The best windshield wipers help ensure your utmost safety on the road, so don’t skimp on your replacement wiper blades.
Despite being one of the most overlooked car maintenance items, windshield wipers play a crucial role in preventing road accidents by optimizing visibility during inclement weather. In fact, they are the second most important safety feature on a vehicle, right behind the brakes!
Use this review catalog and buying guide to find the best wiper blades for your car. Here is a quick rundown of our top 5:
Image | Title | Price | Prime | Buy |
---|---|---|---|---|
Top Top Top | PIAA 95055 Super Silicone Wiper Blade (Pack of 1) | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
Top Top | Bosch ICON 26A Wiper Blade, Up to 40% Longer Life - 26" (Pack of 1) | Prime | Buy Now | |
Top Top | ANCO 31-Series 31-24 Wiper Blade - 24", (Pack of 1) | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
Top Top | Rain-X Latitude 2-in-1 Water Repellency Wiper Blade - 19-inches | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
Top Top | Michelin 8522 Stealth Ultra Windshield Wiper Blade with Smart Technology, 22" (Pack of 1) | PrimeEligible | Buy Now |
IN THIS GUIDE
Best Windshield Wipers Reviews
Before going through the reviews, it’s important to know the factors we used to zero down on our top picks:
- Compatibility: Not all windshield wiper sizes fit every vehicle, so the more compatible a wiper, the higher it scored.
- Ease Of Installation: Windshield wipers are generally easy to replace; however, some wipers are easier to install than others. Preference was given to the ones that could be handled easily and without hassle.
- Cleaning Ability: This is the most important criteria. We looked at each wiper’s ability to keep the windshield glass clean and clear, giving a higher rating to those that did the best job.
- Durability: Windshield wipers are constantly exposed to the elements, so durability is a key point of consideration. We gave higher points to the wipers most likely to last long.
1. PIAA Super Silicone Blades – Best Overall Windshield Wipers
- Suitable for all conditions and most vehicles, the PIAA Super Silicone Blades are the total package, offering excellent cleaning and durability.
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Our top pick is the PIAA 95055 Super Silicone Wiper Blade, a structured set of metal wipers that clean windshields exceptionally well, clearing them of any visual obstructions with relative ease.
Compatibility
Available in lengths ranging from 12 inches up to 26 inches, these highly compatible windshield wipers fit many different vehicles. They even come equipped with different adapters to make installation easier, though their open-frame design can be a bit tough for some users to handle.
Cleaning Action
Performance is where the PIAA Super Silicone Blades truly shine. They feature an aerodynamic design that applies pressure equally at each point of the glass to prevent streaking.
Whenever the blades move, they apply an invisible coating to the windshield to encourage water to bead up and roll off. And as a bonus, you also get a glass cleaner/windshield treatment that further promotes water beading.
Durability
Durability is top-class, as you would expect. The blades are made from silicone rubber, a high-quality material that is sturdier, more corrosion-resistant, and longer-lasting than regular rubber. They are also engineered to withstand heat, as well as the degradative effects of continuous UV exposure.
Things We Like
- Excellent cleaning action
- Many different sizes
- Heat, UV-resistant
- Long lifespan
- Good value
What We Don’t Like
- Can be a bit tricky to install
Bottom Line
Suitable for all conditions and most vehicles, the PIAA Super Silicone Blades are the total package, offering excellent cleaning and durability. CHECK LATEST PRICE
2. Bosch Icon Windshield Wiper Blade – Honorable Mention
- Built strictly with quality and performance in mind, the Bosch Icon Wiper Blades are a no compromise solution for cleaning unwanted substances from your windshield.
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Bosch has been an innovative force in the automotive industry for so long that it excels in virtually every segment it competes in. The Bosch Icon Windshield Wiper Blade is a prime example of its engineering excellence and easily one of the best windshield wipers you can buy.
Compatibility
The Bosch Icon wiper blades are available in many different sizes (lengths range from 13 to 26 inches) and have a weather-shielding, double-locking connector that makes installation easy. They are suitable for a wide variety of attachment pieces, so you shouldn’t have trouble finding a blade that meets your vehicle’s specs.
Cleaning Ability
These are not the most attractive-looking wipers, but they are extremely effective at keeping your windshield clean and clear. They have a beam-style, dual-tension spring arcing design that makes each blade flexible enough to evenly conform to the windshield for optimal surface area coverage.
An asymmetric spoiler design feature forces the blades to rest against the windshield at all driving speeds, while their silicone shell prevents snow, ice, and other substances from building up. But the Bosch ICON wipers aren’t perfect, seeing as they sometimes streak snowflakes that land on the windscreen.
Durability
The Bosch Icon Wiper Blades are among the longest-lasting windshield wipers on the market. Made out of FX Dual Rubber, they are resistant to corrosion and cracking caused by continuous sun exposure and last 40 percent longer than many other premium blades.
Things We Like
- Great cleaning action
- Many different sizes
- Durable
- Long lifespan
What We Don’t Like
- May streak with snow
Bottom Line
Built strictly with quality and performance in mind, the Bosch Icon Wiper Blades are a no-compromise solution for cleaning unwanted substances from your windshield. CHECK LATEST PRICE
3. ANCO 31 Series – Best Budget Windshield Wipers
- Although less capable than hybrid or beam-style blades, the ANCO 31-Series Wiper Blades offer a great value on both counts.
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The ANCO 31-Series are possibly the best conventional windshield wipers for the money, offering great all-weather performance at a great price.
Compatibility
Available in sizes ranging from 10 to 28 inches ( 25-71 cm), and boasting a KwikConnect Installation System that makes installations quick and easy, these wipers will fit most vehicles and shouldn’t cause you too much trouble to set up.
Cleaning Ability
The blades use “DuraKlear,” a unique, high-quality rubber compound that delivers consistent, streak-free performance in inclement weather to improve visibility, even when you’re traveling at speeds in heavy rain.
At the same time, an AeroVent Aerodynamic bridge feature ensures that they are always making contact with the glass to achieve perfect wipes. The ANCO 31-Series wiper blades are ideal for climates with moderate rain and snowfall.
Durability
These wipers are resistant to corrosion, a handy feature for those who live in rainy locales. However, the materials used in their construction are average at best, casting some doubt on longevity. Even so, you may be able to get 6 or more months of good performance out of them.
Things We Like
- Good cleaning ability
- Very affordable, great price
- Compatible with many vehicles
- Easy to install
What We Don’t Like
- Not ideal for heavy snow or ice
- Relatively short lifespan
Bottom Line
While not on the same performance and durability level as hybrid or beam-style blades, the ANCO 31-Series Wiper Blades offer a great value on both counts. CHECK LATEST PRICE
4. Rain-X Latitude – Best Windshield Wipers For Rain
- Not only do the Rain-X Latitude windshield wipers deliver solid cleaning action over their lifespan, but they also give your windshield an extra layer of protection against water.
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No discussion of the best wiper blades can ever be complete without mention of the Rain-X Latitude, and for good reason. This highly-regarded wiper blade comes from a company that specializes in treatments that make water bead off windshields.
Compatibility
One of the reasons why the Rain-X Latitude is so popular is because it’s compatible with around 96 percent of vehicles on the road, thanks to its wide range of available lengths and universal quick-lock adapter for easy installation. The connectors are a bit unsightly, though.
Cleaning Ability
On the performance front, the beam-style blade boasts advanced blade technology that allows it to contour to the curvature of your windshield for smooth, streak-free wipes.
It has also been impregnated with Rain-X’s iconic water-repellent solution, depositing the highly effective coating onto the windshield glass for extra protection, while an aerodynamic spoiler reduces wind lift and the noise that accompanies it.
Durability
The Rain-X Latitude has a solid and durable construction, seeing as the blades are made from a synthetically blended, premium graphite-coated rubber that can withstand harsh weather conditions. However, since it’s a beam-style blade, it doesn’t have an extra casing to prevent clogging by snow and ice.
Things We Like
- Excellent cleaning action in rain
- Compatible with most vehicles
- Good build quality
- Water-repellent coating
What We Don’t Like
- Prone to clogging by heavy snow/ice
- Unsightly connectors
Bottom Line
Not only do the Rain-X Latitude windshield wipers deliver solid cleaning action over their lifespan, but they also give your windshield an extra layer of protection against water. CHECK LATEST PRICE
5. Michelin Stealth Ultra Hybrid – Best Winter Windshield Wipers
- Consider the Michelin Stealth Ultra Hybrid Windshield Wiper if you live in a very cold climate. They are among the best replacement windshield wipers for winter conditions.
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If any company should know a thing or two about making exceptional windshield wipers, it’s rubber giant Michelin. The Michelin Stealth Ultra Hybrid are indeed very capable wiper blades, especially in very cold weather.
Compatibility
They can be had in lengths ranging from 14 inches (36 cm) to 28 inches (71 cm) and have an EZ-Lok connector system that’s compatible with many vehicle makes and models. However, they can be a bit of a handful to install.
Cleaning Ability
Although the Michelin Stealth Ultra Hybrid windshield wipers perform well in most conditions, they work particularly well in snowy and icy weather. Their unique patented design features exclusive “Smart-Flex” technology that adapts to the curvature of your windshield for extra contact with the glass.
This blade/glass contact is further enhanced by Smart Hinge joints to ensure that the blades apply even points of pressure across the windshield.
Durability
Michelin is known for making products that hold up well over time, and the Stealth Ultra is no exception. It is made from premium, highly durable rubber and features specially-designed hinges that protect against snow and ice, as well as prevent their buildup.
Things We Like
- Great all-whether cleaning
- Good compatibility
- Durable construction
- Long-lasting
What We Don’t Like
- Can be a bit difficult to install
Bottom Line
If you live in a very cold climate, consider the Michelin Stealth Ultra Hybrid Windshield Wiper. They are possibly the best windshield wipers for winter conditions. CHECK LATEST PRICE
6. AERO Premium All-Season Windshield Wiper Blades
- The AERO All-Season Windshield Wiper Blades deliver top-rate performance and durability in all weathers conditions for a not-so premium price.
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Like the other beam-style wipers on our list, the AERO All-Season Windshield Wiper Blades are a great replacement choice for newer vehicles. In fact, they offer similar quality to the bigger brand name products for a noticeably lower price.
Compatibility
The use of a J-hook fitment means the Aero Premium can fit most vehicles. Not only are these blades available in a wide selection of different sizes ranging from 13 to 28 inches (33-71 cm), but they are also very easy to install. You can even get them in pairs where each wiper has a different length.
Cleaning Ability
True to its name, the Aero Premium has an aerodynamic design that reduces drag and noise and helps it remain in constant contact with the windshield, while specially-blended rubber on the blades ensures smooth wipes. Both features help ensure that every inch of the glass is evenly cleaned.
The blades are also bracketless, allowing them to reduce the buildup of snow and ice on the windshield. The only downside is that they tend to squeak when there is very little rain or moisture on the windscreen.
Durability
While they don’t have the same lifespan as a top-shelf product such as the PIAA Super Silicone Blades and Bosch ICON, the Aero Premium is built to work well in all seasons and should last a long time if properly maintained.
The rubber material used is strong and doesn’t damage easily, as are the plastic components. Both can withstand the sun’s UV rays and other hazards caused by fluctuations in the temperature. If that’s not reassuring enough, you get a 6-month warranty.
Things We Like
- Good all-season cleaning
- Compatible with many vehicles
- Affordable
- 6-month warranty
What We Don’t Like
- May squeak during very light rain
Bottom Line
The AERO All-Season Windshield Wiper Blades deliver premium-level performance and durability for a not-so premium price. CHECK LATEST PRICE
7. Bosch Aerotwin Replacement Wiper Blade
- The Bosch Aerotwin Replacement Wiper Blades are a more affordable alternative to the Bosch ICON that strike a great balance between performance, durability, and value.
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The Bosch Aerotwin Wiper Blades are a great, more affordable alternative to the Bosch ICON. You basically get two of these quality blades for the price of one ICON blade.
Compatibility
Bosch tailored each available blade size for a precise fit on many different vehicles, while a universal adapter makes installation fairly straightforward. However, since the blades come as a pair, you’ll want to make sure each one is the right length.
Cleaning Ability
Expect quiet operation and great cleaning action in all weather conditions. Reinforced with tension steel springs and an asymmetrical wind spoiler, the blades are able to apply pressure uniformly onto the windshield to prevent skipping and deliver spotless wipes.
Durability
Like the ICON, the Bosch Aerotwin was designed with longevity in mind. The blades are made from a rust- and corrosion-resistant blended dual rubber compound with graphite coating and protected by an aerodynamic all-steel frame.
Things We Like
- Clean, streak-free wipes
- Quiet operation
- Sold in pairs
- Resists snow and ice build-up
- Long lifespan
What We Don’t Like
- May chatter in sub-zero temperature
Bottom Line
The Bosch Aerotwin Replacement Wiper Blades strike a great balance between performance, durability, and value. CHECK LATEST PRICE
8. Valeo 900 Series Frameless All-Season Wiper Blades
- The Valeo 900 Series Frameless Wiper Blade is very popular on the international stage due to its large selection of different sizes, advnaced design, and cleaning efficiency.
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Valeo has been in the car accessories business for decades, so it knows a thing or two about windshield wipers. With the Valeo 900 Series Frameless All-Season Wiper Blades, you get a reliable and affordable product from a trusted manufacturer.
Compatibility
As you would expect from what is arguably Valeo’s best windshield wipers, they come in a wide selection of lengths (15-29 inches / 38-74 cm), so you’re likely to find a suitable size for your vehicle. They also don’t require a special adapter or mechanism to install.
Cleaning Ability
You will benefit from superior visibility in all kinds of weather conditions and at all speeds with these blades. Their innovative beam-style design gives them over 1,500 points of contact with your windshield, ensuring that every inch of your glass is attended to.
Enhanced aero-acoustics minimize wind noise by three decibels for a quieter ride, while exceptional aerodynamics due to a cleverly integrated spoiler helps deliver consistent all-around performance.
Durability
All Valeo 900 Series wiper blades are made from Tec3 Rubber, a high-quality rubber that gives them enhanced longevity and prevents the formation of streaks when wiping off rainwater. They also have a strong outer portion that can withstand abuse from the elements.
Unfortunately, some users report experiencing streaking after a few months of use, likely due to tiny tears on the rubber.
Things We Like
- Smooth cleaning action
- Many different sizes
- Easy to install
- Lasts long
What We Don’t Like
- May start streaking after a few months
Bottom Line
The Valeo 900 Series Frameless Wiper Blade is very popular on the international stage due in large part to its cleaning efficiency and large selection of different sizes. CHECK LATEST PRICE
9. TRICO NeoForm Windshield Wiper
- Although it doesnt come in many sizes, the ACDelco Advantage All-Season Metal Wiper Blade is a very good option for anyone on a tight budget.
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Unlike many of the best wiper blades, this unit comes from a company that specializes in just windshield wipers rather than in an array of different products. To that end, the TRICO NeoForm Windshield Wiper offers OE quality and fit and does a great job keeping your windshield clean.
Compatibility
You can have these framed wipers in any size, so long as they are between 14 inches to 28 inches (36-71 cm) in length. They are also fitted with pre-installed adapters that make the installation process smooth and easy.
It should be noted, however, that their design is optimized for the very curved windshields of modern cars, so they are not the best option for cars with very flat windshields.
Cleaning Ability
Indeed, the TRICO NeoForm conforms to the shape of your car’s windshield and applies uniform pressure across the blade to clean all areas of the glass equally, effectively, and without leaving streaks.
The wiper is suitable for all weather conditions, having been designed to withstand snow and ice and prevent their build-up on the screen. This makes driving through torrential rains a manageable affair rather than a nightmare.
Durability
A key highlight of this wiper blade is that it has a Teflon-coated surface, a material that allows it to withstand continuous exposure to the elements, be it rain or the sun’s corrosive UV rays. Have peace of mind knowing that it will weather anything mother nature throws at it.
Things We Like
- Optimized for curved windshields
- Good cleaning ability
- Easy to install
- Very durable
What We Don’t Like
- Less effective on very flat windshields
Bottom Line
If you have a very curved windshield, the TRICO NeoForm Windshield Wiper is a good bet for your road safety. CHECK LATEST PRICE
10. ACDelco Advantage All-Season Metal Wiper Blades
- Although it doesnt come in many sizes, the ACDelco Advantage All-Season Metal Wiper Blade is a very good option for anyone on a tight budget.
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The ACDelco Advantage is an economical, conventional-style wiper blade that can be found on many General Motors vehicles, seeing as ACDelco is owned by the American automaker.
Compatibility
These wiper blades come with direct-fit connectors that make installation easy and straightforward; however, they’re not offered in many different sizes. Finding a suitable size can be difficult, especially if you don’t own a GM vehicle.
Cleaning Ability
Despite its simple design, the ACDelco Advantage offers good cleaning action in all weather conditions. The blades have a dogleg design to better contour to high wrap windshields, while precisely fitted wiper elements allow for a smoother, quieter operation.
Durability
Engineers made the blade out of natural rubber and the frame from high-strength steel coated with corrosion-resistant epoxy. A covered structure provides extra protection for the steel frame, helping prevent the build-up of snow, ice, and debris.
Some users have reported that the blade can begin leaving streaks after just a few months of use, while others had to replace their unit sooner than expected. Even so, most buyers have been pleased with their purchase.
Things We Like
- Good cleaning ability
- Durable design
- Easy installation
- Very affordable
What We Don’t Like
- Comes in only one size
Bottom Line
Even with its shortcomings, the ACDelco Advantage All-Season Metal Wiper Blade is a very good option for anyone on a tight budget. CHECK LATEST PRICE
Windshield Wiper Buying Guide
This comprehensive buying guide presents well-researched facts and practical tips to help you narrow down the best windshield wipers for your car or truck.
What Are Windshield Wipers?
A windshield wiper, or windscreen wiper as it is known in British English, is a motorized device that’s used to remove rain, water, snow, ice, washer fluid, debris, and other unwanted substances from a vehicle’s front and rear windows so that the driver has a better visual of what’s ahead or behind him/her.
Interesting fact: Windshield wipers are the number two safety feature on a vehicle, right behind the brakes, explaining why they are usually a legal requirement.
Why You Need Good Windshield Wipers
Despite being a small, often overlooked part of your car, windshield wipers play an oversized role in your driving and overall safety. Reduced visibility caused by bad weather, road debris, and other adverse conditions is one of the major causes of car accidents.
Here are the key benefits of having quality, well-maintained wipers:
1. Make you a safer driver. Windshield wipers improve your safety by enabling you to drive in rough, unpleasant weather. Modern advancements have made them so effective at maintaining optimal windshield visibility that you can count on them to help you avoid collisions.
2. Improve road safety. Having a set of quality, well-maintained windshield wipers isn’t just about your safety — it’s also about the safety of everyone you share the road with. By making you a safer driver, these devices help you play your part in keeping the road safe for everyone.
3. Lower instance rate. Don’t underestimate the impact windshield wipers can have on your car insurance premium. The added safety they provide helps ensure a clean driving record, something insurance companies love.
4. Improve your car’s looks. No one likes a dirty car. Not only do windshield wipers protect your windshield from substances that could leave ugly stains on the glass, but in doing so, they enhance the general appearance of your vehicle.
Types Of Windshield Wipers
Much like your tires, headlights, and spark plugs, windshield wiper blades come in a variety of different types that serve different purposes. The three main types are:
Conventional Wipers
Conventional wipers are the least expensive and most common type of wipers on the road. They feature simple halogen-hardened rubber or rubber squeegees that have a lifespan of around six months.
Beam-Style Wipers
Beam-style wipers have a one-piece design with silicon- or dual rubber-reinforced blades. The absence of an external frame allows the blades to better conform to the windshield.
These wipers last longer than conventional wipers and deliver better wiping performance. However, they are also more expensive.
Hybrid Wipers
As the name suggests, hybrid wipers are a blend of both conventional and beam wipers. They resemble beam blades in design but feature a metal, rubber-coated frame and an outer shell to prevent snow and ice from penetrating the blade.
Top Windshield Wiper Brands
Of the many top-rated windshield wiper brands on the market, the following four are the most recognized, both in terms of brand power and the quality of their offerings.
Bosch
Bosch is a juggernaut in the automotive world. Founded in 1889, the German electrical engineering company makes a wide array of products that are used by the preponderance of vehicles you see on the road, the Bosch Icon Windshield Wiper being one.
Valeo
Since its founding in 1923, France’s Valeo has garnered a reputation as one of the world’s best automotive parts manufacturers. Its wide range of quality aftermarket windshield wipers, including the very popular Valeo 900 Series, are sold all around the world.
Rain-X
Introduced in 1972, Rain-X is a brand best known for its glass and windshield treatments and washer fluid, plastic cleaners, car wax, and wiper blades. The much-lauded Rain-X-Latitude Windshield Wiper often ranks high in comparison reviews.
Michelin
Mentioning Michelin in any discussion usually conjures up images of tires; however, the century-old French global tire manufacturer makes a wide variety of disparate parts for cars, motorcycles and bicycles, and even footwear. The Michelin Stealth Ultra Windshield Wiper is a prime example.
Features Of The Best Windshield Wipers
Choosing the right windshield wipers for your vehicle is an important part of being a responsible car owner, and having a reliable set could mean the difference between safely reaching your destination, being helplessly stuck at home, or worse, getting into an accident.
There are many things to consider when shopping for windshield wipers; however, the following key criteria will help you significantly narrow down your options:
Blade Frame
Most windshield wipers are designed with a rubber or plastic outer framework that improves their structural integrity and prevents rain, snow, or ice from penetrating the blade. However, some have an open-frame design that picks up fast when activated but is more vulnerable to elemental damage.
Material Quality
Most conventional wiper blades are made from rubber, a material that’s easier and cheaper to manufacture but typically doesn’t last long. Conversely, silicone blades are more expensive but also more durable and long-lasting.
Attachment Style
Attachment style refers to how the blade connects to the wiper arm. While windshield wiper blades are fairly easy to install, different models can differ in their level of attachment difficulty. Of the three main attachment styles (hook-slot, pin arm, and straight-end), hook-slots are probably the easiest to work with.
Size, Compatibility
Most windshield wipers are designed specifically for certain vehicle models, so make sure you know the wiper type and size that fits your vehicle. You can check your car owner’s manual for the correct sizing or simply do a Google search.
Your Climate
Climate plays a big role in the type of windshield wiper your car needs. Expensive blades are less necessary in regions that are warm or experience only light rain or snow, while harsher climates demand higher-quality blades that are better able to withstand rain, snow, and ice.
Taking Care Of Your Windshield Wipers
Windshield wipers play a crucial role in helping keep you, your passengers, pedestrians, and other motorists safe on the road, which is why they need to be properly maintained at all times.
Taking care of your windshield wipers entails knowing when you need new ones, knowing how to replace them, and following the best practices for optimal performance and longevity.
6 Signs You Need To Replace Windshield Wipers
Damaged or worn-out windshield wipers can be anything from a mild inconvenience to a major safety hazard, but even a small amount of wear and tear can dramatically reduce your visibility in poor weather, undermining your situational awareness and safety.
Don’t become a statistic. Here are six signs that you need to replace your windshield wipers.
1. Excess noise. Although it’s normal for windshield wipers to make noise when they move, the interaction between the rubber and glass shouldn’t create any loud noise. Squeaking, chattering or scratching sounds probably mean the rubber edge is worn, rendering the wiper blade ineffective.
2. No contact. If flipping the wiper knob reveals that the rubber blades aren’t making contact with the windshield, the blades may either be worn down or misaligned. You will need new blades or possibly full wiper units if your attempts to realign them fail.
3. Skipping wipers. If the blades hop across the windshield instead of making smooth wipes, try adding some water repellent to the windshield to improve friction. If that doesn’t work, their rubber is likely worn down, warranting a replacement.
4. Streaks. A little bit of streaking is normal, but if you notice a coat of grime or water on your windshield that won’t come off even after you spray windshield wiper fluid, there is a good chance you have a wiper problem.
5. Peeling blades. You definitely need a replacement if the ends of the rubber blades are loosening, peeling, or flapping about. The sun’s UV radiation alone can be enough to severely dry the rubber, causing it to peel and crack.
6. Bent frames. The frame of the blade can be damaged very easily, such as from scraping ice and snow off your car in the winter. If the frame is bent, the blade won’t be able to make proper contact with your windshield.
How To Change Windshield Wipers
Unlike many general car maintenance tasks, replacing your windshield wiper blades is something you can do yourself without the aid of a mechanic. The following is a simple step-by-step guide on how to change windshield wipers.
Step 1. After ensuring that you have the right type and size for your vehicle, remove the replacement wiper blades from their package to have it ready. Read any instructions that came with them. If they have different lengths, make sure you know which one goes where.
Step 2. Lift the wiper arm off the windshield, turn the blade perpendicular to the arm, and locate the release tab.
Step 3. Press the tab, and pull the blade down. You might be tempted to pull up the blade, but doing that won’t achieve anything.
Step 4. After pulling down on the blade, turn it parallel to the arm, and simply pull it off. That’s it! Repeat steps 2 through 4 to remove the second wiper arm.
Step 5. To install the replacement blades, simply repeat the aforementioned steps in reverse: Position the blade parallel to the arm, thread it into the slot, turn the blade perpendicular to the arm, and lock it in place by pulling up slightly.
Step 6. Once the new windshield wiper blades have been installed and lowered onto the windshield, test them out with windshield wiper fluid. See how well they perform before hitting the road with them.
How To Maintain Your Windshield Wipers
Even a new set of the best-made windshield wipers won’t last long if neglected. Don’t squander your hard-earned money or foolishly risk your safety — here’s how you can maintain your windshield wiper blades and get the best results out of them.
Routinely Inspect The Blades
Before undertaking any maintenance procedures, you must first determine if your windshield wiper blades are still in good working condition.
Get into the habit of regularly inspecting your blades for cracking, discoloration, and other signs of degradation. It’s important that you replace them if they look worn out.
Replace The Blades Once Or Twice A Year
A variety of factors affect the lifespan of windshield wipers. Not only do they wear out from regular use, but elemental factors such as water, snow, extreme temperatures, and sunlight also take a toll.
Even so, it is recommended that you check your wiper blades every six months and replace them at least once a year. The more often the windshield wipers are used, the more frequently they will need to be replaced.
Wipe The Blades On A Regular Basis
Cleaning your windshield wiper blades once a week, even if they haven’t been used for extended periods, will prolong their lifespan. The buildup of dirt and grime can corrode their rubber components, increasing their rate of deterioration.
Apply Protective Coating Twice Every Year
A good protective coating can do wonders for your windshield wiper blades, but they need to be thoroughly cleaned before any solution is applied.
To spotlessly clean the blades, simply wipe them with a clean cloth dampened in white vinegar. Once that’s done, apply a quality rubber protectant like Rain-X.
Choose The Right Blades
The aforementioned maintenance tips will prolong the life of any blade; however, it’s the overall quality of the blade itself that most determines its performance and longevity.
Buy a low-quality wiper blade, and you will get low-quality results; pay a little extra for premium blades, and you’ll save more money over the lifetime of your vehicle.
Best Windshield Wipers FAQs & Answers
The answers to these frequently asked questions about windshield wipers encapsulate many of the facts and tips presented in our buying and maintenance guides.
How Do I Know What Kind Of Windshield Wipers I Need?
Windshield wiper blades are vehicle-specific, so there isn’t a universal, one-size-fits-all unit you can buy. To find the right size for your vehicle, check your owner’s manual for the exact make and model you require, or simply do a Google search.
What Causes Windshield Wipers To Chatter?
Chattering windshield wipers could indicate a heavy buildup of dirt, debris, or grease on your wiper blades. Use a damp cloth to wipe down the wiper blades and windshield. If that fails, try tightening the wiper joints to make the wipers more steady and improve their contact with the windshield.
How Long do Windshield Wipers Last?
The lifespan of windshield wipers depends on a number of factors, including the style and technology of the wipers, how well they are maintained, and your climate. While most conventional windshield wiper blades last about 6 months, hybrid and beam-style blades can last over a year if properly maintained.
How Can You Tell It’s Time To Replace Your Wipers?
Common signs that it’s time to replace your wiper blades include windshield streaks or film, worn-out rubber, chattering or other unpleasant sounds, skipping, and dirt patches from bent frames. If you notice any of these signs, it might be time to replace your wipers.
Do I Have To Replace My Entire Windshield Wiper?
Not always. Some windshield wipers allow you to replace only the rubber squeegee part of the blade, while others may require you to replace the entire blade.
Final Thoughts
Windshield wipers are one of the least exciting parts of your car, but they are extremely essential for keeping you safe on the road.
Not only must you ensure that you have high-quality units to work with, but you must also properly maintain them to ensure their ongoing effectiveness.
The PIAA Super Silicone Blades is our pick for the best windshield wipers due to its impressive cleaning ability and durability in all weather conditions. Our budget pick, the ANCO 31 Series Wiper Blades, is also a great all-weather option.