Wiper Blade Types and Mounts Guide | Aproape Perfect

Wiper Arm and Attachment Identification Guide

Identify your car's arm type to choose the right wiper. Each arm type requires a specific attachment (adapter).

🔧 Front Arms — Types and Attachments
J-Hook

J-Hook

Available in multiple sizes, from 7mm to 12mm. The most popular are 9×3mm (small) and 9×4mm (large). By far the most common arm type.

Most common
Offset J-Hook

Offset J-Hook

J-hook type arm, but connecting laterally to the center of the blade, not centrally. The offset version of the standard hook.

Reverse Hook

Reverse Hook

9×4mm hook found on Camaro and Firebird (1994–1996). There are three different versions, each with distinct arm bends.

BMW Reverse Hook

BMW Reverse Hook

9×4mm reverse hook specific to the BMW 5 series (1989–1996). Similar to the standard Reverse Hook, but adapted to the BMW arm geometry.

BMW specific
Bayonet

Bayonet

Popular type in the '60s–'70s, usually 7mm wide (8mm on some European vehicles). Bayonet-style twist connection system, similar to a bayonet light bulb.

Side Pin

Side Pin

Used almost exclusively on US-manufactured vehicles. Sizes: 3/16" (small) or 1/4" (large). Requires Conventional adapter.

US Vehicles
Side Lock

Side Lock

The blade pivots on the pin and a side clamp secures it. The standard version has a 22mm saddle; the smaller version has 17mm. Requires X5-Clip adapter.

Short Side Lock

Short Side Lock

Looks like the standard Side Lock, but the saddle is only 17mm wide. Used exclusively on some BMW models. Requires X5-Clip adapter.

BMW specific
Top Button 22mm

Top Button 22mm

22mm wide saddle — the standard size for most arms of this type. Used on Mercedes SL and S-Class. Requires L-Clip adapter.

Mercedes
Top Button 19mm

Top Button 19mm (Narrow Top Button)

The narrower version of Top Button, with a 19mm saddle. Used by Audi, Porsche and Volkswagen. Requires L-Clip adapter.

Audi / VW / Porsche
Top Button Slotted

Top Button Slotted

15.7mm saddle with side slots that prevent the blade from falling out. Used on Toyota Prius, some Mazda models and Lexus NX. Requires X-Clip adapter.

Toyota / Lexus
Pinch Tab

Pinch Tab

Used on BMW 5 and 6 Series for certain years. The tabs are pinched and the blade slides forward for removal. Requires C-Clip adapter.

BMW specific
Pinch Tab BMW

Pinch Tab BMW

15mm saddle. Two tabs are pinched together and the blade rotates off the front of the arm. BMW specific. Requires C-Clip adapter.

BMW specific
RL PT

RL/PT (Roc-Loc + Pinch Tab)

Combines two attachment methods: Roc-Loc and Pinch Tab. Used on Audi A6 (2005–2011). Requires X3-Clip adapter.

Audi A6
A&M

A&M (Audi & Mercedes)

Used only on limited Audi and Mercedes models. Rare type, requires specific X2-Clip adapter.

Audi / Mercedes
Mercedes Lift Slide

Mercedes Lift & Slide (L&S)

Lift and slide system, used exclusively on some Mercedes-Benz models manufactured from 2015 onwards. Requires X4-Clip adapter.

Mercedes 2015+
🔩 Rear Arms — Types and Attachments
Roc-Loc 2 A

Roc-Loc 2 — Type A

Used with Type A rear blades. Roc-Loc system with click attachment.

Type A
Roc-Loc 3 B

Roc-Loc 3 — Type B

Used with Type B rear blades. Roc-Loc 3 variant of the attachment system.

Type B
Slide Pinch C

Slide Pinch — Type C

Slide and pinch attachment. Used with Type C rear blades.

Type C
Snap Claw D

Snap Claw — Type D

Claw with click attachment. Used with Type D rear blades.

Type D
Snap Claw E

Snap Claw — Type E

Type E variant of the click claw. Used with Type E rear blades.

Type E
V-Notch G

V-Notch — Type G

V-notch arm. Used with Type G rear blades with a protective cover.

Type G
Cross Pin G

Cross Pin — Type G

Cross pin. Used with Type G rear blades without a protective cover.

Type G
Top Button H

Rear Top Button — Type H

Top button on the rear arm. Used with Type H blades — two-post blade and Top Button adapter.

Type H
Pinch Tab I

Rear Pinch Tab 11 — Type I

Pinch tab on the rear arm. Used with Type I blades — two-post blade and Pinch Tab adapter.

Type I
Trunnion I

Trunnion — Type I

Trunnion system on the rear arm. Used with Type I blades — two-post blade without additional adapters.

Type I
Snap Claw J

Snap Claw — Type J

Click claw, Type J. Two profiles: one for 10"–11", the most common for 12". Used with Type J rear blades.

Type J
Roc-Loc 4 K

Roc-Loc 4 — Type K

Roc-Loc 4 variant of the rear attachment system. Used with Type K rear blades.

Type K
Snap Claw M

Snap Claw — Type M

Click claw, Type M. Found on Ford Focus, Ford Fiesta and some Saab models.

Ford / Saab
Snap Claw Volvo

Snap Claw Volvo

Volvo-specific click claw. Used on the rear of some Volvo models (2001–2007).

Volvo 2001–2007
Toyota 4Runner

Roc-Loc 2 — Toyota 4Runner

Specific to Toyota 4Runner (2003–2009). The arm has a cutout for the parking guide of the original OEM blade.

Toyota 4Runner
Veloster

Veloster (Special Type)

Rear attachment found exclusively on the Hyundai Veloster. Rare type, with limited availability of compatible blades.

Rare type

Not sure what arm type you have? Check your car's manual or contact us — we'll help you identify the correct attachment for your model.

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🛠️ Not sure what grip you have? Technical Details and FAQs

📖 Detailed Guide — Windscreen Wiper Attachments (Front)

💡 Quick Tip: If you don't know what attachment type you have, lift the wiper arm off the windscreen and take a photo of the end of the metal arm. Send us the photo on WhatsApp, and we'll tell you in 5 minutes which wiper you need.


1. J-Hook (Standard Hook — Universal)

The oldest, simplest, and most widespread attachment system in the global automotive industry. The metal arm ends in a "U" shape or a hook. In Europe, over 95% of cars manufactured before 2005 use this system.

  • Sizes: 7mm to 12mm. Most common: 9×3mm (small hook) and 9×4mm (large hook)
  • Pitfall: Many modern Flat Blade wipers come from the factory with the J-Hook adapter pre-mounted as standard
  • Removal: Press the plastic safety tab inside the clip, and firmly pull the blade downwards towards the arm's base

2. Offset J-Hook (Offset Hook)

A rare variation of the classic hook. The blade's sliding area does not align with the center of the arm but is welded to the side. It was designed to allow the blade to rest further back on the windscreen when the wipers are off, improving aerodynamics. Occasionally found on older Asian or American models.

3. Reverse Hook & BMW Reverse Hook (Inverted Hook)

Unlike the standard hook, the curve's orientation is reversed. The most famous example in Europe: BMW 5 Series (E34, 1988–1996) on the driver's side. The arm often has an integrated curved metal spoiler that uses air force at highway speeds to press the blade against the windscreen.


⚠️ Attention: Classic aftermarket blades will NOT fit without the dedicated inverted adapter. If you have this BMW model, contact us before ordering.


4. Bayonet (Bayonet Mount)

Extremely popular on European and French cars from the 60s–80s, including the Dacia 1300/1310. The arm is a straight, flat metal rod with no curve at the end.

  • Sizes: Standard 7mm, some European commercial vehicles 8mm
  • Removal: Lift the blade to 45° and pull it outwards. Locking is done by a small plastic pin in a hole in the arm

5. Side Pin (Side Pin)

Popularized on vehicles manufactured in the USA, later adopted by some European manufacturers. The arm has a cylindrical pin perpendicular to its length. The blade is pushed laterally onto this pin.

  • Sizes: 3/16" ≈ 4.8mm (small) | 1/4" ≈ 6.3mm (large)
  • Identification: Looking at the wiper from above, the metal arm passes through the side of the blade, not its center

6. Side Lock & Short Side Lock (Side Lock)

A modern evolution of the Side Pin attachment, frequently found on BMW 3 Series E90, 5 Series E60. The blade is inserted onto a short side pin, and a metal saddle on the arm envelops the wiper body for locking.

  • Standard Side Lock: 22mm saddle
  • Short Side Lock (BMW): 17mm saddle — requires X5-Clip adapter


⚠️ Attention: A 22mm adapter on a 17mm arm will have excessive play or will not be able to lock securely.


7. Top Button 22mm / 19mm / Slotted (Top Button)

One of the most widely used systems on modern European cars. A square plastic button is visible on the top of the wiper — when pressed, it releases the blade.

  • Top Button 22mm (Standard): Mercedes-Benz S-Class, SL, Volvo, large commercial vehicles. Adapter: L-Clip
  • Top Button 19mm (Narrow): The absolute standard for Audi, Volkswagen, Skoda, Seat, Porsche for the last 15 years. Adapter: L-Clip
  • Top Button Slotted 15.7mm: Toyota Prius, Lexus NX, some Mazda. It has lateral slots that prevent the blade from falling. Adapter: X-Clip


⚠️ Most common mistake: Confusing Top Button 22mm with 19mm. The difference is only 3mm, but a wrong adapter will not secure and you risk losing the blade while driving.


8. Pinch Tab & Pinch Tab BMW (Side Squeeze)

The metal arm ends with two lateral "wings" made of plastic or metal. To remove the wiper, you pinch the two side tabs and push the blade forward.

  • BMW Version: exactly 15mm channel. The blade does not slide lengthwise but rotates (pivots) outwards directly from the tip of the arm. Adapter: C-Clip
  • Removal: Firmly squeeze the side clips with your fingers and rotate the blade outwards. Do not use metal tools.

9. RL/PT — Roc-Loc + Pinch Tab Hybrid

An extremely specific hybrid system, used between 2005 and 2011 on Audi A6 (C6 platform). It combines two types of physical locking for increased safety at high speeds on German highways. Requires the dedicated X3-Clip adapter. Cannot be replaced with a standard universal wiper.

10. A&M (Audi & Mercedes Custom)

Proprietary, visually minimalist attachment, collaboratively created by Audi and Mercedes-Benz engineers for certain limited series. It has an extremely low profile, perfectly integrated into the bonnet line to reduce aerodynamic noise. Requires the X2-Clip adapter.

11. Mercedes Lift & Slide (L&S)

Introduced by Mercedes-Benz from 2015 on C, E, and S-Class models. The arm has no visible buttons or tabs. The mechanism is purely mechanical: the blade rotates to a specific angle, lifts slightly from its housing, and slides outwards. A premium system that eliminates brittle plastic elements exposed to the sun. Requires the X4-Clip adapter.

🔩 Detailed Guide — Rear Wiper Attachments

ℹ️ Good to know: Rear systems are much more diverse because car designers are not constrained by aerodynamics. The priority is for the wiper to be compact and often hidden under the spoiler.


1. Roc-Loc Series (Pivoting Locking Mechanisms)

  • Roc-Loc 2 (Type A): The most common system for medium European hatchbacks and SUVs. The blade has a cylindrical central axis that is pushed into the arm's housing until a click is heard.
  • Roc-Loc 3 (Type B): Version with a different attack angle and pivot point. Used on cars with very vertical rear windows: estates, light commercial vehicles.
  • Roc-Loc 4 (Type K): Reinforced version, with deeper attachment, designed to withstand heavy snow or ice accumulation.


⚠️ Toyota 4Runner (2003–2009) — Special Case: The arm has a unique geometric cutout for the OEM parking guide. A standard rear blade will block the wiper motor or break on the first start. The specific Roc-Loc 2 blade dedicated to this model is mandatory.


2. Snap Claw Series (Claw Type Attachment)

  • Snap Claw Type D, E, J: The arm ends with two rigid claws. The blade aligns parallel to the arm and is pressed firmly until the claws embrace the central axle. Type J is the most common in the market, optimized for 10", 11", and 12".
  • Snap Claw Type M (Ford Focus, Fiesta, Saab): The claws have a different inter-axial distance. A universal blade might seem to fit, but it will fly off the arm on its first use on the highway.
  • Snap Claw Volvo (2001–2007): Massive, extremely rigid plastic claw, designed for severe Scandinavian climates. Specific to XC90 and V70 models from this period.

3. Slide Pinch (Type C)

Operates on the principle of a sliding rail. The blade is not clipped from above but is inserted by sliding from the tip of the arm towards the base, locked at the end by a small lateral safety catch that must be squeezed (pinched) for removal.

4. V-Notch (Type G with cover) & Cross Pin (Simple Type G)

Systems used especially on modern SUVs and crossovers.

  • V-Notch: "V"-shaped channel in the plastic arm, accompanied by an integrated aesthetic cover that completely covers the attachment to protect it from frost and dirt.
  • Cross Pin: The transversal pin remains visible, without a protective cover.

5. Top Button Rear (Type H), Pinch Tab Rear (Type I) & Trunnion

Miniaturized replicas of windscreen attachments, adapted for the rear window.

  • Top Button Type H: Blade with two posts and a Top Button adapter.
  • Pinch Tab Type I: Blade with two posts and a Pinch Tab adapter.
  • Trunnion (Type I without adapters): Direct attachment to a metal arm with two parallel pins. The blade is mounted without any intermediate plastic adapter.

6. Hyundai Veloster — Unique Proprietary Attachment

Due to the asymmetrical body design and the unique shape of the split rear window, Hyundai created a proprietary attachment that resembles nothing else in the industry.


⚠️ Important Note: This wiper is almost impossible to find as a universal blade in the market. It usually requires purchasing the original equipment (OE) part or replacing only the rubber insert of the old blade. Contact us for availability.




Not sure what attachment you have?

Take a photo of the end of the metal arm and send us the picture. We will reply within 5 minutes with the exact compatible product.

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