Estate owners.. is 13" enough?

(Rob, you might want to go and get a coffee, this will be a long one for innuendo's )

The length of my rear wiper has always frustrated me, never seems to clear the whole area. Needed replacing so decided to see if it would take something bigger.

Firstly, measured the (assume skoda supplied) original, 13 1/2 inches long, but this "starts" wiping some distance from the wiper mount, and doesn't really reach the top or touch the sides.

By my quick n dirty measurements, I figured it would take 16", as long as the mounting point was central. Off to halfords, and the recommended replacement (bosch) is only 13" - half an inch less than standard! I don't think SWMBO would be satisfied with this.

Took a look at replacements, and there appears to be a jump from 13 to 16 anyway, so decided for to go for 16inches.

Fitted, and sure enough it cleans far better at the base, although not immediately "hitting the spot" at the top. A few times it would not make contact on the upstroke, but tip would make full contact on the return stroke, thus clearing.

In use over a few days, I suspect the tip has got softer and adapted to the curve, as it is now touching all the way, both forward and return, although if cleaning the screen with screenwash (ie no rain) it sometimes misses the base to top portion on it's forward stroke.

Overall, a definate improvement, would recommend going to 16" when it comes to replacement time.