After working on Mitsubishis for the better part of a decade, I’ve noticed that finding the right wipers for these vehicles can be trickier than expected. Best Mitsubishi wiper blades aren’t always the ones with the fanciest marketing – Mitsubishi uses some unique sizing and mounting systems that generic “one-size-fits-all” solutions just don’t handle well. I learned this lesson with my own Outlander when I grabbed what looked like the right size at an auto parts store, only to discover they didn’t fit the mounting hardware properly. Getting the right blades and installing them correctly makes a huge difference in how well they perform, especially given Mitsubishi’s specific windshield angles.
Identifying Your Mitsubishi’s Wiper Requirements
Start by checking your owner’s manual, but honestly, those size charts aren’t always accurate for older models. Mitsubishi changed their sizing conventions around 2014, so a 2013 Lancer might need different lengths than what’s listed for a 2015 model that looks identical.
The most reliable method is measuring your existing blades yourself. Remove the old blade and measure from end to end of the rubber element, not the metal frame. Driver and passenger sides are usually different lengths – most Mitsubishi vehicles use a longer blade on the driver side, typically ranging from 24-28 inches, with passenger sides running 14-18 inches.
Pay attention to the attachment style too. Pre-2012 models mostly use traditional hook connections, while newer ones switched to a pin-style system. The Eclipse Cross and newer Outlanders use yet another variation that requires specific adapters.
Selecting Quality Blades for Your Climate
Living in Minnesota taught me that not all wiper blades handle temperature extremes equally well. Mitsubishi windshields have a relatively steep rake angle compared to other manufacturers, which means ice and snow don’t slide off as easily. This puts extra stress on the wipers during winter months.
For cold climates, look for blades with beam-style designs rather than traditional bracket types. The beam design distributes pressure more evenly across Mitsubishi’s curved windshields and resists ice buildup better. Brands like Bosch ICON and Michelin Stealth work particularly well because their rubber compounds stay flexible down to -40°F.
In hot, sunny areas like Arizona or Southern California, UV resistance becomes more important than cold-weather performance. The rubber compounds in cheap blades deteriorate quickly under intense sun, leading to cracking and chattering within months. Trico NeoForm and Rain-X Latitude blades both use UV-stabilized rubber that holds up better in desert conditions.
Preparing for Installation
Before touching anything, make sure your car is parked on level ground with the parking brake set. I’ve had cars roll on me during maintenance before, and it’s not fun. Turn off your ignition completely – some newer Mitsubishis have auto-wipers that can activate unexpectedly if the car thinks it’s raining.
Clean your windshield first, especially around the wiper parking area. Any dirt or debris can scratch the glass during installation or cause the new blades to seat improperly. Use regular glass cleaner, nothing with ammonia that might affect the rubber.
