Buying guide for best windshield wipers
Written by Allen Foster
Updated July 2024
The first thing to do when choosing new windshield wipers is consult the owner's manual for the vehicle. Windshields differ in size, and wiper placement differs from one vehicle to the next. You want windshield wipers that are sized to fit your car. For the most part, this is a matter of length, but it’s crucial because a replacement wiper that’s too short won't clear your entire windshield, and one that’s too long won't function as expected.
Besides length, you need to know what kind of wiper arm your vehicle has and which type of wiper blade you prefer. This will ensure a trouble-free installation and guarantee satisfaction.
We like the Bosch Icon Wiper Blade because every element is designed and manufactured with performance in mind. This wiper is built to keep your windshield clean in all weather conditions, and it’s rugged enough to last up to 40% longer than other wiper blades.
Best windshield wipers
Bosch Icon Wiper Blade
Bosch makes superior wiper blades that look simple in form but are brilliant in design. The Icon blade features patented original equipment beam technology that helps prevent heat and ozone deterioration while remaining flexible in all temperatures and weather conditions. This helps the wiper perform in all situations so visibility is never compromised. The clever addition of a spoiler helps keep the blade in contact with the windshield at all times. And the weather shield connector protects the wiper arm from ice and snow buildup while maintaining a secure connection.
Anco 31 Series Wiper Blade
Anco has been making premium wiper blades, wiper arms, washer pumps and more for over a century. The 31 Series wiper blades contain a DuraKlear-Plus rubber compound so each pass of the blade is clear and streakless. These blades also have a spoiler that delivers superior blade-to-windshield contact through the full pass of every stroke. The precision-made vented bridge and metal flexor ensure that these blades will fit and perform just like original equipment. Even if you've never changed a wiper blade on your own before, the intuitive KwikConnect system makes installation simple.
Trico Gold All-Weather Replacement Wiper Blades
The two highly versatile blades in this pack are best suited for vehicles in climates that have low-to-moderate precipitation. They come with all the needed installation hardware for quick attachment to nine different wiper arms. The memory curve steel applies uniform pressure along the entire blade for a clean, streak-free wipe, and the aerodynamic design reduces windlift to prevent the blade from leaving the surface of the windshield. This minimizes chatter to make a smooth and quiet glide with every pass. Each blade is tested to ensure it lasts an impressive 1,500,000 cycles or longer.
Rain-X Latitude Water Repellency Wiper Blade
Rain-X wiper blades stand out from other options because they contain a patented water-repellent formula that treats your windshield so water beads up and rolls away while you drive. While you could coat the windshield before driving, the formula is released during regular use, so no additional installation process is needed. This coating is also effective against snow, ice and sleet. Once the formula is activated and on your windshield, it will keep water beading up and rolling away for months. Each wiper blade comes with a universal adapter that’s easy to install and designed to fit 96% of vehicles.
Michelin Stealth Ultra Hybrid Wiper Blade
The smart hinge found on Michelin's Stealth Ultra Hybrid wipers sets them apart from other blades. This feature ensures that the blade presses down evenly to make solid contact with the entire windshield surface. The hard cover design also helps keep snow, ice and debris from clogging the blade so it remains effective in all road and weather conditions. The independent suspension built into the end of the blades keeps them pressed against the windshield no matter what shape it is. These hybrid blades have a graphite coating to deliver smooth and quiet wipes, while the EZ-Lok connector system facilitates installation.
Trico Ice Extreme Winter Weather Blade
Like the name implies, these windshield wiper blades are made specifically for the toughest winter driving conditions. The synthetic-blended armor remains flexible in low temperatures and extreme conditions. The blade’s simple one-piece construction with a heavy-gauge wiper element easily conforms to and clears most windshields. The Swift connection system’s universal design means the blade easily snaps on to nine different types of wiper arms. The budget-minded consumer will be happy to learn that this superior winter wiper blade is one of the most affordable options currently available.
Bosch Rear Wiper Blade
Not all vehicles have or require a rear window wiper. If the back of your vehicle doesn't taper aerodynamically, the air racing over the roof creates a low-pressure zone that pulls dirt and debris down onto the rear window. A wiper for the rear window must be rugged because it has to remove that accumulated dirt as well as any precipitation. This wiper blade from Bosch provides an original equipment fit. Its wear-resistant edge gives you longer-lasting service, and the coated element ensures smooth and quiet operation.
What to know before you buy windshield wipers
Types of wiper blades
While you might not think there would be several types of wiper blades, anyone who’s ventured into an auto parts supply store can tell you that there seems to be an endless number of choices. The variety makes it hard to know where to start. There are four main types of blades: bracket-type, beam, hybrid and winter.
Conventional blades: These blades, also called bracket-type or traditional blades, have a metal framework that acts as a mount for the wiper. The blade is often made of rubber or halogen-hardened rubber. This is the most widely used and available type.
Beam blades: These are also called bracketless or flat blades. They differ from conventional blades in that the support is inside the rubber instead of outside. This causes them to be lighter in weight and to flex to make better contact with the windshield. The design also has the metal inside, so it’s protected from the elements. These are more expensive than traditional blades.
Hybrid blades: These combine the stability of a bracket-type blade and the sleekness of a beam blade. They’re aerodynamic yet heavy-duty enough to prevent clogging with ice and snow or high-speed wind lift.
Winter wiper blades: The function of these blades is in the name: they’re meant for use in the harsh conditions of winter. They have a protective layer that keeps them from stiffening in extreme temperatures. You can find conventional, beam and hybrid types of winter wipers .
Materials
After deciding what type of blade you want, you can choose a blade material. For the most part, you have two choices: rubber or silicone. Tests have shown one material doesn’t seem to last longer than the other when it comes to wiper blades.
Rubber: Lower cost is the biggest advantage of choosing rubber blades. Almost all lower-priced wiper blades are made of rubber. They’re also more likely to be noisy as they drag across the windshield, and they’re more likely to be affected by the weather.
Silicone: These blades have a lubricant that causes the water to bead up on the windshield, making the blades glide more easily and therefore more quietly than rubber blades. You’ll pay more for silicone blades.
Wiper arm style
In addition to the type of blade and material, you also need to check the wiper arm style on your vehicle because the blade must match the arm. There are several, including J-hook, side post, side lock, top lock, bayonet and pinch tab. While this might sound confusing, most manufacturers now include a wide variety of attachments and accessories (and accompanying installation instructions) to make sure the wiper blades fit on a variety of wiper arms. Also, all of these are made in a way that doesn’t require tools for installation.
FAQ
Q. How much do wiper blades cost?
A. Because both wipers on a vehicle aren’t always the same size, they’re often sold individually. You might have a rear window wiper as well. Since all wiper blades on a vehicle should experience the same amount of wear, it’s best to replace all of them at the same time. The cost of individual wiper blades varies greatly depending on the type. You can expect to spend roughly $10 to $20 for a basic, bracket-style, rubber wiper blade. Beam blades cost $25 to $35 each. Hybrid blades cost between $15 and $20 each. Winter wiper blades can be conventional, beam or hybrid, and the price ranges from $10 to $35 each.
Q. How often should windshield wiper blades be changed?
A. Mechanics agree that twice a year is best. If you replace them in the spring, you can get rid of blades damaged by winter weather, and if you replace them in the fall, you can dispose of blades damaged by drying summer heat.
Q. Is it hard to replace wiper blades?
A. It isn’t a difficult process and only takes a few minutes. However, if you don’t feel up to the task, most auto parts stores will install blades you purchase there free of charge.
Q. How do I know when to replace wiper blades?
A. Assuming that they’re still in one piece and not broken, watch for the blades to leave your windshield hazy rather than clear. Also, when they begin to fray at the edges or fold underneath, it’s time for new blades.
Q. If I have bracket-style wiper blades on my vehicle, can I change to beam blades?
A. Yes. You can easily make the upgrade and switch the style of blades, provided the one you choose fits your vehicle.
