The Importance Of Windshield Wipers: What Types Does Your Car Need?

What Kind of Windshield Wipers Do I Need?

In the owner's manual for your vehicle, there should be a section covering your windshield wipers, just like there is on every other part of your vehicle. In that manual, you'll get details about the length of all the wipers on your vehicle.

If you can't find those details or you don't have your manual, you have two options. First, you can perform a quick online search to help identify them, or second, you can also manually measure the length of the wipers on your ride. Just be sure to measure each wiper blade individually because the left and right wipers are often different sizes. You can also remove the wiper blade and bring it in the store with you, as most auto parts stores will help you find the right one.

Using a Size Finder to Choose Wiper Blades for My Car

If you want to know what wipers fit your car, you can quickly determine that information by using a size finder tool available online. These simple tools take information about your vehicle and give you the size and connection type you should use for your vehicle.

One of these quick size finders gives you options for wipers for my car quickly, but they often won't tell you which size each of the wipers goes on. This means you must look at your wipers to see if they are the same size, and if not, you must note which is the length so you know where to put your different replacement sizes.

When using one of these tools, you should make a note on your phone or on a card and add it to your vehicle so you always have the size available to use in the future. Simple notes like these will help you choose windshield wipers that fit your vehicle properly without having to spend time researching them again.

Getting the Proper Attachment Type

When asking yourself, what type of windshield wipers do I need, you have to think about the clip style as well as the actual wiper length. There are many different clip types, and you either need a universal clip or the clip that was made specifically for your vehicle. Before buying replacement wipers, you must remove the current ones and look closely at the end of the wiper arm to see the arm style.

If it's curved in a j-shape, you have j-hook blades, if there is a side pin, you have a side-lock; and if it's nearly a straight bar with a small hole, you have a bayonet. These are the three most common styles. If you have something different than these, you should purchase universal wiper blade replacements to help you get an attachment style that will work for your vehicle.

Should You Replace the Blades Yourself or Hire a Mechanic?

After you take the time to learn how to know what windshield wipers you need, you can either do all the work yourself or hire a mechanic to help you. If you are willing to do some troubleshooting and you're comfortable with basic tools such as a flathead screwdriver, you can replace your wipers yourself.

If you would rather not handle the task at all, you can hire a mechanic to do the work for you for a small fee. Either way, replacing windshield wipers is a simple process that should only take a few minutes.

Should You Replace the Full Wiper or Just the Squeegee?

What many people don't realize is that on most windshield wipers today, it's possible to replace just the squeegee instead of the entire wiper assembly. Most people replace the full windshield wiper assembly because it's faster and easier, but you can save money and reduce your waste by replacing just the squeegee on each of your wipers.

If you decide to replace the squeegees, you'll have to learn how to detach the current squeegees and how to insert replacement ones. There are many universal rubber of silicon squeegee replacements you can slide into place and cut to size, and they can restore worn wipers to like-new performance once installed.

If you're willing to do extra work, you can swap just the squeegees and save some money. Otherwise, you can remove the old wiper blade assemblies and replace them entirely for a quick upgrade for your vehicle.

How to Maintain Your Windshield Wipers

After you go through the trouble of replacing the wipers for your car, you should take the time to maintain them properly. There are a few easy maintenance tips for you to follow to keep your blades in good working order. Below is a quick checklist to help you keep up with maintenance requirements.

• Run the wipers at least once a week.
• Clean the wiper squeegees regularly.
• Properly clean your windshield often.
• Test your wipers for damage regularly.

It's essential to help protect your wipers from the damage of disuse. Allowing your blades to sit unused for several weeks can cause them to dry out and get stuck to your windshield, where they could potentially be damaged during your next use. To prevent this issue, you should run your wiper blades using some spray fluid at least once a week. You should also take the time to wipe down your wiper squeegees regularly.

Add some isopropyl alcohol to a lint-free rag and wipe the squeegees off to remove dirt, rocks, and other grit. While you clean the blades, you should also use a windshield cleaner and lint-free rag to wash off your windshield as well. Finally, you should test your wipers and inspect them for damage regularly. If you check over your windshield wipers often, you won't face nearly as many issues with them over time.

There are many different types of windshield wipers. However, a lot of us ask, "which wipers fit my car properly?". Most windshield wipers need to be replaced annually, and by understanding which options are the right ones for your vehicle, you can make an effective replacement each time one is necessary.

Before purchasing your next vehicle, it's wise to consider what sort of wipers are offered on the vehicle and whether you're getting a common clip style or something more unique. There are many features to consider when buying a vehicle, and you have to look at how a vehicle has been maintained. We always encourage buyers to look at a vehicle history report before making a purchase, but you should also test drive the vehicle, look it over thoroughly, and pay attention to how things like the wiper blades, brake pads, and oil have been maintained on the vehicle.