Windshield Wiper Blade Guide: Types, Prices and When to Replace

Windshield Wiper Blade Guide: Wiper blades are one of those things we all neglect until we can’t neglect anymore, usually right after we get stuck on highway during a rain storm and can’t see where we are going. However, windshield wiper blades and windshield wiper system are of primary importance as safety systems, especially when driving in wet and snowy Canadian or Ontario winters. Windshield full of bugs in summer on long trips is not fun either, good wiper blades will help there too.

Windshield wipers come in different styles and types, designed to operate from warm mild climates all the way to Canadian brutal winters. Wiper blade operating ability or lifespan will mostly depend on what you are willing to spend. Usually there are substantial quality differences between cheap and expensive wiper blades.

Conventional Windshield Wiper Blades

Conventional blades are most commonly used wiper blades today. Majority of cars on the road today use these types of wiper blades. Blade frames are constructed using a metal skeleton which is designed to hold rubber blade and press it evenly on windshield.

Conventional wiper blades have been serving for a long time and have served well. However there are some weak points, for example it only has 6 to 8 pressure points on windshield.

Frost and ice too are a problem for conventional blades as metallic frame will freeze and blade will lose flexibility. A strong point of conventional blades though is that these are affordable and available everywhere and for every vehicle type.

Winter Windshield Wiper Blades

Winter Wiper Blades are conventional blades wrapped in a thin rubber which covers the entirety of metallic wiper frame. Rubber boot prevents wiper blade metallic frame losing from freezing and losing flexibility in adverse weather conditions, such as snow, ice, frozen rain, etc.

Rubber boot does a good job at shielding wiper blade frame and usually lasts for a long time. Winter wiper blades work well in winter but they do look quite ugly though. Also, using them in summer time will deteriorate rubber boot cover, same as Winter Tires.

All Weather Windshield Beam Wiper Blades

These wiper blades are modern ones invented to replace conventional blades and conventional winter blades. Instead of using a metal framework to hold wiper blade these wiper blades use a flexible steel beam to create flexibility. Beam wiper blades are much more flexible than conventional blades and conform to windshield curvature better.

Lifespan of beam wiper blades is longer than conventional blades as steel beam is covered and is not affected by weather. However, as with all else these blades come with a cost. Beam wiper blades usually cost at least 50% more than conventional wiper blades, even double the price sometimes.

No doubt beam wiper blades are better in every way than conventional ones but in the end will depend on how much you are willing to spend for wiper blades. However, you will get something back from initial costs due to longer lifespan of beam wiper blades.

Signs You Need to Replace Wiper Blades

Streaks on Windshield: Easiest sign to notice of wiper blades gone bad are streaks on windshield during rain or when you use windshield washer system. Streaks mean that wiper rubber blade is not making full contact with your car windshield. It might be a rubber blade problem or wiper frame problem. Anyways, in both cases you need to change your wiper blades.

Vibrating Wiper Blades: If you see wiper blades vibrating on your windshield, it means rubber is dry from age or weather, especially heat and sun. You can buy and replace only rubber blade insert in this case and reuse the wiper metal frame. It’s cheaper and most manufacturers sell rubber insert part of blade separately. However, rubber blade inserts are a pain to replace and might not be worth the effort.

Separating Rubber Blade: Wiper blades rubber can sometimes separate. Usually happens on old blades or by cleaning ice from your windshield using an ice scrapper, ice scrappers love wiper blades when not used properly. When rubber blade separates from main wiper body, will not make full contact with windshield reducing visibility in rain or snow. You will need new wiper blades and/or wiper blade rubber inserts.

Noisy Wiper Blades: If rubber blade has deteriorated or wiper metal frame is rusted and lost flexibility you will hear noise when you operate your windshield wiper system. However, if you live in a dusty or muddy area, dust can accumulate on wiper blades and can cause noise when operating. It’s worth a try to use a generic cleaner and see if cleaning helps. Otherwise, you have to change them.

Damaged Wiper Blade Frame: Rust usually, especially in places with weather similar to Canada were salt is used in winter. Salt as per usual likes to eat everything. If you see rust on wiper blades metal frame then time might have come for new wiper blades. Although sometimes blade frame can be rusty and wiper blade still operate normally, your choice in this case.

What to Consider When Buying Wiper Blades

Wiper Blade Price: Quality usually comes with a price, it’s your decision but it’s not hard to find wiper blades which are not that expensive and provide good performance for long period of time. Check auto parts stores around you and especially online. Make sure you know exactly what wiper blade size you need.

Wiper Blade Brand: Well, manufacturer recommended OEM is usually the easiest to find and the most expensive to find. Do not just run to your dealership to buy wiper blades, check aftermarket wiper blades first. There are a lot of aftermarket blades which are same quality as dealer OEM wiper blades and are much cheaper.

Wiper Blade Types: There is not much to choose here, you either go with cheaper conventional type wiper blades or expensive beam wiper blades. Both have advantages and disadvantages. Conventional wiper blades will do fine if you live in a climate with mild winters and summers. Otherwise, for Canadian winters it’s better to go with beam wiper blades.

Wiper Blade Connectors Types

Until a decade or so ago cars were generally using only two types of wiper blade connectors. With introduction of beam wiper blades, connector variety took off and never looked back, now there are several types and sizes of wiper blade connectors.

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Wiper blade connectors were a simple design, but lately manufacturers decided to make their connections to wiper arm complicated by adding an array of new mounting designs, surely they have their reasons.

Most commonly used wiper blade fittings are:

1) Hook

2) Bayonet

3) Side Pin

4) Side Lock

5) Pinch-Tab

6) Slim-Top

7) Top-Lock

It’s important to look for right mounting type when buying new wiper blades. Either check visually wiper blade connector on your vehicle or consult owner’s manual for information on wiper blade connector type. In any case, most aftermarket wiper blades come with universal adapters included and will fit on different types of windshield wiper arms.

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