Yahoo Finance We Tested the Top Wiper Blades on the Market to Find the Best
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This article was updated in July 2024 with new products and information.
It's incredible how important a good set of wiper blades is. Without them, driving through a downpour is nearly impossible (we certainly don't recommend trying that). Because wiper blades are so essential for safe travel, keeping them up to date is a smart idea. But how do you know when it's time to replace them, and which ones should you buy?
There are a wide variety of wiper blades to choose from. You'll need to take quality, price, and features into consideration—not to mention purchasing the correct size. To help you choose which wiper blades to get, we've broken down all of these factors in a test to give you the best purchasing advice possible.
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How can you tell when it's time to replace your wiper blades? It's a good idea to consider replacement as soon as you notice any streaking, scratching, squeaking, skipping, or cloudiness on your windshield. Being prepared with a good set of wiper blades can be the difference between a mid-drive panic attack and a cool, calm preparedness when the sky opens up.
We put 10 of the top wiper blades to the test to find out which were most effective at sweeping liquid off your windshield and leaving you with a clear line of vision. As expected, some worked better than others; some surprised us, while others disappointed. Here's what we found.
Note: Each vehicle's wiper blades will be different. Make sure to research which blades fit your vehicle. The easiest way to do this is to call an auto-parts store, but if you want to purchase blades elsewhere, always verify the size you need. We found that Amazon's "Fits Your Vehicle" function isn't always accurate, so verify via a second source just to be sure.
The Best Windshield Wiper Blades
Rain-X Latitude Water Repellency
The Rain-X Latitude Water Repellency is our pick for the best wiper blade. First and foremost, the Rain-X rain repellent is legit. This hydrophobic coating on the blades works very well and improved visibility immediately. We watched beads of water slide right off the windshield, which was especially helpful during light rain.
The Latitude Water Repellency was quiet, left no streaks, and had an attractive price point. Our only knock is that the locking clasp on the hook-style adapter is very hard to open—we had to pry it with a screwdriver. But hey, that means it'll hold the blade on securely. For excellent wiper blades that won't break the bank, these are the best choice.
Rain-X Latitude Water Repellency
amazon.com
$18.44
Andi HedrickBosch Icon
The Bosch Icon is indeed an icon. There aren't many vehicles out there that won't work with these, with so many sizes and adapters. We put the Bosch Icon just behind the Rain-X because of its lack of any rain repellent, but if we're just comparing the wipers without coatings, these might be a tad better.
The Icons were very easy to install and performed flawlessly in our water-removal test. We appreciated the locking clasp and didn't notice any squeaking or streaking during operation. If rain-repellent coatings aren't for you, these are the wiper blades to get.
Bosch Icon
amazon.com
$23.00
Gannon BurgettTrico Flex
For cheaper wipers that still perform, the Trico Flex did very well during our testing. They lack any sort of rain repellent but remove water well regardless. We didn't see any streaking or chattering, and installation was quite easy.
The Flex wiper blades lack any sort of locking clasp, but we didn't notice looseness during operation. For the price, you're getting a solid, no-frills wiper blade that'll adequately remove water from your windshield.
Trico Flex
$24.14
Andi HedrickRain-X Silicone Endura
If you're willing to drop some extra dollars on a set of wiper blades, the Rain-X Silicone Endura is the way to go. The specially designed silicone blades are built to last twice as long as conventional rubber wiper blades.
We found that the Endura removed water exceptionally well right from the get-go. Even while dry, it didn't leave behind any streaks. Better yet, the Endura features a locking clasp to keep everything extra secure. The price is the only thing keeping these from being our top choice.
Rain-X Silicone Endura
amazon.com
$26.48
Andi HedrickOEM Wiper Blades
If you really want to skip the headache of swapping adapters, figuring out sizes, and researching questionable brands, just get a set of OEM (original equipment manufacturer) wiper blades. We recommend calling a dealership for your vehicle make and ordering a set there, but you can also find a bunch on eBay.
They're tailored to fit your exact vehicle, and installation is a breeze. The only downside? OEM wiper blades can be expensive, depending on the vehicle. But for ease of installation, you can't beat 'em.
OEM Wiper Blades
$25.00
Andi HedrickDuralast Flex Blade
Duralast is AutoZone's in-house wiper brand, so you can't get this product anywhere else (except perhaps on eBay). Still, AutoZone is a reputable nationwide auto-parts store, and we wanted to see how its wiper blades fared against the top brands on the market. While they're solid, nothing really stands out here. They do come with a bunch of adapters and instructions that make installation relatively easy.
However, these blades did begin to chatter once the windshield dried up, which then led to a bit of streaking. Aside from that, water removal was great, and the price point is friendly. If you're an AutoZone shopper, these are a decent, affordable option.
Duralast Flex Blade
$22.99
Gannon BurgettTrico Platinum
The Trico Platinum is a good wiper blade, but it doesn't really shine in any one particular area. The adapters swap out without much struggle. The product is quiet, doesn't leave streaks, and removes water well on all three speeds.
The Platinum also comes in a pair pack, which makes the price seem a bit more reasonable. It does everything you need a wiper blade to do. The Platinum is a solid wiper blade, just not the best.
Trico Platinum
amazon.com
$30.18
Andi HedrickOther Wiper Blades We've Tested
Great contour fitment on the windshield
Tricky installation
Faint squeak paired with occasional streaking
Difficult to remove
A multitude of adapters that interchange easily
Doesn't stand out in other areas
How We Tested Wiper Blades
One of the most important aspects of wiper-blade testing is the ability to simulate different wet-weather conditions. We used a simple in-house garden hose to achieve this. With a handy multimode nozzle, we were able to simulate light, medium, and torrential rain.
Once we had the precipitation situation set up, we jumped in the driver's seat to operate the wipers themselves. We alternated between intermittent, medium, and high wiper speed on each level of simulated rain—running each speed for 30 seconds. After we cycled through each water level, we ran the blades for 30 seconds on the dry windshield to observe and note noises or streaks.
Other parameters we gauged were ease of installation, water removal at each speed, squeaks, chatters, streaking, adapter quality, and, finally, price. Once the tests were complete, we felt satisfied that each wiper blade was tested and judged equally in every area of concern.
FAQs
Are expensive wiper blades worth it?
While you do need to replace wiper blades more than other maintenance items on a vehicle, it's not a bad idea to invest in a set of premium wiper blades. These boast helpful features such as rain-repellent or silicone construction. While they are indeed more expensive, the additional features make them an intelligent purchase. That said, less expensive options will still clear your windshield and keep you safe in a storm.
Rubber vs. silicone blades: Which is better?
Silicone blades are known for their longevity, lasting up to twice as long as traditional rubber blades. Their durability makes them a better choice for challenging conditions. However, they're categorically more expensive.
One significant advantage of silicone blades is their flexibility in cold weather. This reduces the chance of your wipers freezing to the windshield, which is essential for us to winter warriors.
How do I find out what wiper blade I need?
The easiest way to find the right wiper-blade size is by simply consulting your owner's manual. There should be a section dedicated to wiper blades, with clear guidelines on the correct size. Alternatively, your local dealership or auto-parts store will be able to help.
How often should I replace my wiper blades?
A good rule of thumb is every 12 months. But because noticing worn wiper blades is pretty easy, this is really up to you. If your wiper blades start streaking, squeaking, chattering, or just not removing water like they used to, it's time to replace them. Keep in mind that using your wiper blades on rough ice before it has melted will seriously decrease their life span.
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