some speeds, the problem is likely with the motor, linkage or switch rather than the blades.
You'll find wiper blades for most popular makes in our wipers and washers range, along with washer jets and other parts. If you're not sure which ones fit, send us your VIN or the part number from your old blades and we'll point you in the right direction.