Kia ora, guys! This informative guide is here to give you the inside scoop on wiper blades, answering any questions you might have about ’em.
In this article, we’ll cover some common queries we receive from our mates, including:
• What Wiper Blade Size Do I Need?
• How to Get Those Wiper Blades Sorted
• Keeping Your Blades Shipshape
• How Long Do Wiper Blades Normally Last in Aotearoa?
Hunting Down the Right Blades for Your Ride
When your wipers are past their use-by date and need replacing, finding the right replacement can be a bit of a mission. It’s been a year or two, and you’ve probably forgotten the brand, size, or fitting you need.
No worries, we’ve got one of the best wiper blade finders in Aotearoa, which is a piece of cake to use and can help you track down the right wiper blades for your wheels in no time.
Wiper Blade Finder
Just punch in the make, model, and year of your vehicle to find the perfect blades for your ride.
Our finder tool will then dish up the kits we have for your car. For example, the data we have might suggest your driver’s side needs a 24″ blade, and the passenger’s side could do with a 17″ one. Make sure to grab the right wiper blades by size and try to match ’em as closely as you can to your original ones for optimal coverage when it’s raining cats and dogs.
Does Size Really Matter?
Size does matter, but don’t sweat it as long as you’re within an inch of your current wiper blade size. If you go too big, they might overlap or touch, which could lead to a bit of drama.
Some manufacturers don’t even bother making certain wiper blade sizes because vehicle makers don’t ask for ’em. For instance, if there’s no 17″ wiper blade available, a 16″ or 18″ blade will do the trick. The only difference is half an inch on either side, so the impact on size difference is pretty minimal.
What Attachment/Fitting Will I Need?
This depends on your wiper arms and how they connect to the blades. To double-check the right fitting, unhook your existing wiper blade from the wiper arm and see how it connects.
Ezywiper has a top-notch set that should cover most of your wiper blade fittings. Just slot in the adapter you need onto the wiper blade arm and connect ’em up. You can find a helpful video on installation with all our product listings along with pics of which wiper arm and adapter should match your car.
Choosing the Right Rear Wiper Blade
Choosing a replacement for your rear wiper blade can sometimes be a bit of a puzzle. It’s best to use our wiper blade finder or consult your vehicle manual to suss out the right size wiper blade for your ride.
If you can’t find that info anywhere, try removing the old rear wiper blade, snap a pic, and shoot it over via email. One of our expert team members will get back to you in a jiffy.
How to Get Those Wiper Blades Sorted
Putting on wiper blades is usually a breeze. The trickiest one to fit is often the hook arm wiper blades, and they’re the ones that can leave folks scratching their heads but are also the most common. Check out our fitting video here.
Most other wiper blade adapters just click into place and can be removed by pinching the locking bits around the attachments.
Making Your Wiper Blades Go the Extra Mile
Wiper blades typically last about 1 to 2 years, depending on how much action they see on your vehicle. A few things can speed up their wear and tear, making them need replacing sooner:
• Weather Whammies -during summer, your windscreen wipers can cop a beating from the sun, causing them to wear out faster. In winter, cold snaps can do the same when moisture turns into ice. When it’s scorching hot and you’re parking up for a bit, try to find some shade or use a windshield cover if you can. If your windscreen’s iced over, give it time to thaw before you crank up your wipers.
• Tree Gunk, Pollen & Other Crud Parking under trees can be a hassle for vehicle owners when things like tree sap, seeds, bird droppings, falling leaves, and dust start to accumulate on your windscreen. All that gunk can get under the blades and mess up the rubber or silicone, leading to streaks or worse. Before you hit the road, check for any muck or debris like leaves, twigs, or seeds around your blades and give ’em a good wipe down. Using a clean cloth with glass clearer or white vinegar will clean ’em up and give you crystal-clear vision. If that doesn’t cut it, try a citrus cleaner to zap away bugs and grime while keeping things fresh (unlike vinegar). A smart move to prevent debris from landing on your windscreen is to cover your vehicle up at night or when the wind’s blowing a gale. Pollen and sap can also cause trouble, so wash ’em off with a mixture of water and vinegar (50/50). Spray it on and wipe it off before using your wipers.
How Long Should My Wiper Blades Last?
A decent set of wiper blades usually goes the distance for about 1 to 2 years, depending on how much you’re out and about. If you’re clocking up more kays than your average 9-to-5er, they might need changing every 6 to 12 months. If your wipers give up the ghost or rust out early, it could be due to frequent rainy drives, hot and cold spells, or maybe it’s just dirt and grime causing the ruckus.
Over to You, Legends!
We love hearing from our readers, and we’re always keen to have a chinwag with you lot. So, drop your thoughts and opinions in the comments below. We wanna know:
• How long your wipers usually go for
• Your tips or tricks for keeping ’em in top shape • How you make your blades last longer Don’t be a stranger, and let’s have a yarn!