CITROËN C3 wiper blades rear and front

Citroën C3 wiper blades — when to change?

Choosing the correct sizes, fitting them properly and replacing on time will keep your C3’s screen clear in all weather.

Pay attention to:

• Smears, squeals or juddering: the rubber may have gone hard or the edge is damaged; clean with isopropyl alcohol and swap the blades if the fault remains.
• Hardware faults: a loose spine, bent carrier or cracked adaptor can mark the windscreen—stop using the wipers and replace.
• Cold-weather symptoms: ice prevents a full sweep; never operate on frozen glass—de-ice first.

Lifespan & suggested intervals

• Front pair (normal use): typically about 12 months.
• Severe exposure (UV, heat/frost, dust/salt, constant wiping): 6–8 months.
• Rear blade: often 12–18 months thanks to lighter duty cycles.

Citroën C3 wiper sizes — all generations

Attachment overview

• Hook / U-hook (9×3): C3 I and Pluriel front fitments.
• Bayonet: C3 II and C3 IV fronts; several rear arms on C3 II/IV/Picasso also use bayonet.
• Push-button / Top-lock: C3 III front.
• Slim push-button: C3 Aircross front.
• Rear blades: vehicle-specific connectors—match by model year and trim.

If the size is wrong

• Oversize: may strike the scuttle/frame or collide with the other blade, overloading the linkage and leaving smears at the stroke ends.
• Undersize: reduces the cleared field and impairs visibility in spray or at night (can threaten MOT compliance if Zone A isn’t wiped).

Practical technical tips

• Typical arm geometry is ~19° with ~8–11 N nominal arm load—useful when picking beam or winter-rated blades.
• After installation, orient spoilers with airflow, check parked position and perform a wet, high-speed sweep test to confirm full, unobstructed coverage.

Cost-saving & sustainability

• Use refill inserts when compatible; recycle metal carriers and dispose of rubber separately.
• Keep glass/nozzles and blades clean; lift in frost to prevent tearing and extend service life.

Recommended upgrade options

• Bosch Aerotwin (sets matched to the sizes above): beam profile, coated rubber, good stability at speed.
• Hella Cleantech: balanced pressure distribution and quiet running with OE-style fittings.
• Carpoint NXT Premium 20C 1940107 (selected C3): zinc-plated frame, natural rubber, Easyfit adaptors.

OE or alternative — what to pick?

• Genuine Citroën (OE): guaranteed fit and validated NVH across weather conditions.
• Quality alternative lines—Bosch Aerotwin, Valeo Silencio, Hella Cleantech—are dependable choices when the sizes and attachments are correctly matched.

For more detail, the AUTODOC Shop & AUTODOC Club cover selection, purchase, fitting and care for your C3, with practical guides, step-by-step PDFs and clear how-to videos.