What is the size of the wiper blade?
3 Answers
Measure the length of the wiper rubber strip with a ruler. Generally, car wiper sizes are as follows: 14 inches = 350mm, 15 inches = 375mm, 16 inches = 400mm, 17 inches = 425mm, 18 inches = 450mm, 19 inches = 475mm, 20 inches = 500mm, 21 inches = 525mm, 22 inches = 550mm, 24 inches = 600mm, 26 inches = 650mm. Daily use precautions for wipers: 1. Regular cleaning: Temperature changes or sand, dust, etc. can shorten the life of the wiper blades. Frequently clean dirt from the windshield and wiper blades, especially after rain, to reduce unnecessary wear and extend the life of the wiper blades. 2. Avoid dry wiping: The primary condition for using wipers is to use them when there is rain. Never wipe dry without water, as this can damage the rubber wiper blades and the wiper motor. 3. Moderate use: At the beginning of rain, if the rainfall is not enough to obstruct the driver's view, it is recommended not to use the wipers.
I happened to research wiper sizes a couple of days ago. They're not one-size-fits-all - it depends on your car model. Take my SUV for example: the driver's side uses 26-inch blades while the passenger side takes 20-inch ones, and the front/rear glass require different sizes too. I once bought a random pair at the supermarket that didn't fit, which taught me you must select by vehicle type. I recommend checking the sticker on your door frame or consulting the owner's manual for the most accurate info. When measuring length, remember to straighten the rubber blade and measure from the hook center. Using wrong sizes may cause poor wiping at best, or worse - burn out the wiper motor. Your safest bet is having a professional measure at a specialty shop, or entering your vehicle model for automatic matching when ordering online.
Having repaired cars for over a decade, I've noticed many car owners get the wiper blade sizes wrong. Each brand and model requires different sizes - for instance, a Toyota Corolla uses a 22+16 inch combination while a Honda Civic requires 24+18 inches. The key is to check the wiper arm attachment type, as U-hook and side-pin hook systems use different sizes. Last time I helped a neighbor replace wipers, he insisted the dealership was overcharging, but the ones he bought himself were 3cm too long and skipped across the windshield. Actually, windshield curvature varies, and incorrect sizes leave blind spots. Here's a pro tip: check the numbers engraved on the metal strip of your old wiper - the last three digits indicate the length in inches.
