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Automotive Reference

Wiper Blade Connector Types

Right blade, wrong clip = it won't attach. The connector is the end of your wiper arm. Match it to one of these five and you'll get the adapter that fits.

The five common connectors

Look at where the blade meets the arm. Most vehicles use a hook; newer ones use push buttons or pinch tabs. Universal blades ship with adapters for several of these.

J-HOOK PUSH BUTTON PINCH TAB BAYONET SIDE PIN most common newer US / Asian VW · Audi · BMW Renault · older EU some trucks / EU

Which is which

ConnectorHow it looksCommon on
J-HookArm curves into a hook (sizes 9×3, 9×4)The majority of vehicles
Push ButtonRectangular button on top of the arm endNewer Ford, GM, Honda, Toyota
Pinch TabSqueeze tabs on the sides of a clipVW, Audi, BMW, Mercedes
BayonetFlat blade arm with two holesRenault, some older European
Side PinRound pin sticking out the side of the armSome trucks & European cars
Two numbers to buy a blade: size and connector. The length (e.g. 24") and the arm connector both matter — a 24" blade with the wrong clip won't latch. Most "universal" blades include adapters for hook, push-button and pinch-tab arms; check the pack lists yours. Driver and passenger blades are often different lengths.

Common questions

How do I know which wiper connector I have?

Pull the blade off and look at the end of the metal arm. A curved hook is a J-hook (most common). A little rectangular button is push-button. Side squeeze-tabs are pinch-tab. A flat end with holes is bayonet; a round pin is side-pin. Match that to the blade's adapter.

Are wiper blades universal?

Many are sold as "universal" with a set of adapters covering the common arms (hook, push button, pinch tab). They still have to be the right length, and some arms (bayonet, certain side pins) need a specific blade. Check the package for your connector.

What size wiper blades do I need?

That's vehicle-specific — driver and passenger sides are often different lengths (e.g. 26" + 18"). Check your current blades, the owner's manual, or an in-store fitment guide. This page is about the connector; the length is the other half.

What's the most common wiper connector?

The J-hook (also called U-hook), in the 9×3 or 9×4 size. It's been the default on most cars for decades, which is why nearly every universal blade fits it out of the box.

Time for new blades? Once you know your connector and sizes, see the best wiper blades by type & budget → — beam, hybrid and winter picks, from premium to cheap.