Adrian Dimakis
Routinely forgotten and sometimes completely ignored, windshield wipers are the last thing that might stress a car owner.…..well, until that time when they wear out completely. When they fail to do their job, they are cursed. They become the subject of rude epithets. Surely, they don’t deserve all that. As a car owner, don’t wait until your windshield blades are reduced to some tattered strips —give them the consideration they deserve!
Just as is the case with dash cams, there are a lot of factors you need to consider in order to pick the right wiper blades. You need to choose something that won’t just freeze up during the cold months or a pair that can clean pollen off the glass during spring. The industry is dominated by numerous traditional titans, not to mention several cheap off-brands. Instead of spending hours browsing through all the options out there, check out our review on the best windshield wipers.
Top 10 Windshield Wipers of 2020 Reviewed
1. Michelin 8520 Stealth Ultra Windshield Wiper Blade with Smart Technology
[wt_products id=”3496″ template=”5″]2. ANCO 31-Series 31-22 Wiper Blade
[wt_products id=”3498″ template=”5″]3. Bosch ICON 26A Wiper Blade
[wt_products id=”3500″ template=”5″]4. PIAA 95055 Super Silicone Wiper Blade
[wt_products id=”3502″ template=”5″]5. ANCO 31-Series 31-34 Wiper Blade
[wt_products id=”3504″ template=”5″]6. Valeo 900261B Frameless ULTIMATE 26” All-Season OE Replacement Wiper Blade
[wt_products id=”3506″ template=”5″]7. PIAA 95060 Super Silicone Wiper Blade
[wt_products id=”3508″ template=”5″]8. ACDelco 8-4422 Advantage All-Season Metal Wiper Blade
[wt_products id=”3510″ template=”5″]9. Trico 20-1 Exact Fit Conventional Wiper Blade
[wt_products id=”3512″ template=”5″]10. Aero Premium All-Season Windshield Wiper Blades
[wt_products id=”3514″ template=”5″]How to Choose the Best Windshield Wiper – The Ultimate Buying Guide
Windshield wipers are essential to all forms of automobiles. They wipe away the water and help you maintain a high level of visibility. However, you need the right pair of wipers to provide the king of functionality you want. To choose the right windshield wipers, it is important to go through a checklist of features. The following are the things that will help you decide on the specific wipers to buy.
What size of wiper blades do you need?
Wiper blades vary in size depending on the type of vehicle for which they are manufactured. For that reason, you cannot buy just any size of wiper blades. For example, if you need 22-inch wipers, ordering a larger or smaller pair will not take you far. If anything, the sizes of the wipers on the driver and passenger sides are different. That’s why most sellers package the blades individually and not as pairs. To know the wiper size to buy, check the owner’s manual, find out from the parts store or do the measurement yourself. That way, you can be sure you made the right decision.
What Type Of Wiper Is The Best?
There are three main types of windscreen wiper blades, namely the conventional, beam wipers, and winter wipers. However, there is likely to be a fourth type of wiper blades, which is the hybrid. We give the three types of wipers a detailed look.
- Conventional (Frame Style) Wipers: Most of the models available on the market are part of the conventional kind. They are usually framed in design. Instead, they feature the spring-tensioned frame assembly complete with a plastic or metal spline which props up the rubber blade. Since they are the most widely available, framed conventional wipers are also very affordable. They are also hardy, given the squeegees or hardened rubber blades. They are the best when it comes to effectively wiping your windscreen.
- Silicone Wipers: If you are looking for sturdy wiper blades, buy the ones made from silicone rubber. Since they are expected to last twice as long as the conventional wipers, these are also costly. They efficiently wipe down the water as they move up and down the windshield. So you should be prepared to pay more for these silicone blades. Most silicone wiper blade models have a running warranty for support. Also, they operate in a noise-less way.
- Beam Blades Wipers: On the other hand, we have the beam wiper blades which don’t have any external frames. Some may have a steel spring which pushes the rubber blade down to increase the level of contact. That way, it provides a more effective wipe.
- Winter Wipers: There are a number of windshield wipers designed for the harsh winter weather. Most of them feature the blade style and are covered with a protective rubber to prevent damage from the snow. Regardless of how harsh the weather is, these wipers will easily ward off the snow, ice, and other debris.
Does It Come With a Squeegee?
As we have already seen, some conventional wipers come with squeegees instead of rubber blades. It is important to look at whether they have squeegees since these components do the actual wiping. Don’t settle for any squeegee. Make sure it is of the highest quality possible. An important factor to consider is the material of the squeegee. If it is made of dual rubber, buy it for its durability. Equally good is the polymer and silicone rubber. They have a smooth cleaning action and are quieter than conventional rubber. The squeegee you choose should be enjoyable to use.
How Durable Is The Windscreen Wiper?
Wiper blades are exposed to the vagaries of the weather including snow, rain, and the sun. It is important that the wipers you buy have the ability to withstand the effects of the elements while lasting for a long time. Check the material from which the frame is made. Is it rubber, metal or plastic? Most wiper models feature galvanized steel which is durable and corrosion-resistant. However, there are some models that feature thick plastic frames, which are equally good.
Is The Wiper Easy To Install?
When it comes to installing wiper blades, it shouldn’t be too hard. Virtually anyone should be able to pull it off. If you can’t, then you will have to ask a technician to do it for you. Luckily, a number of windscreen wipers have been designed to make the installation process a breeze. The ease of installation will depend on the mounting method for the wiper. So, it is important to check the type of connector with which the wiper comes. That way, you will be sure that you can actually install it.
How Do The Wiper Blades Move?
The configuration of the wipers will depend on the type of vehicle you drive. Cognizant of this fact, manufacturers of wipers have made them differently. Here are the different ways your wiper blades are likely to move.
- Radial/Pivot (Left-Hand Drive): The blade is usually attached to one arm and then fixed to a motor. Its movement is in a parallel fashion. You will find this on left-hand drive vehicles.
- Radial/Pivot (Right-Hand Drive): These move in the opposite direction compared to the first type (above) and are mainly used on right-hand drive vehicles.
- Sequential Sweep: This is basically a front-window wiper with an unusual operating mechanism. The wipers are designed to move in opposite directions, thus covering a huge part of the windscreen. It reduces the likelihood of some corners going unwiped.
- Single-Blade Arm: Rear windshields often feature this kind of wiper. They rely on a center pivot to move back and forth and cover the widest area possible.
- Mono-Blade: In this case, the wiper is attached to a single arm that extends upwards. The blade covers an angle of 180 degrees even as the arm extends upwards. What you get is an M-shaped pattern. With a single blade, you are able to get broader coverage to clear your line of view.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a good windscreen wiper, the review above should be able to point you in the right direction. In case you do not find any of the items discussed above appealing enough, check out the detailed buying guide. When you go to the shop to look for a windscreen wiper, you will approach it with the right information. That way, you do not have to rely on the seller’s expertise to make a buying decision.
