Buying Guide for the Best Windshield Wipers
When it comes to safety in your car, a good set of wiper blades is crucial. These help most when it comes to increasing visibility in harsh conditions, and it is of great importance to know which type is right for your climate and car. There are many different blades, materials, shapes, and features available, and it can be difficult to choose between options. This buying guide will shed some light on what will be best for you and your car.
Types
There are two kinds of blades:
- Conventional: These blades are made out of a thin strip of rubber, held in place by a large frame with metal arms.
- Beam: Beam blades are different than conventional ones in that they are made out of a single, sturdy piece of rubber attached to a thin, solid frame.
Within these two categories, there are multiple lengths, materials, and designs used in the process of manufacturing.
- Standard blades are the most common and are easily replaceable. They range from 10”-28” and may require different sizes for driver and passenger sides. They are most likely made out of latex rubber.
- Spoiler blades are kept close to the windshield, offering more ability to clear the windshield.
- Flat blades do not have a metal frame, are more aerodynamic than other models, and create less noise.
- Contour wiper blades are recommended for cars with curved, or bubble-shaped windshields. These blades conform to the glass and fit snugly, but are also shorter than other conventional wiper blades.
- Winter blades are best for people who live in areas that can get heavy snow. These are made of fire-treated rubber, which is resistant to tearing and will therefore last longer than the standard wiper blades.
- Heated blades are also a great option for those who live in cold areas. The wipers possess a heating unit inside of the blade’s squeegee, which works to thaw ice and provide great visibility.
- Silicone rubber wiper blades are more resistant to harsh weather conditions such as sunlight, heat, and freezing temperatures. These are not as rigid as winter blades, and are more flexible.
What Reviewers Have to Say
- Durable wiper blades that have a long life span are a wise investment choice—you will not have to deal with changing the blades as often as they will still be intact after many months of use.
- The shape and fit of the wipers, along with the visibility they provide, are important because of the distraction that may come with using the wrong type. A wiper blade that is of good quality and make for your windshield will never flap, streak, or err view of the road when driving, no matter how fast.
- Some companies make blades that are reversible, allowing for longer use (and more savings) without the side effects of a comparable wiper used for the same amount of time.
Important Features
- Type A blades are for both the driver and passenger sides of the windshield; Type B is for the passenger side only. You can combine A/A or A/B.
- To determine what kind of blade is recommended for your car, you should take a look at your car’s owner’s manual.
- You can also use ezwipers, a helpful site where you can enter the make and model of your car, and receive a list of wipers in seconds.
- When replacing your wiper blades, it is best to replace them in pairs.
Top-Rated Brands
Bosch: A leader in automotive technology, Bosch produces a multitude of wiper blades that will surely fit your needs. The ICON Wiper Blade is a top recommendation, lasting 40% longer compared to other premium-quality wiper blades.
Rain-X: Rain-X has been around for 40 years and offers many online promotions that can help save you money on their great products. The Latitude Wiper Blade is great at preventing ice and snow build-up, but works great in all types of weather conditions as well.
Valeo: Valeo features a Visibility Systems group, which focuses solely on the design and efficiency of wiper systems. Many customers have raved about their longevity, durability, and ease of installation.