When it comes time to choose windshield wipers, the number of options available might surprise you. While wiper blades all share the same function, they don't all do it in the same way, for the same price, or to the same level of performance. In order to help you choose the best wipers for your budget or circumstance, we've highlighted the three main types of windshield wiper blades below, how much you can expect to spend on them, and when they'll perform the best.
First, watch as Ben from popular YouTube channel Gears and Gasoline discusses different brands and levels of performance available.
Types of Windshield Wipers
Beam Wiper Blades
If you're looking to up your window-clearing game, you'll want to check out the beam blade section. Beam blades provide infinite pressure points, all weather performance and aerodynamic design for the longest lasting, superior visibility. Many new cars today come from the factory with beam wiper blades.
Rather than having a metal structure like a traditional wiper blade, beam blades are made of a solid piece of rubber. This comes in handy when the weather gets nasty. Where snow and ice can clog up the frame and freeze a traditional wiper blade, you can simply slap a beam blade against the windshield to clear it of debris.
Beam wiper blades also have a fin or spoiler along the spine of the blade that help keep the wiper placed firmly against the windshield for maximum contact even at highway speeds. Beam blades are between 15 and 30 dollars per blade but can last up to twice as long as a traditional blade. There is always a beam blade on sale at Advance Auto Parts, ensuring you get the best quality at a great price.
Hybrid Wiper Blades
If you like the cost savings of the traditional wiper blade but want to have the all-weather prowess of a beam blade, you'll want to look into getting a set of hybrid wiper blades. Hybrid blades are constructed like a traditional blade with a steel frame and pivoting suspension points but also have a plastic or rubber protective coating over the frame. This helps keep the cost down and provides protection against the more harsh winter elements. The cost of these blades will usually be right between that of a beam and traditional blade.
Traditional Wiper Blade
The traditional wiper blade has been around for decades and is constructed of a steel frame and rubber blade. The frame itself is what attaches to the wiper arm of the vehicle and has pivoting suspension points that help keep the blade planted to the windshield. When it comes time to replace them, traditional blades are reasonably priced at under 10 dollars per blade. Most wiper blade manufacturers recommend replacing these blades every six months.
Installation
All three types of wiper blades are relatively easy to install, but your local Advance Auto Parts store will do it for you for free.
Got any wiper tips? Leave 'em in the comments.
