Every driver in the world knows the struggle of driving in the rain or snow. The mushy windshield decreases the road visibility, which is already compromised by the elements.
We have decided to examine the best windshield wipers and put them to the test to help you decide which one you need. Besides the most efficient models, you will also learn how to place them and take care of them properly. Moreover, you can read about distinctions between each wiper type and their lifespans.
Best Wiper Blades on the Market
In the following paragraphs, you will learn about the most efficient wiper blades currently on the market. We have analyzed each model to help you decide which one would suit your car the best. Apart from efficiency, we have also included details on the manufacturers’ affordability and reliability.
Without further ado, here are our top five selections.
Bosch Icon Wiper Blades
Price from $27.00
Pros
- Bestseller
- Great quality
- Dependable in rain and snow
Cons
- Pricey
These wipers offer outstanding performance, although they are a little more expensive than the regular ones. They work great in snowy, icy, and rainy conditions and have a neat, dual rubber lining.
Even though they aren’t silicone, the Bosch Icon wipers are very quiet and flexible. In addition, the blades have a 40% longer lifespan than other high-quality models, which is fantastic. They are also easy to install and remove, like most other Bosch wiper blades.
Rain-X Latitude Wiper Blades
Price from $33.94
Pros
- Brand name product
- Quiet
- Internal spring frame
Cons
- Pricey
Rain-X is a famous brand in the wiper blades industry and offers a variety of options. For example, the Latitude model’s performance is much quieter than others due to its aerodynamic spoiler. It’s a little expensive but a great option if you need silent work. The manufacturer also offers cheaper options if you are looking for a simpler model.
Rain-X windshield wipers don’t have a metal frame on the outside, so their blades are flexible. Instead, this model has an internal metal spring frame, which helps maintain the blade’s shape.
Once you install the wipers, don’t forget to remove the plastic tips that cover the blades.
Piaa Silicone Wiper Blades
Price from $33.94
Pros
- Silicone/rubber mix
- Good water repelling
- Highly flexible
Cons
- They may flex too much at higher speeds
The rubber on these models is silicone-based, which ensures quiet work. Additionally, Piaa wiper blades should last about twice as long as regular rubber blades. Each swipe leaves a thin layer of silicone on the windshield to help repel the water. Another advantage of the silicone blades is that you won’t have to deal with dry rot during summer days.
This model also comes with a pack that includes wet wipes with silicone, with which you can polish your windshield to perfection. Once you have installed the wipers, you will notice their flexibility; they will lay firmly on the windshield, unlike those with a metal frame.
Michelin Guardian Wiper Blades
Price from $16.99
Pros
- Silicone
- Good quality
- Affordable
Cons
- External frame
Among Michelin windshield wipers, the Guardian design has turned out to be more than excellent. They are as quiet as some more expensive models and are known for their durability in all seasons. In addition, the FitRight Design ensures the wipers will adhere to your windshield and provide efficient performance.
They have a rubber cover over a skeletonized frame, ensuring high flexibility. Installing these wipers is simple due to the EZ Lock system. All you have to do is pull up the tab, slide the wiper on, and snap the tab back down — it won’t take you longer than a minute.
Crystal Clear Heated Windshield Wipers
Price from $119.00
Pros
- Heated
- Excellent quality
- Temperature sensor
Cons
- Expensive
If you live in a snowy place, you’re probably familiar with the problem of frozen wipers. Traditional blades have a lot of pockets where ice can pile up, resulting in decreased performance. Once the snow accumulates, we usually roll down the window and try to knock the ice off the blade.
To save you all this trouble, Crystal Clear has created the best windshield wipers that can melt the snow. This model can prevent ice from building up even under extreme weather conditions. Once the blade starts heating, it becomes softer and adheres to the windshield. It also has a built-in temperature sensor which is fully automatic; it is active only while your engine is on and the temperatures are at or below freezing.
The only reason these might not be your first choice is the price. Due to the heating function, wipers like these are more expensive than the regular ones. However, if you live in a snowy area, you probably won’t mind the cost. Instead, you will be thanking the engineers for inventing them.
Windshield Wiper Types
Conventional rubber wipers tend to be simpler and cheaper, and many drivers prefer them. However, recent years have brought new, more efficient materials to the market. For example, silicone wipers are considered the best wiper blades for sweeping away pesky droplets. In addition, they are quieter and even come with warranties. Most of them are pricier than regular wipers, but you can still find some that are not only quiet but also super cheap.
Beam blades usually come with high-quality rubber and springs, and they work wonderfully on curved windshields. Their ability to adhere is why they are one of the top-rated windshield wipers.
When looking for beam blades, don’t be confused if people use the name interchangeably with winter blades. The only difference is that the latter are typically made with graphene and Teflon for increased durability. The winter blades utilize streamlined construction — they are created with fewer parts, which corresponds to fewer things that can freeze. Winter blades are also more costly, so buy them only if necessary.
What Size Windshield Wipers Do I Need?
First, you have to check if you really need new windshield wipers. The best way to do this is to rub your hand along them and check for abnormalities. You can also check if they make unusual sounds or leave streaks on your windshield during rain.
Once you’ve confirmed it’s time for a replacement, you will need to measure your wipers. It would be best to refer to the owner’s manual, which should state the right wiper blades’ size for your model. If not, get a hold of a tape measure and determine their lengths. Also, remember to measure them separately since the driver’s side wiper is usually longer. Extend each away from the windshield and run the tape measure across the blade to determine the length.
Nowadays, you can also find all the information you need online. Type your car model and the production year in Google, and you will find the correct size for your windshield wipers with ease. If you go to an auto parts store, there will be someone to help confirm all of this. Don’t forget to bring your old wipers with you.
How to Change Windshield Wipers
We already mentioned that there are different types of wipers. The first one we will discuss is the hook-type which comes with a locking tab that helps the arm stay attached to the blade. To remove the blade, rotate it and press down the locking tab. After that, give the blade a solid push until the lock opens.
To install a new one, you need to slide the hook on the wiper arm around the blade fitting. After that, pull up strongly until you hear a click, signaling you’ve completed the windshield wipers replacement.
Now, let’s talk about the pin-type wiper arm. To remove the blade from the arm, you need to disengage the lock. You will do this by pulling up the tab and removing the pin from the side of the blade. Next, install the new one by pulling the tab slightly up. Afterward, insert the arm pin into the blade and give the locking tab a strong push. You should hear a click, which means you have securely locked the wiper.
How Long Do Windshield Wipers Last?
Most blades break down because of the damage to the rubber surface. They can also bend due to continuous use in harsh weather, so it’s wise to check their condition now and then.
Once you buy new wipers, the stated life expectancy on the box should be around six months. Still, they usually last more than that. On the other hand, the best silicone wiper blades can last for one or two years even under intense use and are considered the best in terms of longevity.
A wiper’s life expectancy usually depends on the fluid quality, the quality of its components, how often you use it, and where you live. For example, drivers who live in places with a lot of rainfall or snowfall can expect their wipers to last way shorter than those used in dry areas.
How to Clean Windshield Wipers
If your wipers are smearing the water all over your windshield, they aren’t doing you any good. Common issues include bent frames and damaged rubber surfaces. You should check their condition; if you notice any defects, it would be wise to replace them soon.
If the blades are looking good but are making an unusual noise or aren’t working correctly, you can try cleaning instead of replacing windshield wipers. You need only two things for this — a rag or an old sock and a regular WD-40. Of course, you can also use a microfiber towel.
When choosing the cloth, it’s crucial to rely on something with a thick texture. That’s why an old sock is an infallible choice. Still, if you are in a pinch, you can use a napkin or a tissue, though it won’t last for very long.
The easiest way to clean the wipers is if you point them upward. First, soak the rag with WD-40, the best windshield wiper cleaner. Then, hold the construction and run the rag back and forth across the blades. Cleaning with WD-40 will de-grease the wiper blades. Keep going until you can no longer see the residue on the rag. If you don’t have a WD-40, rubbing alcohol is another option since it will have the same effect.
Once you are done with the wipers, you can use a quality glass cleaner to wash your windshield. This way, you will remove all the dirt and prevent it from reaching the blades again.
Expert Tip
If your windshield wipers are not working well, use the WD-40 to lubricate the hinge at the bottom of the arm. There is a little mechanism at the bottom of the opening where the blade arm comes in. It can erode over time and prevent the wiper from sticking properly onto the glass. If you lubricate it and remove the erosion, it will help the blade stick better. After that, take it and swing it up and down a few times. This way, you will help the WD-40 reach the lower area.
Best Windshield Wipers — Final Words
You can stay safe and keep your eyes on the road without a worry with the windscreen wipers listed here. They are guaranteed to clean your windshield from dirt and provide excellent visibility. If your car model has a curved windshield, you can consider the beam blades known for their flexibility. Moreover, heated wipers will save your wipers from freezing while driving in snowy areas.
Brands with a big name in the windshield wipers industry, such as Bosch, Rain-X, Piaa, and Crystal Clear, won’t disappoint you with their models. However, if you are looking for more affordable options, you can rely on Michelin wiper blades.
Before deciding on any of these, make sure you know each of your windscreen wipers’ lengths. Then, all that’s left is to replace them, which will take less than a minute with the instructions presented in this article.
People Also Ask
Which brand of wiper blades is the best?
Some brands have been on the market for a long time and have proven their efficiency over the years. For example, Bosch is one of our favorites. Brands such as Piaa or Rain-X also offer top-quality products with long lifespans. Michelin, for example, is well-known for products that provide great value for money. However, no matter which you choose, each one will equip you with lasting windshield wipers that get the job done.
Which wiper blades last the longest?
The lifespan of wiper blades depends on their quality and the quality of the fluid you use. Of course, we can’t neglect the geographical factor: if you live in a snowy or rainy area, your wipers are bound to last shorter than if you use them in a sunny place.
Brands like Bosch, Piaa, and Rain-X have proven to be very efficient and long-lasting. Instead of regular rubber, their wiper blades are silicone-based. As a result, they are quieter, more durable, and usually come with a warranty. These manufacturers also offer beam blades that ensure better adhesiveness to the curved windshields.
Are more expensive wiper blades worth it?
We can say that more expensive wiper blades have proven to be more efficient than the regular ones. First of all, they are usually silicone-based, which increases their flexibility. These blades are also harder to crack during hot days and much quieter when working. In addition, the frames are made of more durable and flexible materials for a better hold onto the windshield.
How to replace windshield wipers?
Each wiper type has a different installation procedure. For example, the hook-type has a locking tab that helps it stay attached to the blade. To remove the blade, rotate it and press down on the tab. Next, push the blade down strongly until the lock disconnects. After that, you can easily unhook the blade from the arm.
You can install a new wiper blade by sliding the arm hook around the blade fitting. After that, pull up firmly. You should then hear a click, signaling you have installed it successfully.
To remove windshield wiper blades from the pin-type arms, you need to disengage the lock first. You will do this by pulling the tab up and then pulling the pin from the side of the wiper blade. To install the new one, pull the tab slightly up. Afterward, insert the arm pin into the blade and push down strongly on the tab. The click will signal that you have securely locked the wiper.
Are premium wiper blades worth it?
We would be lying if we claimed that premium wiper blades aren’t better than regular ones. First of all, they are made from more durable materials. Premium wipers are usually silicone-based, which ensures a longer lifespan and quieter work. In addition, their frames are made from more enduring and flexible materials, which cling to the windshield, providing higher levels of clearance and visibility during the ride. So, yes, premium wipers are the best windshield wipers and worth your cent.
