How to Check Rear Wiper Size

To check your rear wiper size, the fastest methods are to look in your vehicle’s owner’s manual, search your car model in an online wiper size guide, or measure the existing rear blade from end to end with a tape measure. Once you know the correct length—and sometimes the specific mounting type—you can confidently buy a replacement that will fit and work properly.

Why Rear Wiper Size Matters

The rear wiper is easy to ignore until visibility drops in rain, snow, or dust. Using the wrong size blade can leave streaks, miss parts of the glass, or even damage the wiper motor or rear window. That’s why confirming the exact rear wiper size before buying a replacement is essential for safety and for protecting your vehicle.

Method 1: Check the Owner’s Manual

Most manufacturers list exact wiper specifications in the owner’s manual, which is usually the most reliable and straightforward way to confirm rear wiper size.

Finding the Rear Wiper Size in the Manual

The following steps explain how to locate and interpret the rear wiper size information in your vehicle’s documentation.

• Open the owner’s manual and go to the “Maintenance,” “Specifications,” or “Vehicle Care” section.
• Look for a subsection labeled “Wiper Blades,” “Windshield Wipers,” or “Wiper System.”
• Identify the listing for “Rear wiper” or “Rear window wiper,” which often specifies the length in inches (e.g., 12″) or millimeters (e.g., 300 mm).
• Check whether the manual distinguishes between front and rear sizes; some tables list them in separate rows or columns.
• Note any extra details, such as specific part numbers or instructions to use only OEM (original equipment manufacturer) blades.

Once you find the rear wiper entry in your manual, you have the official size and any relevant part identifiers, making it much easier to choose a compatible replacement.

Method 2: Use Online Wiper Size Guides and Databases

If your manual is missing or unclear, online resources can match your vehicle to the correct rear wiper size using its model information.

Using Manufacturer and Retailer Websites

Many auto parts retailers and wiper manufacturers maintain up-to-date databases searchable by vehicle details; here’s how to use them effectively.

1. Visit a reputable site: go to a major auto parts retailer or a well-known wiper blade brand’s website.
2. Select the “Find the right wiper” or “Vehicle lookup” tool, often on the home page or under a “Parts Finder” menu.
3. Enter your car’s year, make, model, and sometimes trim level or body style (e.g., hatchback vs SUV).
4. Confirm that the results show separate entries for “front driver,” “front passenger,” and “rear” wiper blades.
5. Note the rear wiper length and any specific product line or connector type recommended for your vehicle.
6. Cross-check the size with at least one additional site if possible, to avoid database errors.

These online tools provide a quick way to verify rear wiper size and often suggest multiple compatible options, but confirming with a second source helps prevent ordering the wrong blade.

Using VIN-Based or App Tools

Some platforms let you search with your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which can narrow down compatibility more precisely than model-only lookups.

• Locate your VIN, typically found on a plate at the base of the windshield on the driver’s side, inside the driver’s door jamb, or on your registration/insurance documents.
• Use an auto parts website or mobile app that offers VIN-based part lookup.
• Enter your VIN to automatically pull up the exact configuration of your vehicle.
• Navigate to the wiper blade category and locate the rear wiper recommendation.
• Record the rear wiper size and part number for reference when purchasing.

VIN-based searches reduce the risk of mix-ups due to mid-year changes or multiple trims, giving you a more precise match for your rear wiper size and design.

Method 3: Measure the Existing Rear Wiper Blade

If you cannot access the manual or online data, you can measure the current blade directly; this physical check is also useful to confirm that a previously installed blade is the correct size.

How to Measure the Rear Wiper Blade Correctly

Measuring requires only basic tools and a few moments, but accuracy is crucial to avoid choosing a blade that is slightly too long or too short.

1. Lift the rear wiper arm carefully away from the glass until it locks or stands off the window, if the design allows.
2. Inspect the blade to ensure it appears original or well-fitted; if it obviously overhangs the glass or looks wrong, treat the measurement with caution.
3. Use a tape measure or ruler to measure from one end of the rubber wiping edge to the other along the length of the blade.
4. Record the length in inches and millimeters (for example, 12 in / 300 mm) to match different packaging standards.
5. Round to the nearest standard size offered by manufacturers (e.g., 10″, 11″, 12″, 13″ rather than 12.4″).
6. Check the curvature or shape of the blade: some rear wipers are slightly contoured to match the rear glass.

With an accurate measurement of the existing blade, you can identify a replacement that closely matches size and shape, while staying alert for signs that a previous owner may have installed an incorrect length.

Method 4: Identify the Rear Wiper Arm and Connector Type

Size alone is not always enough: rear wipers often use different mounting systems than front wipers, and the connector type must match.

Common Rear Wiper Mount Types

Recognizing the mounting mechanism on your rear wiper arm helps you choose a blade that will physically attach and function correctly.

• Hook-style arm: A small curved hook at the end of the arm; common on many older and some newer vehicles.
• Pin or side pin: A protruding pin that slots into a matching hole on the blade assembly.
• Bayonet or straight arm: A flat, straight arm that inserts into a matching groove on the blade.
• Top-lock or push button: A plastic housing that locks the blade in place with a button or latch mechanism.
• Rear-specific integrated designs: Some SUVs and hatchbacks use compact, proprietary rear wiper modules that require vehicle-specific blades.

Knowing your connector style in addition to length ensures you don’t buy a blade that technically matches the size but cannot be attached to your car’s rear wiper arm.

Using Parts Counters and In-Store Catalogs

Physical auto parts stores remain a reliable option, especially if you want assistance or prefer verifying fitment in person.

How to Get Rear Wiper Size Help In-Store

Store staff and printed or digital catalogs can quickly guide you to the correct rear wiper size and style.

1. Bring your vehicle details—year, make, model, and trim—along with a photo of the rear wiper if possible.
2. Ask the parts counter to look up the correct rear wiper blade size and compatible brands.
3. Confirm the listed size on the packaging matches the catalog entry and clearly states “rear” or “rear window” use.
4. Check the packaging for connector diagrams to ensure they match your rear wiper arm.
5. If allowed, compare the new blade to your existing one (length and connector) while still in the parking lot.

By combining staff expertise with catalog information and your own visual check, in-store visits can significantly reduce the chance of a wrong-size rear wiper purchase.

Warnings and Common Mistakes

There are a few recurring errors drivers make when replacing rear wiper blades that can easily be avoided with a bit of attention to detail.

Typical Errors When Checking Rear Wiper Size

Awareness of these problems will help you double-check your work and avoid damaging your vehicle or wasting money on incorrect parts.

• Assuming front and rear are the same: Rear wipers are almost always shorter and sometimes a different style from the front blades.
• Relying solely on the old blade: If a previous owner installed the wrong size, measuring that blade will simply repeat the error.
• Choosing “close enough” sizes: A blade 1–2 inches longer can strike trim or bodywork; a shorter blade may miss large areas of the glass.
• Ignoring connector compatibility: Even with correct length, an incompatible connector can prevent installation or lead to insecure mounting.
• Forcing the wrong blade onto the arm: Forcing it may damage the arm, the blade housing, or the rear glass itself.

By avoiding these missteps and verifying both size and connector type, you can ensure the replacement rear wiper is safe, effective, and properly fitted to your vehicle.

How Often to Check and Replace Rear Wipers

Beyond knowing the correct size, it is important to periodically inspect the rear wiper to maintain clear rear visibility, especially in harsh weather climates.

Signs Your Rear Wiper Needs Attention

The following indicators suggest that it may be time not only to confirm the size but also to replace the rear wiper blade entirely.

• Streaking or smearing: The blade leaves lines or foggy patches instead of a clear sweep.
• Chattering or skipping: The blade bounces or vibrates across the glass during operation.
• Cracks or splits: Visible damage or missing sections of the rubber edge.
• Uneven contact: Parts of the blade do not touch the glass, leaving unwiped zones.
• Noise or scraping: Loud squeaks or scraping sounds, especially if the rubber is worn through.

When these symptoms appear, confirming the correct rear wiper size and installing a fresh, properly matched blade will restore effective clearing and safer rearward visibility.

Summary

To check your rear wiper size, start with your vehicle’s owner’s manual, which typically lists exact rear wiper dimensions. If that’s unavailable, use online databases—ideally with your year, make, model, and even VIN—to confirm the correct length and connector. As a backup or double-check, measure the existing rear blade from end to end, but be cautious if it may have been incorrectly replaced in the past. Always verify both the blade length and the mounting style before buying, and watch for signs of wear so you replace the rear wiper before it compromises visibility.

How to fit a rear wiper?

And shatter your rear windscreen. Take the new blade. And slot the wiper arm through the gap hook the blade on the arm.

How do I find out what wiper blade I need?

You can also find the right replacement wiper blade by looking in your car’s owner manual, on the side of the old blade or potentially even on the box of your new blades – just look for your cars make or model on the packaging or leaflet.

How do you tell what size wipers you have?

What Size Windshield Wipers Do I Need?

1. Consult your owner’s manual.
2. Measure your existing wiper blades.
3. Dealership or manufacturer website: Often, car manufacturers’ websites or official dealerships will have parts databases where you can enter your car’s make, model, and year to find out specifics about wiper blades.

Are all rear wiper blades the same size?

All blades are made of similar material. However, rear wiper blades tend to be much shorter than front blades. Front blades may both be 22″ or they are 26″ and 17″ but the the rear blade will then be 10″ or 12″ or 14″ and so forth.