Putting this out there: If you notice a huge difference in your car’s windshield wiper performance after you replace your wiper blades, you’ve waited too long to get them replaced.
Despite how true it is, windshield wiper blades are one of those accessories that most people don’t even begin to think about replacing until they are in the middle of an emergency.
However, you should always make sure that you have a spare windshield wiper blade on hand (or in your trunk) at all times in the event that you own a car.
OK, now that you understand what windshield wipers are and how important they are, let’s talk about the nuts and bolts.
As simple as it might appear, there are actually several types of windshield wiper blades that you should take into account when shopping for wiper blades.
You will also be able to choose from a variety of conventional blades, such as rubber wiper blades, beam type blades or hybrid blades.
There are even compounds that are capable of offering the best performance, regardless of what level of extreme weather conditions may exist. These include the following types of rain and snow wipers:
Due to a sleek upmarket appearance of beam wipers, which replace the traditional metal frame of the wiper with a Hinge less rubber strip, beam wipers are becoming more popular as standard equipment on upscale vehicles.
It is true that the beam wiper design applies pressure more evenly, which improves performance, but a possible downside may be the possibility that certain substances like sand could clog the wiper assembly due to its solid form. Exactly what it sounds like.
A blade of this type consists of elements from both traditional styles and from beam styles. This part of the hinge is concealed by an aerodynamic plastic casing that leaves openings through which debris can pass and conceals part of the hinge. It also consists of a beam-style blade that is attached to the hinge to provide even pressure distribution.
Rain-X Latitude Water Repellency Series
The Rain-X windshield treatment is an incredible product. Simply clean the windshield, apply, let it air dry, buff it off, and watch the raindrops fly off the next time it rains. The downside is that applying Rain-X fluid to cars’ increasingly tall windshields is a chore – especially for people who need a step-stool to get to the top of an SUV.
Think about this wiper blade that will automatically apply Rain-X once it has been installed: it only takes a few moments to install, turn on the wipers for two minutes, and you will enjoy water repellency.
This windshield treatment by Rain-X is one of the best available on the market. Next time it rains, clean the windshield, apply the product, let it air dry, then rub it off, and watch the raindrops fly off.
Unfortunately, the downside of Rain-X fluid is that there is a lengthy process of applying it to an SUV’s increased height of windshield, requiring a large step-stool for those who need one to reach the top.
TRICO Ice Extreme Winter Wiper
Each year, there seems to be a record breaking snowstorm in every corner of the country, from the Northeast to the Mountain West.
It is a good option even for heavy snow and ice conditions because the TRICO Ice blade has a range of features that are helpful. This wiper’s blades are constructed from a durable rubber compound that is not only designed to withstand sub-zero temperatures but the wiper’s frame also features a special design to reduce the buildup of slush and salt as well.
Bosch Icon windshield wipers
Despite the fact that it is common for beam wiper style blades to follow the same design (rubber blade attached to a bracket frame), the Bosch Icon wiper blade line is one of the cleanest when it comes to simplicity and our choice for the best windshield wiper blade overall.
There is no doubt that Bosch rubber blade wipers are one of the most durable and efficient wipers on the market as compared to other more expensive competitors.
Bosch claims that its Blade Icon wiper blades with Clear Max 365 offer up to 40% more protection against cracking than its competitors. This makes it even more appealing to the value-conscious consumer.
A double-lock connector ensures that it is easy to install the Bosch Icon beam blade on the wiper arm due to its ease of installation.
It is worth mentioning that there is a catch: an adapter (which is disappointingly not included) is required to make the Bosch blade fit with hook system wipers present on most vehicles except for German luxury cars for which Bosch is considered OEM equipment.
Anco 31-Series windshield wipers
Having specialized solely in the manufacturing of wiper blades and related parts, Anco has been providing premium blades for nearly a century.
The company’s 31-Series rubber wiper blade line is a top performer and can be purchased at a competitively low price compared to other traditional wiper blades which can be found everywhere.
There are two types of blades on this unit: one is made of proprietary rubber and provides streak-free cleaning with conventional washer fluid on the majority of windshields, and the other is coated in a no-wax solution to prevent degradation.
Anco exclusive Kwik Connect system is used for easy installation of the company’s 31-Series blade, which is joined to a vented bridge.
Despite their universal fit, the blades may require an adapter for some models to be able to install. The replacement of the wiper is a simple process, and once you hear the click of the wiper being installed correctly, you will be confident that it was done correctly.
There are a variety of sizes available, making the Anco 31-Series possibly one of the most affordable OEM replacement wipers on the market today. They are available in single- and multipack bundles.
Even though these aren’t the quietest wiper blades we’ve tested, they’re not obtrusively loud, neither are they compatible with older models.
If you have a car with a high-curvature windshield, you may want to consider looking somewhere else since the blades won’t conform to the shape of the windshield and may cause streaking and skipping.
Goodyear 770 Hybrid windshield wipers
Goodyear has been involved in the rubber business since the 1800s and has grown into a global behemoth, producing tires not just for automobiles but also for the aviation, commercial, and motorsports markets.
In comparison with other offshoots, the windshield wipers business is a relatively new venture, with rubber blade products made under license by Saver Automotive.
In addition, the Goodyear name has long been associated with innovation, and even the wiper blade is a testament to this.
A round-hinge squeegee is an industry-exclusive feature of Goodyear wiper blades. Not only will these extend the life of the blade, but they will also provide an optimal wipe angle of 45 degrees as well.
It is just important to realize that they are quite noisy at the beginning before gradually diminishing as they get used to them.
In general, the Goodyear 770 Hybrid blade has a pretty basic design, but it’s relatively easy to install, even if it’s a bit clunky for the conventional J-hook.
Although the Goodyear Hybrid rubber blade fits up to 97% of the vehicles on the road thanks to its universal adapter system and is reasonably priced, unless you have a high-end luxury car (in which case you would change your wipers yourself).