What Size Windshield Wipers Do I Need? Car Window FAQs

You must have functioning windshield wipers in order to drive safely. Knowing you need new windshield wipers is only the beginning. Windshield wipers are not universal. They come in a variety of styles, sizes, and variations. 

While it makes it more confusing to buy new windshield wipers, it does make sense when you think about it. A semi truck and a sports car are going to have very different-sized windshields, so there must be a selection of different blades to suit all drivers and vehicles. 

“What size windshield wipers do I need?” you may be asking. Because they are not universal, and it can be difficult to know which ones to buy when replacing your wipers. Don’t worry, though, because we are here to help guide you to the windshield wipers you need!

Table of Contents

• What Size Windshield Wipers Do I Need?
• Why it Matters
• Left vs. Right
• Don’t Stop With the Size Alone
• Get Help With Your Oceanside Windshield 

What Size Windshield Wipers Do I Need?

Every vehicle has a manufacturer recommended size of wiper blade. The blades needed are specific to that unique year, make, and mode. It is essential to choose replacement blades of the correct size for your vehicle. Most wipers measure between 10 and 28 inches. 

That’s a pretty big difference! How do you know what to get? There are several ways to find out the right wiper size for your car:

• Look in your owner’s manual
• Use Google and find information online
• Go to an auto parts store and use their “wiper blade size finder” tool
• Measure the wiper blades currently on your car

Why it Matters

If you put wiper blades on your car that are longer than recommended, the wipers may bump into each other. This will damage the wiper motor or lead to damage of the blades themselves. Blades that are too small for the windshield will not get the entire area cleared, leading to a loss of visibility and dangerous driving conditions.

Left vs. Right

Just like wiper blades are different from vehicle to vehicle, they’re also different from left to right on the same car. Sometimes, matching sizes are required for the driver and passenger sides. On other vehicles, different sizes are required for each side of the windshield. 

Don’t Stop With the Size Alone

Today’s top windshield wipers are quite advanced! You are almost there, but you’re not finished when you find the right size. There are also different types of blades you can buy. Standard wipers, those manufactured for all vehicle makes and models, are coated with rubber squeegees or halogen-hardened rubber. Beyond traditional blades, there are also flat wiper blades, spoiler wiper blades, hybrid wiper blades, and more. 

Get Help With Your Oceanside Windshield 

You don’t need to figure it all out on your own! North Coast Auto Glass is here to help you drive safely in Oceanside, whether that means answering “What size windshield wipers do I need?“, coming to your location to repair a broken windshield, replacing your windshield, and so much more.