'99 S80 pax-side wiper. Curve up, or curve down?

[Hendoo]

Greetings.

I'm replacing the wiper blades on a 1999 S80.

The existing blades are aftermarket blades, that are straight. The new blades are Volvo factory parts, and the passenger-side blade frame has a curve to it. Which way does it go... curved up (tips above the pivot) or curved down (tips below the pivot)?

It seems to fit best with tips up, but I thought I'd check.

The car was mom's; she is the original owner but no longer drives. 75k miles, always garaged -- gorgeous car!

-Hendoo
SoCal
1982 245 Diesel wagon
1999 S80 2.9

[ThommyKent]

From the owners manual.
The driver's side wiper blade is straight. The passenger's side wiper blade is curved to match the curve at the base of the windshield.

[Hendoo]

Hi Thommy-

Thanks for that -- I appreciate your taking the time to look it up.

I should have mentioned that I did look in the manual... but unfortunately as you see it just says "to match the curve at the base of the windshield" without really telling us what that means.

The '99 wiper arms have the "J-hook" ends, and the wiper will fit either way.

To my eye, installing it "tips up" looks better -- but it will fit the other way also... hence my question.

Perhaps it doesn't make a lot of difference, but I thought it was worth polling the group. Apparently this was much more obvious to you folks that it was to me! (or you buy straight blades)

-Hendoo

[ThommyKent]

No worries, at least you were observant enough to notice there could be a right way and a wrong way.

[Cees Klumper]

I think it has a function at higher speeds, to push the blade against the windshield? (At least, if you,re referring to that plastic tab on top of the frame). What I did, when I was replacing mine, is check a random car in the street that had the same curve-thing. Turned out I had guessed wrong.