2018 Subaru Forester Wiper Blade Sizes & Replacement Guide

Keeping your vision clear in a 2018 Subaru Forester is crucial, whether you are navigating a snowy mountain pass or dealing with heavy spring showers. As a parts counter expert, I get asked about Forester wiper blades constantly. Replacing your wipers is one of the easiest and most cost-effective maintenance tasks you can do. Below is your complete guide to finding the correct sizes, attachments, and replacement steps for your 2018 Subaru Forester.

Quick reference

Best aftermarket replacements

If you choose not to go with genuine Subaru OEM blades, there are several premium aftermarket options that provide excellent visibility in all weather conditions. Here are the top choices available at most auto parts stores:

• Bosch ICON: (Premium / High Price Tier) Known for their exclusive dual rubber technology and custom-contoured tension spring. These are top-tier beam blades that resist snow and ice buildup.
• Rain-X Latitude: (Premium / High Price Tier) These beam blades come pre-treated with Rain-X water repellent, applying it directly to your windshield as they wipe.
• Michelin Stealth: (Mid-to-High Price Tier) A highly durable hybrid blade featuring a smart-flex design that adapts perfectly to the Forester's windshield curve.
• Trico Force: (Mid Price Tier) Specifically engineered with a swept-wing spoiler to maintain excellent contact at highway speeds, preventing wind lift.
• PIAA Si-Tech: (Premium / High Price Tier) Silicone-based blades that last up to twice as long as traditional rubber and leave a hydrophobic coating on the glass.

Attachment style

The 2018 Subaru Forester utilizes the traditional 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.

For the rear glass, the Forester uses a specific Roc Lock 3 (often categorized under special exact-fit rear blades). When buying aftermarket for the rear, make sure it is specifically designated as a rear blade for Japanese SUVs, rather than a universal standard blade.

How to install

Swapping the front blades on your Forester takes just a few minutes.

1. Prepare the arm: Pull the wiper arm away from the windshield until it locks in the upright position. Place a towel on the glass just in case the bare metal arm snaps back down.
2. Remove the old blade: Locate the small plastic tab on the underside of the wiper where it meets the hook. Press the tab and slide the wiper blade down toward the base of the wiper arm to unhook it.
3. Attach the new blade: Position the new blade's adapter into the J-hook. Pull the blade upward until you hear a distinct "click" locking it into place.
4. Rear wiper note: For the rear Roc Lock attachment, rotate the blade 90 degrees away from the arm and push it straight out of the C-shaped socket. Snap the new rear blade directly into the same socket.

When to replace

You should plan to replace your wiper blades every 6 to 12 months. Sun damage, freezing temperatures, and road debris break down the rubber over time. Don't wait for a blinding rainstorm to find out your wipers are bad. Replace them immediately if you notice:

• Streaking: Leaving bands of water across your line of sight.
• Chattering: Skipping or shuddering across the glass, causing a loud dragging noise.
• Splitting: Visibly torn or detached rubber edges on the squeegee.

Need wipers swapped fast? Find a shop on Repairius.