Your windshield wipers are the unsung heroes of your car because they keep your view clear and safe no matter the weather. But did you know that windshield wiper blades don’t come in a universal “one size fits all” design? Therefore, if you need to replace the windshield wipers on your Ford F-150, it is crucial that you know the correct size of the wiper blades.
The size of the wiper blades on a Ford F-150 varies between model years.
- 1975 to 1979: 15 inches
- 1980 to 1996: 18 inches
- 1997: 22 inches
- 1998 to 2008: 20 inches
- 2009 to present: 22 inches
In this guide, I’ll explain the importance of choosing the windshield wiper blade sizes, how to measure wiper blade sizes, and how to replace the windshield wipers on your F-150.
Does Windshield Wiper Blade Size Matter?
In inclement weather, your windshield wipers work nonstop to keep your line of sight unobstructed. But in order to do their job properly, your windshield wipers need to have blades that are the appropriate size. If you use wiper blades that aren’t the right size for your vehicle, you may end up with streaky visibility and even damage your windshield or wipers.
Putting size 16 wiper blades on a car that needs size 18 is like wearing a size 7 shoe when you’re actually a size 9. Wiper blades, like shoes, are available in a wide range of sizes to accommodate a wide variety of vehicles, and using the incorrect size can have undesirable effects. In extreme cases, this can crack or shatter your windscreen. Having wiper blades that are the right size will ensure that they make complete contact with the windshield, allowing for the best possible visibility and defense.
Keep in mind that the wiper arm or wiper mechanism may not be able to accommodate the wrong size blades, as these components vary widely between vehicle designs. As a result, the wipers may not function properly, and there’s a chance that the mechanism itself could be damaged.
How to Measure Windshield Wiper Blades
In reality, measuring windshield wipers is much easier than you might think. Discovering the width of your current wipers is the first order of business. You can measure your vehicle’s blades or consult the manual to determine their size.
Take note that the length of the wiper arm is not equal to the size of the wiper blade. The wiper blade is attached to the wiper motor via the wiper arm. The size of a windshield wiper is determined by the length of the rubber blade that actually touches the glass.
In order to determine the length of the blades on your own, you will need a ruler or measuring tape. The wiper arm must be raised away from the glass before anything else can be done. The wiper blade should be in its unrestrained, relaxed state. After that, determine how long the wiper blade is by measuring from the end of the metal connector that joins the wiper arm to the blade itself. Record the measurement in inches.
Remember that the wiper blades on the driver’s and passenger’s sides of some vehicles may be different sizes. In addition, the rear wipers on some vehicles may be a different size than the front ones. Luckily for F-150 owners, this isn’t the case; the size of the driver-side wiper blade is identical to that of the passenger-side blade.
The wiper blade should have a part number on it, which you can use to determine the correct size. Typically, the manufacturer will indicate the size of the blade on the packaging or the blade itself. The wiper arm itself can serve as a size reference, which is typically stamped on the wiper arm.
How to Replace Windshield Wiper Blades on a Ford F-150
Replacing the windshield wiper blades on a Ford F-150 can be done in 4 easy steps. When following this guide, make sure to start from the driver-side windshield wiper before moving to the passenger side.
1. Preparation
The majority of blades have a small clip that holds them in place. While you are moving the blade in a backward direction, as if you were sliding it down the wiper arm, you should also be moving the clip in a direction that brings it closer to the arm to undo the clip.
2. Removing the old blade
To detach the arm from the blade, remove the hook that is attached to the blade and then move the blade a short distance down the arm. After the hook has been uncovered, the blade can be extracted without much of a struggle.
3. Positioning the replacement blade
In order to attach the new blade to the wiper, you will need to position the hook so that it faces in the opposite direction from how it was originally facing. Just position the hook so that it goes over the top of the fastener.
4. Securing the new blade in place
Take hold of the blade, and pull it in the direction of your forearm. When the blade clicks into place, it won’t move from that position again.
After you’re done installing the replacement wiper blades, turn your vehicle on and test them at their fastest speed. Make sure to lubricate your windshield with the washer fluid before turning on the wipers.
How Long Do Windshield Wiper Blades Last?
There are a number of factors that affect how long windshield wiper blades last, including how often they are used, the weather, and the quality of the blades themselves. In general, you can expect your wiper blades to serve you for anywhere from 6 months to a year. However, you should check the condition of your wiper blades on a regular basis and replace them if they begin to streak, chatter, or make noise when in use.
The rubber can crack or deteriorate more quickly in the sun’s heat, in the cold, or after a heavy downpour. If you want to drive with the best possible visibility and safety, you should check the blades regularly and replace them whenever you see signs of wear and tear.
