Wiper blades are one of the easiest, least expensive ways to improve your visibility and safety while driving. It’s important to replace them regularly, especially when they start leaving streaks or smears on your windshield. The key to choosing the right blades is finding a size that matches your vehicle’s specifications. You can use a wiper blade finder tool or search your owner’s manual for specific vehicle measurements.
Types
Conventional wiper blades are the cheapest and most common type of windshield wiper on vehicles. These blades have a metal frame that closely resembles multiple coat hangers and come in a variety of sizes. They are less flexible than rubber blades and can damage the windshield if not properly installed or removed. In addition, metal wiper blades tend to have a shorter lifespan than their rubber counterparts.
Beam and hybrid blades have a curved frame that conforms to the curve of your windshield for a cleaner wipe. They have four to six contact points that apply pressure across the entire surface of the blade and can wrap around the shape of snow or ice on your windshield. These blades are more expensive than conventional blades, but they last about twice as long. They also have a variety of connector types, including bayonet, pinch tab, push button, and slider. All of these types require careful handling to ensure that they don’t snap back down onto the windshield and shatter it.
Sizes
A key aspect of choosing wiper blades is finding the right size for your vehicle. A wiper blade that is too short can leave large areas of the windscreen unaffected, lowering visibility and potentially damaging the windshield. Blades that are too long can hit each other or cause damage to the blade mechanism.
The main types of wiper blades available include traditional frame-style, flat and hybrid. The latter combines the metal frame of a traditional wiper with a flat blade to create a sleek, aerodynamic design that is more resistant to weather conditions. Another popular type of wiper blade is the performance spoiler, which is a rubber flap that helps steady the blade as it moves across the windshield. These blades can be especially useful in stormy conditions or when driving in extreme temperatures.
Materials
Wiper blades are made of different materials that affect how well they work. The rubber squeegee on your windshield is what determines how good your view is while driving, and the quality of the material makes all the difference. The materials used can vary between natural or synthetic rubber, and each has its advantages. Natural rubber provides ozone resistance and heat tolerance, which extends the life of your wiper blades.
Conventional wiper blades use a flat rubber shell with a metal frame that pivots to hold the rubber tightly against your windshield. This helps them resist all-weather conditions and are a cost-effective option for most vehicles.
Beam blades are a more advanced design that doesn’t require a metal frame, allowing the rubber to hug your windshield more closely for better performance. This makes them a good choice for cold climates with heavy snowfall and ice. The specialized blade technology used for these wipers is more expensive than conventional blades, however.
Installation
Over time, temperature extremes and heavy precipitation can have a negative impact on wiper blades. That’s why it’s important to replace wiper blades at least once a year to ensure that they’re functioning properly and helping you see the road ahead. Before removing the old wiper blade, lay a towel over the windshield where the arm normally sits. This way, if the arm accidentally snaps back down without the blade attached, you’ll have a rag ready to catch it and prevent glass damage.
To remove the existing blade, pull the arm up to a perpendicular position. Then locate the hook-shaped connector at the base of the arm and match it to a connector on the new blade. Most blades come with multiple types of connectors, including hook-slot, pin-type and straight-end styles. They’re also available with adapters to accommodate different types of arms. Some even have a universal fit, claiming to work with over 95% of vehicles on the road.
What’s Next?
Smeared or missing windshield wiper blades are more than a nuisance; they can be a real safety hazard. Wiper blades need to be resilient to withstand heavy use and harsh weather. Here’s how to choose the right ones for your vehicle.