Wiper blades are one of the most commonly mis-bought parts in the country, because almost every car takes a different size on each side, and plenty take a third size again on the rear. Here's how to get it right the first time.
Why are my two wiper blades different sizes?
On most vehicles the driver-side blade is longer than the passenger-side one, because it has to clear the larger sweep area in front of the driver. Fitting two same-size blades usually means a strip of unwiped glass in your line of sight, or blades clashing mid-sweep. Hatchbacks, SUVs and utes with a rear wiper add a third, usually shorter, blade.
Three ways to find your size
- Measure the blade that's on the car: tip to tip, in millimetres. Wiper sizes are usually quoted in both mm and inches (a 600Â mm blade is a 24-inch).
- Check the owner's manual: most list front and rear blade lengths in the specifications section.
- Look up your exact model: the fastest way. Every listing in our Winston's Wipers range includes a fitment table showing the exact driver, passenger and rear blade lengths for that model and year range, so you don't need to measure anything.
When should wiper blades be replaced?
In Australian conditions of UV, heat and dust, rubber blades typically last 6 to 12 months. Replace them when you see streaking, hear chattering or squealing, or notice the rubber edge is split, hardened or torn. If your windscreen stays smeared after a wipe in light rain, the blades are done.
One pair does both sides
Winston's Wipers are sold as a complete front pair: correct driver and passenger lengths in one box, from $49.95, with Teflon-coated rubber for a quieter wipe and longer life in Australian sun. We stock model-specific sets for over 1,700 vehicles. Find yours in the Winston's Wipers collection, and fit them in under five minutes with no tools.