Window and headlight washers: blades, motor, washer pump — what to buy
Blades: size and fitting matter more than the brand
Most people come here for wiper blades. They are easy to choose if you know the length on the driver’s side and the passenger’s side: it is usually different, for example 650 and 400 mm. There is also the type of arm fitting (hook, side pin, push button), and that differs between cars too. Framed blades are cheaper, while frameless (flat) blades sit better on the glass and are quieter at speed, but do not fit every arm. Heavy rain shows up weak blades very quickly.
When the problem is not the blades
If the blades only jerk, barely crawl or stop on the glass, the cause may be the motor, the linkage (the lever mechanism) or worn bushes. If the jets do not reach the glass, check the washer pump, the tubes and the nozzles themselves, because they are often simply clogged. If the headlight washer does not work, look for separate nozzles and a pump. These are different parts, and each needs its own match.
What to put in your request
- Which part — blades, motor, linkage, washer pump, reservoir, nozzles.
- Model and year — for example, Hyundai Tucson, 2017.
- Blade size — lengths in millimetres or inches, driver and passenger.
- Position — windscreen, rear glass, headlights; the side.
- Original or aftermarket — a brand, for example a known flat-blade make.
- Condition — new or used.
- Quantity — a pair, a set with the rear one.
- City, delivery and budget.
Example: “I need wiper blades for a Hyundai Tucson, 2017: driver 650 mm, passenger 400 mm, frameless, plus the rear one. A known brand or equivalent. Courier delivery to Hamilton. Budget up to $32.”
How to compare offers
After you describe the part in a request, you get replies from sellers in the chat. The platform shows first the offer that is best on content, and reviews of the seller. Sellers see their place among competitors, so they compete for your request. For small items like blades it is worth asking at once whether several items can go in one parcel. More on the “How it works” page.
When comparing, look at what exactly is in the set: a pair or a single blade, whether there are adapters for different types of fitting, whether the rear one is included. For a motor and linkage, ask for photos and the part number, as they come in left-hand and right-hand drive versions and with different lever shapes. For a used motor, ask whether the shaft turns freely and has no play. For a washer pump, pay attention to the power and the type of connector.
Common mistakes
Measuring against old blades that have already warped. Buying “universal” blades without checking the fitting. Forgetting the rear glass, where the size is different. Leaving clogged nozzles and replacing only the pump. Top up the reservoir with proper washer fluid, and rinse a dirty old reservoir. For other body items see the body parts page and the car parts section.
