How to choose the right wiper blades for your car

By Chad Lückhoff

We show you how to ensure that you get the right wiper blades for your car.

Wiper blades are a critical safety item on your car. In even the slightest drizzle, impaired vision can be extremely dangerous. Be sure to check your windscreen wiper blades on a regular basis as the rubber perishes over time, especially in the harsh African sun.

While there are some variations in the fittings and types of blades, you can avoid most of the risk by following these few, simple steps.

1. Do they need replacing?

Your wiper blades don't necessarily need to be falling apart for them to need replacing. Small, hard-to-see cracks can cause streaking and fail to clean your windscreen effectively. If the rubber isn't soft and feels a little crisp to the touch, they may need replacing. New blades will also help with chattering blades.

2. Removing the wiper blades.

Lift the blades from the windscreen and swivel them so that they are 90-degrees to the arm. Locate the small tab on the clip where the wiper blade meets the arm.

3. Removing the wiper blades cont.

Push the blade towards the base of the arm. This will release the clip from the arm and allow you to remove the wiper blade.

4. Checking your blades.

Grab a tape measure or a length of string and measure the length of the blade. Wiper blades are available in common sizes and often quoted in inches. 1 inch = 25.4 mm.

Common sizes are 14, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21 and 22 inch lengths. Some cars will require a specific style blade, these may be listed as AP or AE and usually indicate that the entire blade is flexible.

5. Where to buy blades.

Take the string, or the blade itself, to your local car service center. Many tyre stores will also stock a range of wiper blades. Some convenience and supermarkets will have a selection of wiper blades in the automotive section as well some hardware stores.

6. Choosing the right blade.

It's recommended to stick to known name brands, such as Bosch, to ensure that you get the best value and longevity from your blades. Reputable brands will use a better quality rubber and these tend to last longer.

7. Selecting the right length.

Using the measurement you took earlier (or the length of string you brought with you), check the racks for the corresponding blade and check that the blade type matches that of your car (flexible or rigid). Don't worry too much about the clip as most blades will include a pack of clips so that you can choose the right one that matches your car's fitment.

To check our video on fitting wiper blades, including the removal, click HERE: