Buy Acura CL Windshield Wiper Blades

Driving with a clear windshield keeps you, your passengers, and everyone else on the road safer. For every Acura CL-whether it rolled off the line in 1997 or the final 2003 Type-S-healthy windshield wiper blades (also called screen wipers or windshield wipers) sweep away rain, snow, dirt, and bugs so you can see the road ahead. Experts such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) even write federal rules and lab tests to be sure those slim strips of rubber meet strict visibility standards. (NHTSA, SAE International

• Model years 1997-1999 (first generation) use a 24-inch driver-side blade and a 20-inch passenger blade on a 9×3 J-hook arm.
• Model years 2001-2003 (second generation) keep the 24-inch driver but shorten the passenger to 19 inches, still on the same small J-hook.
• Acura's own owner's manual reminds drivers to lift the arms off the glass, squeeze the lock tab, and slide the insert straight out before installing the new one. (Honda Tech Info)
  Tip: Measure your old blades the first time you swap them to confirm sizing; many owners keep a note in the glovebox for quick reference.

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• Rubber vs. silicone: Rubber is inexpensive but cracks sooner; silicone stays flexible longer and can last "twice as long," according to Trico's lab testing. (Trico Products)
• Up-market perks: Some premium blades add water-repellent coatings or aerodynamic spoilers; Car and Driver's 2025 test found silicone beam blades topped their charts for durability. (Car and Driver)

• NHTSA's Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 104 requires every passenger car to have a power-driven wiper system that can clear the windshield to set minimum visibility levels. (NHTSA)
• SAE J903 spells out the lab test any new blade must pass before it can be sold. (SAE International)
• The American Automobile Association (AAA) recommends swapping blades about every six months or 6,000 miles, because sun, heat, and ice age the wiping edge. (AAA Oregon/Idaho)
• NOAA warns that during heavy rain even brand-new wipers can be overwhelmed; if you lose sight of lane markings, pull over and wait.
• In cold-weather states, the National Weather Service urges drivers to install fresh blades before winter storms arrive so slush can't smear across the glass.

1. Park & power-down. Stop on level ground and switch the ignition off so the arms rest mid-stroke for easier reach. (Honda Tech Info)
2. Lift the arms. They hinge upward; place a towel on the glass to prevent chips if they snap back.
3. Press the lock tab on the underside of the blade and slide it toward the base to release.
4. Match length & hook size (24 + 19 or 24 + 20 inches, small J-hook).
5. Slide the new blade into the hook until it clicks. Tug gently to verify the lock.
6. Lower by hand-never drop the arm against the windshield.
7. Test with washer fluid to confirm full, streak-free sweeps.

• Wipe the rubber with a soft cloth dipped in mild washer fluid every fill-up; this removes pollen, tree sap, and bug residue that cause "chatter."
• Rain-X notes that streaking or skipping is a signal the edge has hardened and needs replacing.
• Apply a water-repellent glass treatment to help blades glide and bead water away faster.

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• Summer heat accelerates rubber decay; park in shade when possible. (AAA Oregon/Idaho)
• Autumn leaves & sap stick to the edge; clean weekly.
• Winter prep: Install fresh blades, top up freeze-proof washer fluid, and keep an ice scraper handy; NWS winter bulletins list these as first-line safety steps.

Most blade bodies are steel and plastic-both recyclable. After removal, slide out the rubber insert and drop metal parts in mixed-metal bins; the old rubber can be repurposed for shop ties or sent to rubber recycling programs where available. Consult your local solid-waste authority for drop-off locations.

Q: How often should I change Acura CL wiper blades?
A: AAA suggests every six months, or sooner if they squeak, smear, or skip.

Q: Will 26-inch blades fit for extra coverage?
A: No. Anything longer than 24 inches on the driver side may hit the A-pillar or overlap the passenger blade's path, risking scratches.

Q: What arm type does the CL use?
A: Both generations use a 9×3 "small J-hook," the most common connector, so nearly every blade brand offers a direct-fit option.

Q: Are silicone blades worth the price?
A: Yes if you want longevity; Trico testing shows silicone can outlast rubber by up to twice as many wipe cycles. (Trico Products)

Q: Do beam blades work in snow?
A: Beam-type wipers have no external frame, so ice can't clog joints, making them popular in snowy regions. (Popular Mechanics)

Q: Is there a law about turning on headlights with wipers?
A: In many U.S. states, using your windshield wipers in rain means headlights must also be on; fines can reach $250. (The US Sun)

Q: Can I refill just the rubber strip?
A: You can, but modern beam blades are sealed units. Frame-style wipers on the CL allow insert refills if you slide out the old strip and reuse the steel claws. (Honda Tech Info)

Q: Why do my new blades still smear?
A: Wax or road film on the glass acts like oil; clean the windshield with isopropyl alcohol and try again.

Q: How do I stop winter chatter?
A: Warm up the defroster to soften rubber, lift blades overnight to prevent freezing, or switch to winter-specific silicone beam blades. (Car and Driver)

Q: What's the fastest way to clear sudden heavy rain?
A: Slow down, switch wipers to high speed, and if visibility drops below the hood line, pull over safely as NOAA advises.

Keeping fresh wiper blades on your Acura CL is a small job that brings big safety benefits. With the right size, the right style, and regular care, your windshield wiper blades will stand ready for every squall, sprinkle, or snowstorm.