Wiper blades look straightforward until you're standing in a car park holding a replacement that won't attach to your arm. The blade size gets all the attention, but the fitting type is what actually determines whether the blade goes on or not - and there are a lot of them.
Here's every type you'll encounter, with installation images for each one.
Type A - J-hook (U-hook)
The J-hook is the standard fitting on the majority of UK cars. The arm ends in a hook shape and the blade connector clips directly onto it. It's the fitting that most blade designs are built around, so if you're not sure what you have, this is the most likely candidate.
There's also a 12mm variant (type H) where the hook opening is slightly narrower. If a standard J-hook blade feels loose on your arm, you likely have a 12mm arm. Installation is the same - slide the hook through the connector and rotate the blade upward until it clicks.
Type B - Side pin
Side pin arms have a pin that sticks out from the side of the arm. The blade slides onto the pin laterally and locks in place. Common on various Toyota, Honda and Seat models.
Type CN - Slim side pin
A narrower version of the side pin fitting, found on some newer models. The installation method is the same as type B - slide the blade onto the pin from the side - but the pin profile is slimmer so the two aren't interchangeable.
Type G - Side pin (variant)
Another side pin variant with a slightly different profile to types B and CN. Check the arm carefully before ordering - the three side pin types look similar at a glance but the blade connectors aren't the same.
Type D - Pinch tab
Pinch tab arms end in a flat post rather than a hook. The blade connector has a tab you pinch to release it from the post. Common on French and Italian cars - Peugeot, Citroen, Renault, Fiat - and on some VAG group models.
Several pinch tab variants exist. The standard type D is the most common, but see also types C, P, S, SN and Z below for more specific variants.
Type M - V-slot
The V-slot fitting combines a pinch tab release with a V-shaped slot in the connector. The blade slides into the V-slot and the tab locks it in place. Found on a range of European models.
Type T - Push button (TypeT)
Push button arms have a button on the arm connector that you press to release the blade. Type T has the button on the top of the connector. Common on some BMW, Mercedes and Audi models.
Type V - Push button
Another push button variant - similar release mechanism to type T but with a different connector profile. Found on various European and Korean models. Check the arm shape rather than going by car brand alone, as the same model can have different fitting types across its production run.
Type F - Snap claw
The snap claw has a claw-shaped connector that snaps around a post on the arm. Found on certain Fiat and Alfa Romeo models among others.
Type R - Bayonet
The bayonet is a twist-and-lock fitting - push the blade onto the arm and rotate it to lock, like a bayonet light bulb. Less common than the others but found on some Porsche, Jaguar and Land Rover models.
Types without images - C, E, H, P, S, SN, Z
A few less common variants:
- Type C and S (Special) - manufacturer-specific pinch tab variants. Usually found on specific models where the arm design is unique.
- Type E (Push Button TypeE) - push button with the release on the side of the connector rather than the top.
- Type H (12mm J-hook) - same installation as type A but with a narrower 12mm hook opening. If a standard J-hook fits loosely, this is the one you need.
- Type P (TopLock) - pinch tab where the blade locks from the top rather than the side.
- Type SN (SlimTop) - a narrower profile pinch tab variant.
- Type Z (Latch) - has a small latch mechanism rather than a standard pinch tab.
How to identify your fitting type
Lift the wiper arm off the screen until it locks at 90 degrees, then look at the connector end - the part where the blade attaches. The shape tells you the type:
- Curved hook = J-hook (type A or H)
- Pin on the side of the arm = side pin (type B, CN or G)
- Flat post with a tab = pinch tab (type C, D, P, S, SN or Z)
- Post with a button on top = push button (type T, V or E)
- Post with button and V-shaped slot = V-slot (type M)
- Twist-lock post = bayonet (type R)
- Claw shape = snap claw (type F)
Browse replacement blades by fitting type and vehicle in the wiper blades collection.
Does blade size matter as well as fitting type?
Yes - you need both right. The fitting type gets the blade onto the arm. The blade length determines coverage of the screen. Most cars have different length blades on the driver's and passenger's side, so check both.
Blade length is in millimetres and is in the owner's manual, or available by entering your registration on any free vehicle spec site.
Common questions
My new wiper blade came with multiple adapters - which one do I use?
Match the adapter to your arm type using the images and descriptions above. Fit the adapter to the blade first, then clip the blade onto the arm. Most adapter sets have a small diagram on the packaging showing which adapter is which type.
I've lost my old blade and can't check the arm - how do I find the fitting type?
Lift the arm fully away from the screen and look at the connector end. Even without the old blade attached, the arm shape tells you the type. A photo of the arm end is usually enough to identify it if you're still unsure.
My car has a different fitting on the rear wiper compared to the front - is that normal?
Yes - front and rear arms are often completely different fitting types, especially on hatchbacks and SUVs. Check each arm separately rather than assuming they match.
Can I use any wiper blade as long as the fitting is right?
The fitting gets the blade on the arm, but the length still needs to match. A blade that's too long won't clear the screen properly and may hit the bodywork. Too short and you'll have unwiped sections. Check both fitting type and blade length before ordering.