How to Buy Wiper Blades

Types of windshield wiper blades

Many parts of your car work so well that it's easy to forget about them until they fail. An essential component of auto maintenance is to inspect and replace parts before they go bad, and wiper blades are no exception. In fact, checking out your wipers may be even more important because of the safety hazards posed by using ineffective wiper blades. Even if you don't use your windshield wipers often, exposure to the sun and elements wears down the rubber over time, diminishing their effectiveness.

Obviously, a good wiper blade is meant to clear water off your windshield, so the better the wiper blade conforms to the glass surface, the better it works. Selecting the right size and model of wiper blade is vital. Windshield wipers range from 12 to 24 inches in length, and the driver's-side wiper is often a different length than the passenger-side wiper. Your owner's manual or an in-store guide will help you determine the correct size for your vehicle. Always replace both front wiper blades at the same time to ensure even performance. For this report, we used 18-inch wiper blades for pricing purposes.

Another important feature to consider is ease of installation. In reviews, this is frequently cited as one of the most frustrating aspects of blade replacement. Some brands and models install easily in a couple of minutes, while some could require tools and up to a half-hour.

Replace your wipers at least once a year and check them every few months. You're ready for new wiper blades if you notice streaking or smearing, see an uneven blade with chips missing from the rubber, or hear chattering when the blade sweeps across the glass. ConsumerReports.org says that even after just three months of use, many windshield wipers will begin to show signs of wear.

Most basic wipers take only a few minutes to swap out. "If you aren't mechanically inclined, pay very close attention to how you remove your old wipers," advises one user at Amazon.com. As a bonus, some brands post a video on their websites showing how to install their wipers. This can be much easier to understand than the printed directions included with your replacement wipers.

A few specifics to pay attention to when selecting your next set of wiper blades:

• Find the correct size for both wiper blades. Check your owner's manual first. If it doesn't contain the recommended blade lengths for your vehicle, most stores that sell wipers also have a buying guide at the display. You need to find the size for both the driver's-side and passenger-side wiper blades because they're rarely the same length.

• Wipers are sold separately. There's only one wiper per box, so you must buy both front wipers separately. Replace both wipers at the same time to ensure the best visibility.

• Select the style that fits your needs best. Standard rubber wipers are the least expensive. Silicone and beam wipers cost more and have a sleeker, lower-profile appearance. Winter wiper blades clear snow and ice the best, and in many cases are as economical as basic regular blades.

• Don't pay attention to claims about long life spans. Experts say that most wipers last about six months before starting to degrade in performance. Some brands claim a longer life expectancy, but professional tests question such claims. On the flip side, some user reviews claim very long blade life. Such feedback varies by individual, however, so a six-month replacement schedule is a safe bet.

• Not all wiper brands fit every car. Even though a specific make and model may be listed in a wiper blade fitment guide, some users find that the recommended wiper doesn't fit their cars. Occasionally, incorrect length is the culprit, but the biggest complaints come from buyers whose replacement wipers didn't conform to the windshield well, leaving parts of the glass unwiped.

• Installation difficulty varies between models. Basic wiper blade replacements are typically easy to install, but each brand comes with its own trials and tribulations. Many brands now post installation videos on their websites, and users often say these help them more easily replace their wipers without mishap. Beam-style blades tend to be more complicated to install. Most blades contain different adapters in the package to ensure proper connection to your car's wiper arms.

• Wiper blades are just one part of the equation. Many users and wiper manufacturers say the right combination of wiper blades, washer fluid and windshield treatment is needed to achieve the best visibility in inclement weather.