10 Best Windshield Wipers of August 2022

What is a windshield wiper?

The windshield wipers are used to clear the front window of a car of rain, snow, ice, water, and debris so that the driver can see clearly. A large majority of motor vehicles and some aircraft are equipped with one or more of these wipers, which are usually required by law.

How should you choose a windshield wiper?

An unclean windshield can be quite a hazard, as most accidents occur due to poor visibility. You don't realize the importance of a proper wiper until you end up in heavy snow or rain. It is better not to wait too long to replace the wiper, as the torn blade can rub against the glass and cause scratches. After going through thousands of windshield wiper reviews, we have concluded that the best windshield wiper should fit the vehicle and have a good lifespan. Here are some other pointers which can help you choose the windshield wiper that is best suited for you.

What are the different types of winshield wipers?

Following are three of the most common types of windshield:

• Conventional Windshield Wiper: It is the most common type of wiper design. Conventional windshields are made up of a flexible metal/metal composite structure with a central bridge and articulated links that provide between 4 and 8 points of pressure. Typically, this type is found in older cars, but are becoming less common. It's price is reasonable, and must be replaced roughly every six months.
• Flat Windshield Wiper: Today's new cars feature flat windscreen wipers. With this type, the rubber element is supported by metal flexors with an integrated spoiler that uses the pressure created by air flow. The result is a flat aerodynamic shape that reduces wind noise. As the blades are flexed, they follow the exact contour of the windscreen which ensures uniform pressure all along the contact edge.
• Hybrid Windshield Wiper: This type of wiper is a combination of conventional and flat windscreen wipers. It combines the aerodynamic properties of flat wipers with the performance of conventional wipers. All-weather protection is provided by the rubber shell, and the metal frame has suspension points that allow the rubber to be firmly pressed against the curved windshield.

What to consider when buying a windshield wiper

There are different types of windshield wipers, and the shapes can vary, even for the same car model. It is always good to look at the user manuals, take measurements of the blade, and then shop for it.

• Check your car's manual: Consult your car's manual to determine what size and type of blades can be installed. Several types of windshield wiper blades exist, and a given car may support multiple sizes. Referring to the owner's manual is the easiest way to make sure you have the correct windshield wiper for your car.

• Check with the autodealer/car shop: Your local auto parts store can assist you in finding the right size wiper blades for your car. Make sure store clerks know the make, model, and year of your car so they can recommend blades for you. Alternatively, you can bring one of your old wipers to the store for them to match.

• Do not go by only by price: A high price does not guarantee better quality. Most expensive wipers are marketed with promises of great performance. All windshield wipers perform well when they are installed initially, but performance drops after six months, even for the most expensive ones.

• Choose the fit: According to experts, the best wiper blade is the one which fits your car well. New vehicles will have greater curves in the windshields, which mean that the wiper blade may not be able to reach each and every part of the windshield, and may miss out on the dirt in some places. If you are buying a windshield wiper online, you should always verify the proper size, because the wiper blade size finder may not be accurate.

• Check the type of wiper blade used: Almost all new cars come with beam-style wiper blades. When buying a new windshield wiper, choose a suitable replacement, because a traditional bracket-style wiper blade will not fit well in place of a beam-style wiper. Wiper blades come in several materials and styles. The following is a list of some of your choices:

  • Rubber squeegees: Generally the cheapest and most common type. Stick with them if they work well for you.

  • Silicone squeegees: They are more expensive but are quieter than rubber squeegees. They're also more durable and can wipe away more water with each stroke.

  • Beam wiper blades: The cost of these blades is twice that of rubber blades, but they are more flexible and distribute pressure more evenly over the entire windshield. They are therefore better suited to vehicles with larger, curved windshields.

  • Winter wiper blades: The most expensive replacement wiper assembly. These are heavier, covered in plastic or rubber to keep ice and snow from freezing or jamming the wiper frame. An iced-up wiper frame loses flexibility. Without flexibility, wipers cannot clear the entire windshield.

• Check the warranty: Rubber windshield wipers do not come with warranties, and even if they have one, it really does not help, as most wipers tend to wear out after six months of use. However, if you are buying a high-priced silicone wiper, they may come with a one-year warranty.

• Maintaining your windshield wiper: You should check your wipers as part of your regular maintenance routine. Follow these tips to ensure they are in good condition:

  • Regularly clean the windshield: You should never use your wipers on a dry windshield. Only clean the glass with a glass cleaner intended for car windshields. 

  • Clean the wiper squeegees: Use a clean, soft cloth soaked in windshield washer solvent, or isopropyl alcohol diluted with water, to clean the entire length of the squeegee. Protect your car's finish by rinsing it with clean water afterward.

  • Run your wipers every now and then: Over time, wipers that sit in one position too long can become stiff, making them less able to flip. This results in the wipers hopping across and leaving streaks on the windshield since the squeegees are pushed rather than dragged.

  • Inspection: Torn squeegees can't maintain pressure on the entire windshield. The wipers should be checked for any damages that might cause them to chatter or jump across the windshield.