What Brand Does Audi Use for Windshield Wipers?

Audi primarily uses Bosch and Valeo as original-equipment manufacturers (OEM) for its windshield wipers, with Trico and SWF appearing on some models and markets; the actual brand can vary by model year, vehicle line, and region, but Bosch is the most commonly seen OEM supplier on modern Audi vehicles.

Contents

How Audi Sources Its Windshield Wipers
Genuine Audi vs. Aftermarket: Same Maker, Different Box
How to Tell Who Made the Wipers on Your Audi
Why Audi Uses Multiple Wiper Suppliers
Choosing Replacement Wipers for an Audi
Summary

How Audi Sources Its Windshield Wipers

Behind the Audi logo on a wiper arm or blade sits a network of specialist suppliers. Like most global carmakers, Audi does not manufacture its own wiper blades. Instead, it relies on tier‑one parts suppliers that develop, test and produce wiping systems to Audi’s specifications, then deliver them for factory installation or genuine replacement parts.

The Main OEM Brands Behind Audi Wipers

To understand what is actually on an Audi’s windshield from the factory, it helps to look at the key suppliers the brand has historically relied on and still uses as of 2024.

Bosch: The most prevalent wiper supplier for late‑model Audi cars and SUVs. Many genuine Audi blades are manufactured by Bosch and reboxed with Audi logos and part numbers. Bosch’s Aerotwin / flat-blade technology is widely used on models such as the A3, A4, A6, Q3, Q5 and others.

Valeo: Another major OEM supplier, especially in Europe. Certain Audi models and trims leave the factory with Valeo-made flat blades, again often branded only with Audi’s four rings on the plastic spoiler or the arm.

SWF (part of Valeo Group): A specialist in wiping systems, SWF-branded components show up on some European-built Audi models, mainly as arms and mechanisms, with blades sometimes labeled SWF, sometimes just with part codes.

Trico: Less common globally but appears as an OEM supplier in select markets and model years, particularly for rear wipers or specific regional variants.

These suppliers are interchangeable from the consumer’s point of view: what matters is that they produce to Audi’s OEM specification. The logo on the retail box can differ, but the underlying technology often comes from the same industrial lines that serve Audi’s factories.

Genuine Audi vs. Aftermarket: Same Maker, Different Box

Many Audi owners encounter confusion when trying to buy replacement wipers: dealership parts counters sell “genuine Audi” blades, while parts stores push Bosch or Valeo-branded packages. The relationship between these options is closer than it might appear.

What “Genuine Audi” Wiper Blades Really Are

When you buy wiper blades in Audi-branded packaging at a dealer, those blades are typically produced by Bosch or Valeo — the same suppliers already used on the assembly line — but specified, tested and guaranteed under Audi’s internal standards. The physical blades often share their underlying design with the Bosch Aerotwin or Valeo Silencio lines, though the exact rubber compound, curvature of the beam, and attachment interface can be tailored for each model.

Aftermarket Equivalents and Cross-Brand Overlap

Most major wiper manufacturers sell “direct fit” blades for Audi models in their own branded packaging. These include Bosch Aerotwin or Clear Advantage, Valeo Silencio or HydroConnect, and offerings from Trico and others. In many cases, the fit and wiping quality are very close to the original, because the same company that supplied the OEM part is also selling the replacement under its own brand. However, minor variations in pressure distribution, spoiler design, or rubber formulation can make genuine Audi blades perform slightly differently, especially at high speeds or in heavy rain.

How to Tell Who Made the Wipers on Your Audi

For owners who want to know exactly what brand of wiper blades their Audi left the factory with, the answer often sits on the wiper blade itself or in the documentation that came with the car.

Inspect the blade or arm: On many Audi models, small markings on the underside or side edge of the blade include a supplier code or brand (e.g., “Bosch,” “Valeo,” or a coded logo). This is easiest to see with the arm lifted.

Check the part number: Audi part numbers for wiper blades can be cross‑referenced with Bosch or Valeo catalogs. Online OEM databases and dealer systems often show the underlying supplier for a given Audi number.

Look at regional service bulletins: In some regions, Audi service bulletins explicitly reference Bosch or Valeo when updating wiper recommendations or solving chatter or streaking issues.

Ask the dealer parts department: Dealer staff can usually identify the current OEM supplier for your specific VIN, though the part on the shelf will still carry an Audi label rather than a Bosch or Valeo logo.

While this detective work can be interesting for enthusiasts, it is not strictly necessary for choosing a suitable replacement, since both genuine Audi and major-brand equivalents are engineered for the same mounting systems and sweep patterns.

Why Audi Uses Multiple Wiper Suppliers

The fact that Audi uses Bosch on one model and Valeo or SWF on another is not accidental. It reflects the company’s global procurement strategy and engineering requirements more than a simple brand preference.

Engineering, Cost and Regional Supply

Windshield wipers are safety-critical parts, especially at the speeds many Audi models are capable of traveling. Audi’s engineers work with suppliers to ensure wiping performance at highway speeds, in winter conditions and during heavy rain. Different model lines and windshield shapes sometimes favor one supplier’s beam design or rubber compound. At the same time, Audi’s purchasing teams consider cost, production capacity and logistics. Production plants in Germany, Hungary, Mexico or China might be supplied by different wiper manufacturers depending on regional agreements and shipping efficiency.

Impact on Drivers and Maintenance

For drivers, the mix of suppliers mostly matters when replacing blades. Some aftermarket brands are a near-perfect physical and performance match because they are the same OEM suppliers; others are compatible but tuned more broadly for multiple models and brands. Regardless, Audi’s official recommendation is to use genuine parts or high‑quality equivalents that match the correct length, curvature and attachment type specified for the vehicle.

Choosing Replacement Wipers for an Audi

Knowing that Audi uses Bosch, Valeo, SWF and occasionally Trico helps when shopping for replacements, but it does not by itself guarantee the best choice. Owners should focus on compatibility, quality and climate needs.

Match the exact fitment: Use your VIN or model/year and body style to ensure the correct lengths and attachment style (often side‑pin or top‑lock for modern Audis). Genuine Audi parts and top-tier Bosch/Valeo kits list exact applications.

Prefer flat/beam blades: Most newer Audi vehicles use low‑profile beam blades rather than traditional framed wipers; sticking with that style preserves aerodynamic performance and reduces wind noise.

Consider winter and climate demands: In snowy or icy climates, winter-specific blades or OEM-equivalent beam blades with robust rubber compounds provide better performance and durability.

Check production date and packaging: Wiper rubber degrades over time, even on the shelf. Buying from reputable retailers reduces the risk of old stock or counterfeit blades claiming to be Bosch or Valeo.

When in doubt, Audi dealers can supply blades that match original performance, and many independent shops can recommend Bosch or Valeo sets that closely mirror factory-installed parts at a lower price.

Summary

Audi does not operate its own wiper-blade factories. Instead, it relies chiefly on Bosch and Valeo — with SWF and Trico involved on some models and markets — to supply windshield wipers that meet its engineering and safety standards. Many genuine Audi wiper blades are, in effect, Bosch or Valeo products in Audi packaging, tailored to specific vehicle windshields. For replacement, high‑quality blades from those same brands, correctly matched to the model and year, will usually replicate the performance of the original equipment, while genuine Audi parts guarantee full conformity with factory specifications.

Does Audi use Bosch wiper blades?

Use our Bosch search tool to instantly find the right wiper blades for your Audi. Whether you’re looking for front or rear wiper blades, we can help. Discover our extensive range of Bosch technologies, including the latest wiper blades for your Audi in our product range.

What wiper blades does Audi use?

Audi uses different wiper blade sizes and types depending on the specific model and year, so there is no single answer. For example, a 2019–2025 Audi sedan typically uses a 24-inch driver-side blade and a 20-inch passenger-side blade, while an Audi Q7 from 2023 uses 26-inch to 28-inch driver-side blades and a 15-inch rear blade. To find the correct size, it’s best to check your car’s owner’s manual or use an online vehicle lookup tool with your car’s specific details.
Example wiper blade sizes for common Audi models

Audi Sedan (2019–2025): 24-inch (driver) and 20-inch (passenger)
Audi A4 (2020): 24-inch (driver) and 20-inch (passenger)
Audi Q7 (2023): 26–28-inch (driver) and 15-inch (rear)

Tips for finding the right wiper blades

Use your owner’s manual: The manual will have the precise measurements for your vehicle’s original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts.
Use an online lookup tool: Websites like Audi Great Neck, AutoZone.com, or Advance Auto Parts have tools where you can enter your car’s make, model, and year to find compatible parts.
Check the part number: You can find the OEM part number for your car’s wipers on an old blade or through an OEM parts supplier, such as Audi OEM Parts Online.
Consider aftermarket options: Many reputable brands like Bosch, Rain-X, and others make high-quality wiper blades that are compatible with Audi vehicles, like those found on AutoZone.com or Advance Auto Parts.

Do Audis need special wiper blades?

Modern Audis might favor beam blades for their arc matching the windshield’s curvature, whereas older models may still employ conventional blades. In any case, your choice should bolster the clear vision and premium feel synonymous with owning an Audi.

Is Bosch better than Rainx?

Bosch wiper blades generally offer superior long-term performance with smoother, quieter wiping and greater durability, particularly the Bosch Icon line, while Rain-X blades excel at immediate water repellency due to their special coating, making them a strong choice for quick fixes or in heavy rain conditions. Bosch blades tend to be more expensive but have a longer lifespan, while Rain-X blades are often more budget-friendly and are excellent for their initial water-repellent feature.
You can watch this video to see a comparison of Bosch and Rain X wiper blades in different conditions: 55sAuto CareYouTube · Apr 13, 2023

Feature	Bosch	Rain-X
Performance	Excellent streak-free wiping, smoother, and quieter, especially over time.	Excellent in heavy rain due to a water-repellent coating.
Lifespan	Longer-lasting, with high durability.	Shorter lifespan, typically 6 to 12 months, depending on conditions.
Noise	Known for quiet operation.	Can become noisier over time as the coating wears off.
Weather Resistance	Performs well in various conditions; some models are specifically designed for harsh winters.	Excels in heavy rain, but some users report streaks from the coating over time.
Cost	Typically more expensive.	More budget-friendly.
Ease of Installation	Bosch Icon line offers different curvatures for a better fit on various windshields.	Easy-to-install brackets provide near-universal compatibility.