If you’re reading this, chances are your car’s windshield wipers are on their way out. But what should you replace them with? We found the best wipers worth their weight in rubber.
How often should I replace my wiper blades?
Whether you use your wipers a few times a year or a few times a week, there’s no denying their importance. Their job isn’t just to wipe away rain, dirt, and snow, but to also help improve your driving visibility in adverse conditions.
Wiper blades wear down due to the friction created from wiping against your windshield, which is worsened by any dirt and dust that may accumulate. With rubber wiper blades, most manufacturers recommend replacements every 6 to 12 months.
If there’s a surefire sign to replace your wipers, it’s when they start creating streaks after wiping away water. They should also not be making any sounds. If you notice either, it’s time for a new set of wiper blades. Neglect them, and over time the blades may break apart and become useless during the next big downpour.
Buying a used car? It doesn’t hurt to test the wipers as part of your personal pre-purchase inspection. If they need to be replaced, that’s an extra cost that you should account for. For more words of wisdom, check out our guide on used car shopping.
What to know before you buy
Not all cars are created equal, and therefore not all windshield wipers will fit. Whatever you buy, make sure they’re compatible with the exact year, make and model of your vehicle. Thankfully, Amazon takes the guesswork out. Just add your vehicle information to your account, and they’ll do the rest.
Windshield wipers sizing often varies between the driver and passenger side. Be sure to select the right size and quantity before you order.
If you’re shopping in-store, most automotive retailers have a database they can use to check if the wipers you want will fit on your car. As a bonus, some shops will be happy to help you install them free of charge.
In our experience, most reputable windshield wipers perform well in the short-term. If you’re coming from wipers that were on their last legs, there’s a good chance that your replacement will leave a great first impression. With that in mind, we focused our research on wipers that best retain their performance over time.
Our recommendation: PIAA Super Silicone
Our recommended wiper blade isn’t made from rubber, but silicone rubber. The difference may not be obvious on the surface, but PIAA claims that the Super Silicone lasts twice as long and make less noise compared to traditional wiper blades.
The initial cost is the only drawback we found. But while the Super Silicone wipers are priced higher than the competition, replacing your wipers less often can make your wallet happier in the long run and reduce waste. User reviews consistently praise their durability, but as with all things automotive your mileage may vary.
These wiper blades also leave a water-repelling barrier on your windshield, providing defense against the elements even when your car is parked. User reviews note that this helps bead the water off your windshield, so you won’t have to use your wipers as often.
If you’re shopping for your primary vehicle and are looking for the best overall value, the PIAA Super Silicone is our leading pick. Check out the PIAA Super Silicone Windshield Wipershere.
Most popular windshield wipers: Bosch Icon
The Bosch Icon is an incredibly popular choice when it comes to windshield wipers. It’s racked up over 11,000 reviews on Amazon and averages four stars overall. They’re also widely available at most local retailers, which is a plus if you need new wiper blades immediately.
Positioned as their highest performing wiper blades, Bosch claims that the Icon lasts up to 40% longer compared to other windshield wipers. Its beam-blade approach is also designed to resist snow and ice. Most bracket-style blades can accumulate buildup so the Icon may be a more desirable choice for winter weather.
User reviews for the Bosch Icon are plentiful and mostly positive, citing its performance and longevity. If you own a Volkswagen or an Audi, proceed with caution. Your vehicle may require a special adapter for installation. Many online retailers cannot ensure that you’ll receive these adapters, so we recommend you playing it safe and shop in-store.
If our top pick isn’t compatible with your vehicle or you simply prefer the look of the beam design, the Bosch Icon is a solid choice. Check out the Bosch Icon Windshield Wipers on Amazon here.
Best windshield wipers on a budget: Valeo 600
A longstanding option, the Valeo 600 offers great performance for a few dollars less. It even earned high praise from Consumer Reports, although they noted that these wipers are among those that “degrade after six to nine months of regular use.”
We generally recommend products with a longer lifespan, but the Valeo should still be a step-up from bottom-barrel windshield wipers. User reviews are fairly positive. Many are pleased with the Valeo 600’s performance for the price.
If you have a car that’s driven infrequently, the Valeo 600 could be the right choice depending on your situation. If you’re looking to save money, consider that wipers that need to be replaced more often may end up costing you more money down the line. Check out the Valeo 600 Windshield Wipers on Amazon here.
What about OEM windshield wipers?
OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) windshield wipers refer to what your car was equipped with from the factory. They’re guaranteed to fit and can be easily replaced at the dealership when you get your oil change or any other service.
If you’re happy with your OEM equipment and cost isn’t an issue, there’s no need to reinvent the wheel—or in this case the wiper. Feel free stick with what you like. Just be sure to keep your eyes and ears peeled and know when it’s time to get them replaced.
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