Wiper Arm Types: Complete Guide
Identify your wiper arm connector type to find the right replacement blades. There are six common types used across modern vehicles.
J-Hook
The most common wiper arm connector, found on the majority of pre-2018 vehicles. Features a curved, hook-shaped end that the wiper blade slides onto. Easy to find universal replacement blades.
- Common Vehicles
- Most pre-2018 vehicles from Toyota, Honda, Ford, Chevrolet, and more
- How to Identify
- Look for a curved, J-shaped metal hook at the end of the wiper arm
PTB (Push Tab Button)
A modern connector increasingly common on 2018+ vehicles. Uses a small plastic tab that you press to release the blade. Provides a more secure, low-profile attachment than J-Hook.
- Common Vehicles
- 2018+ Toyota, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Subaru, and many other newer models
- How to Identify
- Look for a small plastic button or tab where the blade meets the arm
Pin
Uses a small metal pin to secure the blade to the arm. Common on European vehicles, particularly Audi, BMW, and Volkswagen. Requires pin-compatible replacement blades.
- Common Vehicles
- European vehicles — Audi, BMW, Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz
- How to Identify
- Look for a small metal pin (about 3-4mm) connecting blade to arm
Bayonet
A slide-on connector where the blade slides onto a flat arm end and locks into place. Found on select GM vehicles and some European models. Distinct from J-Hook by its flat profile.
- Common Vehicles
- Select GM vehicles (Chevrolet, GMC, Buick) and some European models
- How to Identify
- Look for a flat, rectangular arm end that the blade slides onto
Side Lock
Features a side-clip mechanism that snaps the blade onto the arm from the side. Used on select vehicles from multiple manufacturers. Look for a release tab on the side of the connector.
- Common Vehicles
- Select models from Volkswagen, Volvo, Renault, and others
- How to Identify
- Look for a clip or latch on the side of the blade connector
Narrow
A slim pin variant designed for newer compact vehicles. Similar to the standard pin type but with a narrower profile. Requires narrow-specific replacement blades.
- Common Vehicles
- Newer compact vehicles from various manufacturers
- How to Identify
- Similar to pin but noticeably slimmer — compare width to standard pin
Arm Types at a Glance
| Type | Description | Common Vehicles | How to Identify |
|---|---|---|---|
| J-Hook | Curved hook connector, most universal | Most pre-2018 vehicles from Toyota, Honda, Ford, Chevrolet, and more | Look for a curved, J-shaped metal hook at the end of the wiper arm |
| PTB (Push Tab Button) | Press-tab release, modern design | 2018+ Toyota, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Subaru, and many other newer models | Look for a small plastic button or tab where the blade meets the arm |
| Pin | Small metal pin attachment | European vehicles — Audi, BMW, Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz | Look for a small metal pin (about 3-4mm) connecting blade to arm |
| Bayonet | Flat slide-on connector | Select GM vehicles (Chevrolet, GMC, Buick) and some European models | Look for a flat, rectangular arm end that the blade slides onto |
| Side Lock | Side-clip snap mechanism | Select models from Volkswagen, Volvo, Renault, and others | Look for a clip or latch on the side of the blade connector |
| Narrow | Slim pin variant, compact fit | Newer compact vehicles from various manufacturers | Similar to pin but noticeably slimmer — compare width to standard pin |
Not sure which arm type your vehicle has?
Use our vehicle finder to look up your exact year, make, and model. We will tell you the arm type along with the correct wiper blade sizes.
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