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Why High-Quality Windshield Wipers Are Worth the Investment
Windshield wipers are an essential part of a car’s safety and your ability to drive with confidence! In today’s crowded market there are a lot of different options for windshield wipers. Including some brands competing in a very lucrative premium market where windshield wipers can cost you $30+ dollars per blade. But that doesn’t mean that there aren’t high-quality options at more affordable prices. With a little digging, we have found you some of the best windshield wipers for the money.
If you’re looking to prolong the life of your windshield wipers, then you may also enjoy our article on the best glass sealants. These help keep your windshield clean and give your wipers a smooth surface to glide over increasing their lifespan.
What Defines a High-Quality Windshield Wiper
The Frame
Conventional Windshield Wipers: What You Need to Know
A conventional windshield wiper blade is a traditional type of wiper that has been around for many years. It features a large, pronounced frame and uses tension from half-circle blade claw springs that push down on the rubber blade to keep it in contact with the windshield. The frame and blade are typically straight, which makes it difficult to conform to the natural curvature of a windshield, leading to inconsistent contact and potential streaking. Conventional wipers also only have a limited number of contact points, usually around 6 to 8, which can result in less efficient cleaning of the windshield. While they are an older technology, they are still used in some vehicles today.
Hybrid Windshield Wipers: The Best of Both Worlds
A hybrid windshield wiper blade is a type of wiper that combines the features of a conventional blade and a beam blade. It has an enclosed housing that protects the wiper arm connection from water and debris. The blade itself has a curved design to fit the natural curve of the windshield, and it has a beam-type frame that creates more even pressure across the blade. This means that the hybrid blade has more contact points with the windshield than a conventional blade, resulting in more consistent wiping performance. However, hybrid blades are still bulky and don’t have optimal aerodynamics.
Beam Style Windshield Wipers: The Ultimate Upgrade
A beam-style windshield wiper blade, also known as a frameless wiper blade, is a more advanced and efficient design compared to conventional and hybrid wiper blades. Unlike other types, it doesn’t have a metal frame, and instead uses a curved plastic or rubber shell that fits snugly against the windshield. The beam-style blade also features a spring steel beam inside the shell that applies uniform pressure along the entire length of the blade. This design results in better contact with the windshield, which leads to more effective wiping and a clearer field of vision. Additionally, beam-style blades often include a built-in aerodynamic spoiler that helps to reduce lift and wind noise at high speeds.
The Blade
Rubber vs. Silicone Windshield Wiper Blades: Pros and Cons
Rubber Blades
Pros:
- Rubber blades are the most common and widely available type of windshield wiper blade.
- They are typically less expensive than silicone blades, making them a more budget-friendly option.
- They provide good performance in mild to moderate weather conditions.
Cons:
- Rubber blades tend to have a shorter lifespan than silicone blades due to their susceptibility to degradation from UV light, extreme temperatures, and ozone exposure.
- They can become brittle and crack in cold temperatures, leaving streaks and reduced visibility.
- Rubber blades are prone to skipping across the windshield, especially in dry or low-moisture conditions, resulting in noise and poor cleaning performance.
Silicone Blades
Pros:
- Silicone blades offer superior durability and longer lifespan compared to rubber blades, thanks to their resistance to UV light, ozone, and extreme temperatures.
- They maintain their flexibility in cold temperatures, ensuring proper contact with the windshield and reduced streaking.
- Silicone blades leave a thin layer of silicone on the windshield, acting as a water repellent and reducing the need for frequent use of wipers.
Cons:
- Silicone blades are typically more expensive than rubber blades.
- They may not perform as well as rubber blades in heavy snow or ice conditions, as they may not conform as well to the windshield’s surface.
Overall, if you’re looking for the best long-term value and performance, silicone blades are the way to go. However, if you’re on a tight budget and don’t face extreme weather conditions, rubber blades may be a suitable choice.
How You Know When It’s Time to Replace Your Wipers
It’s important to replace your windshield wipers periodically to ensure clear visibility while driving in rainy or snowy conditions. Here are a few signs that it’s time to replace your wipers:
- Streaking: If your wipers are leaving streaks or lines on your windshield, even after cleaning, it’s a sign that the rubber blades are worn out and need to be replaced.
- Skipping: If your wipers are skipping across your windshield instead of gliding smoothly, it may be a sign that the blades are warped or damaged.
- Squeaking: If your wipers are making a squeaking noise as they move across your windshield, it may be a sign that the blades are not making proper contact with the glass or that they are worn out.
- Splitting: If the rubber on your wiper blades is splitting or cracking, it’s a sure sign that it’s time for replacement.
- Age: Even if your wipers seem to be working fine, it’s a good idea to replace them every 6 to 12 months, depending on usage, as the rubber can degrade over time and lose its effectiveness.
By keeping an eye out for these signs and replacing your wipers as needed, you can ensure that you always have a clear view of the road ahead.
OUR FAVORITE WINDSHIELD WIPERS!
Best Overall
Aero Windshield Wipers are considered some of the best on the market due to their innovative design and high-quality construction. Here are some reasons why Aero windshield wipers are often considered the best:
- Frameless design: Aero windshield wipers have a frameless design, which means that they do not have the bulky frame that traditional windshield wipers have. This allows for a more streamlined and aerodynamic design, which can improve visibility and reduce wind noise.
- Durability: Aero windshield wipers are made from high-quality materials that are designed to withstand the elements. The wiper blades are made from a specially formulated rubber that is resistant to heat, cold, and UV rays. This means that they can last longer than traditional windshield wipers, saving you money in the long run.
- Easy installation: Aero windshield wipers are designed to be easy to install. They come with a pre-installed adapter that allows them to fit most cars, so you don’t have to worry about finding the right adapter or struggling with complicated installation instructions.
- Better performance: Aero windshield wipers are designed to provide better performance than traditional windshield wipers. The frameless design and specially formulated rubber ensure that the wipers make better contact with the windshield, resulting in a cleaner and streak-free wipe.
Overall, Aero windshield wipers offer superior performance, durability, and ease of use, making them a popular choice among car owners.
Runner Up
Valeo Windshield Wipers are a great choice for several reasons. Firstly, Valeo is a leading manufacturer of automotive parts and has a reputation for producing high-quality products.
Secondly, their wipers are designed with advanced technology that ensures excellent performance and durability. Valeo wipers are made from high-quality materials that are resistant to wear and tear, making them long-lasting and cost-effective in the long run.
Additionally, Valeo offers a range of wipers that are suitable for different weather conditions, ensuring optimal visibility and safety while driving. Overall, Valeo windshield wipers provide excellent value for money and are a reliable choice for any vehicle owner looking for high-quality wipers.
Best Long Term Savings
Using PIAA Aero Vogue Windshield Wipers can provide long-term monetary savings due to their durability and performance.
Firstly, the PIAA Aero Vogue wipers are made with a silicone rubber compound that is resistant to degradation caused by extreme temperatures, UV light, and ozone. This means they will last longer than conventional rubber wipers, saving you the cost of having to replace them frequently.
Additionally, the PIAA Aero Vogue wipers have a beam-style design with an aerodynamic shape, which creates more even pressure across the blade and helps it to conform better to the shape of the windshield. This provides a more efficient and effective cleaning of the windshield, reducing the need for repeated wiping and minimizing wear and tear on the wiper blades.
Moreover, the PIAA Aero Vogue wipers have a built-in air spoiler that helps to keep the wiper blades in constant contact with the windshield, even during high-speed or heavy rain conditions. This helps to prevent streaks and missed spots, which can lead to reduced visibility and safety hazards.
Overall, the superior design and quality of PIAA Aero Vogue Windshield Wipers can help to save you money in the long term by reducing the need for frequent replacement and ensuring optimal performance and safety.
How to Extend the Life of Your Windshield Wipers
Simple Tips to Prolong the Lifespan of Your Windshield Wipers
Getting real savings isn’t just about finding the best windshield wipers for the money. Windshield wipers are made of rubber so they don’t like temperature extremes, UV light, or pollutants. These things cause the rubber or silicone blend to dry out and crack. When this happens they begin to leave water streaks and you have to buy new wipers. So getting real savings also means finding out what you can do to extend the life of your windshield wipers.
Protect Your Windshield Wipers from Cold Weather Damage
Winter weather can be tough on your windshield wipers. Cold temperatures, snow, and ice can cause damage and decrease their effectiveness. Here are some tips on how to protect your windshield wipers from cold weather damage:
- Lift your wipers: During snow and ice storms, lift your wipers off of the windshield to prevent them from freezing to the glass. This can also help prevent damage to the wiper blades caused by ice buildup.
- Clear snow and ice: Before using your wipers, make sure to clear any snow or ice from the windshield to prevent your wipers from getting stuck or damaged.
- Use winter wiper blades: Consider using winter wiper blades designed specifically for cold weather conditions. These blades are usually made of a more durable material that can withstand freezing temperatures and ice buildup.
- Keep your windshield clean: A dirty windshield can cause your wipers to wear out more quickly. Make sure to keep your windshield clean by using a quality windshield cleaner and wiping it down with a microfiber cloth.
- Park in a garage: If possible, park your car in a garage or covered area to protect your wipers from the elements. If you cant park inside you might consider covering your windshield wipers with a Windshield Snow Cover so they won’t be directly exposed to the wind, snow, and ice.
Keep Your Windshield Wipers in Top Shape: Tips for Hot Weather
- Keep the windshield clean: During hot weather, dust and dirt can accumulate on the windshield, which can cause damage to the wiper blades. Regularly clean your windshield to prevent buildup.
- Park in a shaded area: Direct sunlight can cause the rubber on wiper blades to dry out and crack. Park your car in a shaded area or use a windshield sunshade to protect the wipers from the sun.
- Don’t use the wipers on a dry windshield: Using the wipers on a dry windshield can cause friction and wear on the blades. Always use the windshield washer fluid to wet the windshield before using the wipers.
- Replace worn wiper blades: Check your wiper blades regularly for signs of wear and tear, such as cracks, splits, or missing pieces. Replace them as soon as they show signs of damage.
- Use high-quality wiper blades: Investing in high-quality wiper blades can help them last longer and perform better in hot weather.
- Avoid using the wipers on a hot windshield: Using the wipers on a hot windshield can cause the rubber to melt and stick to the glass. Wait until the windshield cools down before using the wipers.
Extend the Life of Your Windshield Wipers With This Protectant!
Aerospace 303 is a popular protectant and conditioner that is often used to maintain the longevity and performance of various automotive components, including windshield wipers. Here are some reasons why you should consider using Aerospace 303 on your windshield wipers:
- Protection against UV rays: Exposure to sunlight and UV rays can cause your wipers to dry out and crack, leading to reduced performance and a shorter lifespan. Aerospace 303 contains UV blockers that can help protect your wipers from these harmful effects.
- Resistance to dirt and grime: Dirt, dust, and other debris can build up on your windshield wipers over time, affecting their ability to clear your windshield effectively. Aerospace 303 has anti-static properties that can help prevent dirt and grime from sticking to your wipers.
- Water repellency: One of the key functions of windshield wipers is to clear rainwater from your windshield. Aerospace 303 contains hydrophobic compounds that can help repel water from your wipers, allowing them to perform better in wet weather conditions.
- Long-lasting conditioning: Aerospace 303 is designed to condition and protect rubber and synthetic materials, helping to maintain the flexibility and performance of your wipers over time. This can help extend the lifespan of your wipers and reduce the need for frequent replacement.
Overall, using Aerospace 303 on your windshield wipers can help protect them from the effects of sunlight, dirt, and moisture, while also improving their performance and longevity.
