Wiper Arm Connector Types: Complete Photo Guide
Six connector types are used across modern vehicles. Identify yours to find the right replacement blades — wrong connector means the blade will not attach.
Why Connector Type Matters
Even if the blade length is correct, a mismatched connector means the blade will not attach to your arm. Before buying replacement wipers, identify your connector type below — then check the packaging for compatibility.
J-Hook Connector
The most universal wiper arm connector. A curved, J-shaped metal hook at the end of the arm holds the wiper blade in place. Nearly every auto parts store stocks J-Hook compatible blades, making replacements easy to find.
How to Identify
- 1 Lift the wiper arm away from the windshield
- 2 Look at the metal end where the blade attaches
- 3 If you see a curved, open hook shape — it is a J-Hook
- 4 The hook opening will be about 9mm (roughly the width of a pencil eraser)
Visual cues: Look at the end of the wiper arm where it connects to the blade. You will see a curved metal hook that resembles the letter J. The hook opening is typically about 9mm wide.
Compatibility Notes
Compatible with the widest range of replacement blades. Most beam, conventional, and hybrid blades include a J-Hook adapter. If a blade says 'universal fit,' it almost certainly fits J-Hook arms.
1332 vehicles in our database (1990–2025)
Found on: Chevrolet Colorado, Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Express, Chevrolet Malibu, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Traverse, Chevrolet Trax and 59 more
PTB Connector
Push Tab Button (PTB) is the most common modern connector, found on many 2018+ vehicles. It uses a small plastic tab that you press to release the blade. PTB provides a lower profile and more secure fit than the traditional J-Hook.
How to Identify
- 1 Lift the wiper arm away from the windshield
- 2 Look for a flat, enclosed connector (no visible hook)
- 3 Find the small plastic button or tab on the connector
- 4 If pressing the tab releases the blade with a sliding motion — it is PTB
Visual cues: The blade connects directly to the arm with no visible hook. Instead, you will see a flat, enclosed connector with a small plastic button or tab on one side. Pressing this tab releases the blade.
Compatibility Notes
Requires PTB-specific blades or blades with a PTB adapter included. Not all universal blades fit PTB arms — always check the packaging for PTB compatibility. OEM blades from your dealer will always fit.
488 vehicles in our database (2014–2025)
Found on: BMW 3 Series, BMW 5 Series, BMW X3, BMW X5, Chevrolet Blazer, Chevrolet Colorado, Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Malibu and 63 more
Pin Connector
Uses a small metal pin (typically 3–4mm diameter) to secure the blade to the arm. Common on European vehicles, especially Audi, BMW, and Volkswagen. The pin passes through both the arm and the blade connector.
How to Identify
- 1 Lift the wiper arm away from the windshield
- 2 Look for a small metal pin at the blade-arm joint
- 3 The pin is round, about 3–4mm in diameter
- 4 If you can push the pin out to release the blade — it is a Pin type
Visual cues: Look for a small, round metal pin at the connection point. The pin sits perpendicular to the arm and can be pushed out to release the blade. The connection point is compact and low-profile.
Compatibility Notes
Requires pin-compatible blades. Many European aftermarket blades (Bosch, Valeo, SWF) include pin adapters. Standard J-Hook blades will not fit without an adapter, and adapters are less reliable than native pin blades.
124 vehicles in our database (2003–2022)
Found on: BMW 3 Series, BMW 5 Series, BMW X3, BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Mercedes-Benz GLE, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and 4 more
Bayonet Connector
A flat, slide-on connector where the blade slides onto a rectangular arm end and locks into position. Found on select GM vehicles and some European models. The flat profile gives a clean, aerodynamic look.
How to Identify
- 1 Lift the wiper arm away from the windshield
- 2 Look for a flat, rectangular arm end (not curved or hooked)
- 3 The blade slides onto this flat end rather than hooking on
- 4 If the blade locks in place after sliding on — it is a Bayonet type
Visual cues: The arm end is flat and rectangular rather than curved. The blade slides onto this flat end from the side or end, then clicks or locks into place. No hook or pin is visible.
Compatibility Notes
Requires bayonet-specific blades. Some multi-adapter blades include a bayonet fitting, but verify before purchasing. OEM replacements from your dealer are the safest option for bayonet arms.
85 vehicles in our database (1990–2010)
Found on: BMW 3 Series, BMW 5 Series, BMW X3, BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Mercedes-Benz GLE, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
Side Lock Connector
Features a clip or latch on the side of the connector that snaps the blade onto the arm. Used on select vehicles from Volkswagen, Volvo, Renault, and others. The side-release mechanism is intuitive once you locate it.
How to Identify
- 1 Lift the wiper arm away from the windshield
- 2 Look at the side of the blade connector for a clip or latch
- 3 Press the side tab inward to test if the blade releases
- 4 If the blade detaches by pressing a side clip — it is a Side Lock type
Visual cues: Look for a latch or clip on the side of the blade connector, rather than on the top or bottom. The clip typically has a small tab you press inward to release. The arm end is narrow and straight.
Compatibility Notes
Requires side-lock compatible blades. Many premium aftermarket blades include side-lock adapters in multi-packs. Check that your specific side-lock variant is supported — there are minor differences between manufacturers.
Narrow Connector
A slim variant of the pin connector designed for newer compact vehicles. Similar in concept to the standard pin type but with a noticeably narrower profile. Used when space is limited on smaller wiper arms.
How to Identify
- 1 Lift the wiper arm away from the windshield
- 2 Look for a pin-style connection that appears unusually slim
- 3 Compare the connector width — narrow is about 30% thinner than standard pin
- 4 If the pin connector is noticeably slimmer than usual — it is a Narrow type
Visual cues: Similar to a pin connection but visibly slimmer. If you compare it side-by-side with a standard pin connector, the narrow type is about 30% thinner. The pin itself is smaller in diameter.
Compatibility Notes
Requires narrow-specific blades — standard pin blades will be too wide. Some multi-fit blade kits include a narrow adapter, but dedicated narrow blades provide the best fit. Check packaging carefully.
Connector Types at a Glance
| Type | Common On | Key Feature | Adapter Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| J-Hook | Most pre-2018 vehicles | Curved metal hook, ~9mm opening | Universal — nearly all blades fit |
| PTB | 2018+ Toyota, Honda, Hyundai, Kia | Push-tab button release | Widely available, check packaging |
| Pin | Audi, BMW, Volkswagen | Small metal pin, 3–4mm diameter | European brands stock these |
| Bayonet | Select GM, some European | Flat rectangular slide-on | Limited — verify before buying |
| Side Lock | VW, Volvo, Renault | Side clip snap mechanism | Available in multi-adapter kits |
| Narrow | Newer compact vehicles | Slim pin variant, ~30% thinner | Specialty — check carefully |
Not Sure Which Connector You Have?
Use our vehicle finder to look up your exact year, make, and model. We will tell you the connector type along with the correct wiper blade sizes.
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