Tesla Wiper Blades: Sizes, How Often to Replace Them and How to Change Them
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Wiper blades are one of the easiest maintenance jobs on a Tesla. This guide follows Tesla's do-it-yourself guides for the Model 3, the Model Y, the Model S and the Model X, and the owner's manuals. Your own manual has the final word, because parts can change by model year.
Tesla wiper blade sizes
These are the sizes in Tesla's DIY guides.
| Your car | Driver's side | Passenger's side |
|---|---|---|
| Model 3 | 26 in (650 mm) | 19 in (475 mm) |
| Model Y | 26 in (650 mm) | 20 in (500 mm) |
| Model S | 26 in (650 mm) | 20 in (500 mm) |
| Model X | 26 in (650 mm) | 21 in (530 mm) |
| Cybertruck | One blade. Tesla's guide doesn't list a size: it says to buy a blade identical to the original. | |
Tesla's guides for the 2012–2020 Model S and the 2015–2020 Model X list the same sizes. Tesla also says the connector on the new blade must match the original, or the blade may not attach to the arm, and that blades that are not identical to the originals can damage the wiper system and the windshield. Check both the length and the connector before you buy.
How often should you replace Tesla wiper blades?
Tesla's owner's manuals say: “For optimum performance, replace the wiper blades at least once a year.” Replace a blade right away if it is damaged. The manual suggests checking the rubber now and then for cracks, splits and roughness, and replacing the blades if they still don't wipe well after you clean them.
On a Tesla, a poor wipe is more than an annoyance: the Model 3 manual notes that ineffective wipers can reduce the visibility of the front windshield camera, which may degrade or disable Self-Driving features.
What is Wiper Service Mode?
It is a setting that moves the wipers from their parked position to a service position, so you can lift the arms and reach the blades. Shift into Park, turn the wipers off, then touch Controls > Service > Wiper Service Mode. When you finish, turn it off and the wipers go back to their normal position.
How to change the wiper blades on a Model 3 or Model Y
This is a summary of Tesla's DIY guides. What you need: two new blades in the right sizes, with the same connector as the originals, and a towel.
- Shift into Park and turn the wipers off.
- Turn on Wiper Service Mode under Controls > Service, so the wipers move to the service position.
- Lift the wiper arm a short distance, only far enough to reach the blade. Tesla's caution: the arms don't lock in the lifted position, so don't lift them beyond their intended position.
- Lay a towel between the arm and the windshield, to prevent scratches or cracks.
- Hold the arm, press the locking tab and slide the blade off. Where the tab is depends on when your car was built: Tesla's guides show it differently for Model 3 cars built before and after about 2024, and for Model Y cars built before and after about February 2025.
- Slide the new blade on toward the end of the arm until it locks. Then do a push-pull test: you should hear and feel a click. Tesla warns that a blade that is not locked may come off during use and cause serious damage.
- Do the other blade the same way.
- Turn Wiper Service Mode off to return the wipers to their normal position.
Model S, Model X and Cybertruck
The Model S uses the same steps and the same Wiper Service Mode. On the Model X, Tesla says the washer system is built into the wiper blades, and its guide for the 2015–2020 Model X adds steps for the washer hose: disconnect it from the old blade and push it fully onto the new one. Cybertruck has a single wiper blade, and Tesla's Cybertruck guide doesn't use a service mode: set the wiper to Off (not Auto), lay a towel on the glass, lift the arm slightly, and move the washer hose from the old blade to the new one. Don't let the arm drop onto the glass.
How to clean Tesla wiper blades
Tesla's manual lists what makes wipers less effective: ice, wax spray from car washes, washer fluid with bug remover or water repellent, bird droppings, tree sap and other organic matter. To clean the blade edges, it suggests washer fluid, isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol, or a non-abrasive glass cleaner approved for automotive glass and rubber. Lift the arm only a short distance to reach the blade.
In winter, Tesla says to remove ice from the windshield before you turn the wipers on, because ice can damage the rubber, and to check that the blades are not frozen to the glass. It also says to make sure the hood is fully closed before you turn on the wipers.
Washer fluid: what Tesla recommends
- To spray washer fluid, press and hold the wiper button.
- The washer fluid reservoir is behind the front trunk. Fill it until the fluid is just below the filler neck.
- Tesla recommends using only the washer fluids recommended for your car, available from Tesla Service.
- Don't use untreated water. Tesla says it can lead to bacterial growth, which may cause odor or damage that the warranty doesn't cover.
- Avoid fluids with water repellent or bug wash, which Tesla says can cause streaking, smearing and squeaking.
- Below 40°F (4°C), use a washer fluid with antifreeze.
- If a washer jet is blocked, Tesla suggests clearing the nozzle with a thin strand of wire.
Auto wipers: how they work and how to turn them off
In the current Model 3 and Model Y manuals, Tesla says the car detects precipitation and adjusts the wiping speed and intensity when the wipers are set to Auto. Tesla lists the Auto setting as beta and recommends operating the wipers manually as needed. Pressing the wiper button while in Auto temporarily increases the sensitivity.
To turn Auto off, touch Controls > Wipers and choose Off or one of the four manual speeds. Self-Driving sets the wipers back to Auto each time you engage it.
Car washes and your wipers
Before a car wash, Tesla recommends Car Wash Mode (Controls > Service > Car Wash Mode, with the car stationary and not charging). It disables the windshield wipers, closes the windows and locks the charge port, among other things, and Tesla says not using it may result in damage, for example to the charge port or the wipers. The Model Y manual also recommends touchless car washes and making sure the wipers are off before washing.
What we list
All of these are from third-party sellers, not made by Tesla. Because Tesla says to use blades identical to the originals, compare the length and the connector with the table above before you buy.
- Frameless front wiper blades, set of 2, for the Model 3 or the Model Y: pick your car. The seller lists the Model 3 (2017–2026) and the Model Y (2020–2025).
- Edgeless microfiber towels, for the towel under the arm and for wiping the glass.
- Telescopic windshield cleaning tool, for the inside of the glass, which the wipers can't reach.
- Windshield snow cover with door flaps, for winter nights outside.
Browse the full Tesla Cabin Air Filters & Wiper Blades collection, or the Cleaning & Detailing collection.
Frequently asked questions
How often should you change Tesla wiper blades?
At least once a year, according to Tesla, and right away if a blade is damaged.
What size wiper blades does a Tesla Model 3 take?
26 inches (650 mm) on the driver's side and 19 inches (475 mm) on the passenger's side, according to Tesla's Model 3 guide.
What size wiper blades does a Tesla Model Y take?
26 inches (650 mm) on the driver's side and 20 inches (500 mm) on the passenger's side, according to Tesla's Model Y guide.
How do I put my Tesla wipers in service mode?
Shift into Park, turn the wipers off and touch Controls > Service > Wiper Service Mode. Turn it off when you are done.
Can I use any wiper blade on a Tesla?
Tesla says to install only blades identical to the originals, and that the connector must match, or the blade may not attach to the arm. The wrong blades can damage the wiper system and the windshield.
Does Tesla have automatic wipers?
Yes. Set to Auto, the car detects precipitation and adjusts the wiping speed. Tesla lists the Auto setting as beta and recommends operating the wipers manually when needed.
How do I turn off the auto wipers?
Touch Controls > Wipers and choose Off or a manual speed. Self-Driving switches them back to Auto when you engage it.
Should I turn off the wipers before a car wash?
Yes. Tesla recommends Car Wash Mode, which disables the wipers, and says to make sure the wipers are off before washing.
Next steps
If your blades are a year old or leave streaks after a clean, pick up a new set from the cabin air filters and wiper blades collection. Getting ready for winter? Our winter driving guide covers what Tesla's manual says about the cold.