Wiper Blade Length Tip

[GAM3OVR]

I just joined today and wanted to contribute to the forum in some way. I had been thinking of things I had done to my truck that might could benefit others.

A few days ago I got caught in the rain and stopped at Advance for some new wipers. A friend of mine was with me and we were talking about how the square's leave a little to be desired in the area the wipers cover. I have made friends at the store, so they let me experiment with their wiper selection.

After trying several different sizes I found that an 18" wiper covers a considerably larger amount of area than the recommended 16", and gives no clearance issues with the windshield trim or seal. A 19" wiper will hit the seal on the top of the glass.

If you guys would like I will try to post pics.

Hope this helps and happy modding!

 

[jux]

I was just thinking about this the other day. The ol' chevy's due for new wipers, and it looked as though I could go bigger than factory. Has anyone else done this? I would be interested to know whether or not the 18'' blades slow down the wipers.

Thanks and welcome to the forum!

 

[89Suburban]

I always run 18" on mine.

 

[GAM3OVR]

I thought some May have already done this, it might help a few though. I didn't notice any reduction in speed.

 

[chubble]

I did this too when they were out one time. Great find for those of us who find it. Thanks for bringing it up!

 

[bucket]

I think the wipers on squares work fine?

IIRC, my S10 calls for 16 inch wipers. I was given a set of new 18 inch wipers so I installed those. While the coverage was better, I did notice they tend to lift off the glass at higher speeds. That made me hesitant to try larger sizes after that.

 

[IROCmenace]

Thanks for this. I just put new 16's on and thought that was a little small. I will get 18's next.

 

[89Suburban]

Nice thing about the 18's is it just about completes the wiper pass from the pass to driver's side and eliminates that annoying little v spot in the top middle where the 16" blade stops and always creates that little dribble that runs down the middle of the window when you turn the wipers off.

 

[austinado16]

@gam3ovr; welcome to the forum and thanks for the tip!

Been running 18's for years now. Wouldn't have it any other way.

 

[jux]

Just installed 17'' bosch steel tech wipers. Maybe someday I'll be brave enough to try 18''.... someday...lol.

 

[Stroked]

It seems like I put 17" on mine. Good to know that 18" will fit.

 

[GreaseDog]

I think the wipers on squares work fine?

IIRC, my S10 calls for 16 inch wipers. I was given a set of new 18 inch wipers so I installed those. While the coverage was better, I did notice they tend to lift off the glass at higher speeds. That made me hesitant to try larger sizes after that.

I think it has more to do with the design of the wiper, than the length. both my gmt400, and my Taurus had conventional replacement blades. on my drive to work, with speeds approaching 80 miles an hour getting behind a semi truck and even slowing to 60, the blades would begin to lift. Replaced the blades on the Taurus with a set of Bosch premium beam type blades. manage to get a set of good used blades they came off of one of our used cars in for reconditioning. They're the Motorcraft variety of the same blade (they look identical, except for the brand names). Neither of them ever lift anymore.

 

[da_raabi]

Just installed a set of 18" Rain-X wipers, they are a perfect fit. Waaaaay better than those stock tiny little things...

 

[HotRodPC]

Pretty sure mine has some real nice thick heavy 18's that FELL OFF a Copart car. and they work great too.

 

[89Suburban]

I'm going to try those Rain X Latitude ones.