FrançaisEnglishOne of the most important aspects of driving is having a clear view of the road. This means having the right wiper blades to clear rain, snow, and all kinds of debris off your windshield.
Let’s go over the types of wiper blades you can choose from, how to find the right size, how often to change your wipers, and some other tips about replacing and caring for them.
The three most common styles of wiper blades are conventional, flat, and hybrid. Conventional wipers have an articulated metal or metal-plastic composite frame with a blade attached. Flat wipers use a thick rubber blade with a connection in the middle. Hybrid wipers are a mix of the two, combining the best performance of conventional blades with the aerodynamic structure of flat blades.
Most cars come fitted with conventional or flat blades, but you can use any type of wiper blade on any vehicle. Conventional wipers are a good option for spring and summer weather. For the fall and winter, opt for a resilient silicone hybrid blade that’s built to withstand the heavy rain and snow.
Some of our top brand recommendations for wiper blades are Trico, which you can find here, and Bosch, listed here. You can also explore our line of NAPA Exact Fit wiper blades, available on our website.
Wiper blades come in multiple sizes to fit different vehicles. Front windshield blades are usually between 16” and 28” long. If you need a new rear wiper blade, they’re usually between 11” and 16”.
You can use your current wiper blades to determine what size to buy for your new pair. Your owner’s manual should also provide the ideal blade length and may even have a specific style and brand recommendation. If you don’t have a physical copy of your manual, look for a digital version online.
Some vehicles will need two different-sized wipers for the front windshield: one for the driver’s side and another for the passenger’s side. Read carefully before you make your selection.
If you input your vehicle details in the top left corner of NAPAcanada.com, you’ll be matched with products guaranteed to fit, including wiper blades.
If you live in Canada, you know how drastically the weather can change by season. To prepare, change your front windshield wiper blades at least once every six months. To take on winter, change your blades to a winter-specific pair before the first snowfall.
Change your rear wiper blades at least once a year. You can combine this with when you change your front blades for winter.
Extreme weather may wear down your wiper blades faster, so pay attention if they need to be replaced more frequently. Some signs your blades need to be changed include:
Although they may still look like they’re in good condition at the end of the season, the natural rubbers in all wiper blades deteriorate over time. You may be able to use the same pair of blades for spring, summer, and early fall, but get a new pair of winter blades every year to maximize your view on the road.
If you go to a professional garage, you can expect to pay between $15 and $30 for a wiper blade replacement. Thankfully, you can save yourself a bit of money by learning how to do this simple task yourself. Follow this guide to learn how to do a wiper blade replacement in under 10 minutes.
To get the most out of your wiper blades, be sure to pair them with the right windshield washer fluid. Like wiper blades, choose washer fluid based on the season. Summer washer fluid targets the residue left on your windshield by bugs. Winter washer fluid focuses on clearing away salt and includes a generous amount of antifreeze to break up ice on contact instead of freezing. Check your washer fluid every three months and top it up as needed.
If your wiper blades are making excessive noise but still look intact, clean them with some soap and water. Then coat the moving parts with a silicone spray lubricant. Including the wipers when you are washing your vehicle will help them last longer. Rain repellent coatings, like this one, for your windshield can also extend the life of your wiper blades because they won’t need to work as hard.
If you have any questions about choosing, replacing, or maintaining windshield wiper blades, visit your local NAPA Auto Parts store to speak with an expert.
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