2017 Subaru Forester Wiper Blade Sizes & Replacement Guide

Maintaining clear visibility is critical for safe driving in your 2017 Subaru Forester. Whether you are navigating heavy rain, snow, or just clearing away morning dew, having the right wiper blades is essential. This guide covers the correct wiper blade sizes, OEM part numbers, attachment types, and installation instructions for your 2017 Forester.

Quick reference

Here is a quick overview of the wiper blade sizes and specifications for the 2017 Subaru Forester:

Best aftermarket replacements

If you prefer to upgrade from the standard factory wiper blades, there are several high-quality aftermarket options available that offer excellent performance across different price points:

• Bosch ICON: Premium tier ($$). Known for extreme weather performance and an exclusive dual rubber compound that lasts up to 40% longer than other premium blades.
• Rain-X Latitude: Premium tier ($$). These water-repelling blades apply a specialized coating to your windshield as they wipe, making rain bead up and roll off.
• Michelin Stealth: Mid-range tier ($$). A great hybrid blade design that combines the flexibility of a beam blade with the sturdy construction of a traditional hinged blade.
• Trico Force: Mid-range tier ($$). Engineered with a swept-wing spoiler to slice through wind speeds in excess of 135 mph, preventing blade lift.
• PIAA Si-Tech: Premium tier ($$). Silicone wiper blades that are incredibly durable and continuously reapply a water-repellent silicone coating to the glass.

Attachment style

The 2017 Subaru Forester uses a standard J-hook attachment for both the driver and passenger side front wiper blades. This is the most common and user-friendly attachment style on the market, making replacement extremely straightforward.

The rear wiper blade uses a specialized rear arm attachment (often referred to as a Roc Loc 3 style). It snaps directly into the custom plastic arm housing of the Forester’s rear wiper assembly.

How to install

Installing new wiper blades on your 2017 Subaru Forester takes just a few minutes. Follow these generic steps:

1. Lift the wiper arm: Carefully lift the metal wiper arm away from the windshield until it locks in the upright position.
2. Remove the old blade: For the front J-hook blades, press the small plastic release tab located where the blade meets the hook. Slide the blade down toward the base of the wiper arm to free it from the hook. For the rear blade, rotate the blade outward away from the arm and pop it out of its retaining clip.
3. Install the new blade: For the front, slide the J-hook into the new blade's adapter and pull up until you hear a distinct click. For the rear, align the center pin of the new blade with the C-shaped groove on the wiper arm and snap it firmly into place.
4. Lower the arm: Gently rest the wiper arm back against the glass. Test the wipers with washer fluid to ensure they operate smoothly.

When to replace

You should typically replace your wiper blades every 6 to 12 months. Environmental factors like intense UV rays, freezing temperatures, and road debris will slowly degrade the rubber.

Watch out for these common signs that your wipers are failing:

• Streaking: Leaving bands of water across your field of vision.
• Chattering: Skipping or shuddering across the glass, often accompanied by a loud squeaking noise.
• Smearing: Spreading water and dirt rather than clearing it away.
• Physical damage: Visible tears, cracks, or missing pieces in the rubber squeegee edge.

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